Multi-User CAx Assembly Synchronization via Selective Subcomponent Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CAx software is limited to a single-user paradigm, restricting simultaneous editing and collaboration among multiple users, as only one user can edit a model or part file at a time, which hinders collaborative design and manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-user CAx environment with a synchronization module that allows selective display of changes to subcomponent features during an assembly session, based on predetermined criteria, such as manual selection or time thresholds, enabling multiple users to collaborate by storing local copies of assembly models and updating them when specific conditions are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-user paradigm is used in CAx software, then file access conflict is avoided, but collaborative design capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file access control into different modes: read-only mode allows multiple users to access simultaneously without conflict, while write mode maintains exclusive access. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing collaborative reading while preserving reliable write access control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic user role assignment where users can be granted different access rights (read-only or write) based on their collaborative needs. The system dynamically transitions between single-user write mode and multi-user read mode, enabling both collaborative capability and conflict avoidance as needed.
2Productivity
If real-time synchronization is implemented, then collaborative efficiency is improved, but data transfer overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous real-time synchronization, the patent implements periodic synchronization triggered by specific events such as file save operations or defined time intervals. This periodic action reduces data transfer overhead while maintaining collaborative efficiency by updating changes at appropriate intervals rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system monitors for changes in model data and only initiates synchronization when changes are detected. This feedback-based approach ensures that data transfer occurs only when necessary, reducing overhead while maintaining productive collaboration.
3Productivity
If local caching is used, then system resource utilization is optimized, but data freshness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary caching of model data locally in the user's environment before actual use. This allows the system to optimize resource utilization by accessing local cache rather than continuously querying remote servers. The cache is updated in advance based on synchronization triggers, ensuring data freshness is maintained while resources are optimized during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of data access by switching between local cache reading and remote server querying based on system conditions. When data freshness is critical, the system queries the server; when resource optimization is prioritized, it reads from the local cache. This dynamic parameter change resolves the contradiction between resource utilization and data freshness.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for collaborating on a component according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a computing device configured to execute a first multi-user CAx environment including a synchronization module. The synchronization module is configured to selectively cause a display module at a first multi-user CAx environment to display data corresponding to changes to at least one subcomponent feature relating to an assembly model caused by a second multi-user CAx environment during an assembly session when at least one predetermined criterion is met. A method for collaborating on a component design is also disclosed.