Blockchain Test Data Sharing for Manufacturing Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In manufacturing processes, duplicate tests are frequently performed across different integration points despite unchanged modules, leading to increased production costs and inefficiencies, as existing systems lack effective coordination for sharing and optimizing testing data across various organizations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a blockchain ledger for managing and sharing test data across suppliers, board level, and assembly test systems, employing AI-based classification to identify redundant tests and optimize the manufacturing cycle by generating a similarity index and weighting factors for internal and external criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tests are performed by different organizations at different integration points, then test coverage is improved, but duplicate testing occurs and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges test data from multiple independent organizations into a unified blockchain ledger, allowing all participants to access and share test results. This combination eliminates duplicate testing while maintaining comprehensive test coverage across different integration points in the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The blockchain-based test data sharing system serves multiple organizations and test types universally. A single test result stored on the blockchain can be accessed and utilized by any participating organization, making the testing system multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate testing at each organization.
2Reliability
If tests are performed by different organizations, then comprehensive testing is achieved, but data sharing becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The blockchain ledger acts as a neutral intermediary that enables data sharing between organizations that would otherwise be unable to exchange information. Each organization maintains control of their own test data while the blockchain provides a trusted mechanism for secure access and verification by all participants.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments test data into discrete, traceable units on the blockchain, allowing selective sharing and access control. Each test result is independently recorded and can be accessed by authorized organizations without requiring direct coordination between them.
3Reliability
If duplicate tests are performed, then test thoroughness is maintained, but production costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Test results are recorded and made available on the blockchain at the earliest possible point in the manufacturing process. Subsequent organizations can access these preliminary test results and eliminate redundant testing, performing only the specific tests needed for their integration point rather than repeating full test suites.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback about test results through the blockchain ledger. When a component passes testing at one organization, this information is immediately available to subsequent organizations, allowing them to adjust their testing strategy and avoid unnecessary duplicate tests while maintaining quality assurance.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for testing electrical components comprising a supplier test system operating on a first processor and configured to generate test data for a component and to store the component test data on a block chain. A board level test system operating on a second processor and configured to generate test data for a board and to store the board test data on the block chain. A test tracking system configured to request a first key to access to the component test data and a second key to access the board test data and to store the first key and the second key.