Composite Ply Lay-up Data Extraction for Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for obtaining ply lay-up data for composite aircraft parts are costly, require access to computer-aided design software, and may violate export laws, making it difficult for maintenance personnel to perform repairs without two-dimensional drawings and three-dimensional models, which can contain sensitive information.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and apparatus that extracts ply lay-up data from three-dimensional models, allowing users to select a location on a composite part and generate a two-dimensional drawing with ply stacking sequence, orientation, and material information, without requiring access to the full three-dimensional model or computer-aided design software, and limits data sharing to avoid sensitive information exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ply lay-up data is obtained from two-dimensional drawings in manuals, then maintenance personnel can perform repairs, but the process is costly and requires access to computer-aided design software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary ply lay-up data (ply stacking sequence, orientation, and material information) from the three-dimensional model and presents it in a simplified two-dimensional drawing format. This allows maintenance personnel to obtain the required information without needing access to complex computer-aided design software or the full three-dimensional model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the relevant data from the three-dimensional model in a two-dimensional drawing format that can be easily distributed and viewed without requiring specialized software. This copy contains all necessary ply lay-up information while eliminating the need for expensive computer-aided design systems.
2Loss of information
If full three-dimensional models are shared for data extraction, then complete ply lay-up information can be obtained, but sensitive information may be exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the specific ply lay-up data needed for maintenance (ply stacking sequence, orientation, and material information) from the three-dimensional model, rather than sharing the entire model. This selective extraction ensures that sensitive information remains protected while still providing complete repair information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides localized information about specific sections of composite parts rather than global access to the entire three-dimensional model. By focusing on local ply lay-up data at specific locations, the system maintains data completeness for repair purposes while minimizing exposure of sensitive overall design information.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual methods are used to obtain ply lay-up data, then no advanced software is needed, but the process is time-consuming and requires user expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where the server automatically extracts and prepares ply lay-up data in two-dimensional drawing format upon receiving a request. This self-service approach eliminates the need for users to manually navigate complex software or perform time-consuming data extraction tasks, reducing both time requirements and the need for specialized user expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual data extraction processes with an automated computer-implemented system. The server automatically retrieves ply lay-up data from three-dimensional models and generates two-dimensional drawings with the required information, substituting manual mechanical processes with automated computational methods that are faster and require less expertise.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for providing ply lay-up data for a composite part. A designation of a location is received for the composite part in a three dimensional object from a requester. A three dimensional model is opened in which the composite part is located. The ply lay-up data is extracted for a section within the composite part within the three dimensional model to form extracted ply lay-up data for the section. An output file is created containing a two dimensional drawing for the section with the ply lay-up data identifying a ply stacking sequence, an orientation of each ply in the ply stacking sequence, and a material for the each ply in the ply stacking sequence. The output file is returned to the requester.