Platform-Independent Engineering Validation Tool for Cross-Platform Audit
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of software tools capable of validating and auditing engineering designs across multiple CAD and PLM platforms without disclosing CAD geometry, especially when designs need to be audited based on company guidelines and expertise, and existing tools are platform-dependent, limiting the applicability of organizational knowledge.
Innovation Solution
A platform-independent engineering validation and audit tool, 'QRatr', which includes a Standard Configurator, Quality Validation, and Quality Audit features, allowing for the storage and application of neutral universal checks, encryption of engineering information, and validation reports, enabling confidentiality and cross-platform compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a platform-dependent validation tool is used, then the validation process is simple and integrated with the specific CAD/PLM platform, but the tool cannot validate designs across multiple platforms and organizational knowledge cannot be applied universally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (validation tool with standardized interface) that sits between multiple CAD/PLM platforms and the validation rules. This intermediary translates platform-specific data formats into a universal format for validation, enabling cross-platform compatibility without requiring changes to the underlying platforms or creation of complex platform-specific validation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The validation tool is designed with universal functionality to work across multiple CAD and PLM platforms (CATIA, NX, Inventor, ENOVIA, Windchill, etc.). By implementing a platform-agnostic architecture with standardized data exchange interfaces, the single tool can validate designs from different platforms without requiring separate validation systems for each platform
2Measurement precision
If CAD geometry is disclosed during audit, then detailed engineering validation can be performed, but confidentiality of product design details is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary geometric features and engineering parameters required for validation from the complete CAD geometry. By selectively extracting specific dimensional data, geometric constraints, and engineering features needed for rule validation while leaving out sensitive design details, the system achieves accurate validation without disclosing confidential product information
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of sharing actual CAD geometry files, the system creates validated copies or representations of the geometric data containing only the information necessary for audit purposes. This copying approach allows validation to be performed on replicated data while the original confidential designs remain protected and undisclosed to auditors
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple CAD and PLM platforms are used, then organizational preference and specific requirements can be met, but deployment of organizational knowledge becomes complex and platform-specific tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The validation tool serves as an intermediary that handles platform-specific data exchange protocols and formats. By incorporating built-in translators and adapters for different CAD/PLM platforms, the tool simplifies deployment across heterogeneous environments without requiring separate platform-specific validation systems or complex integration workflows
Data Source
AI summary
A quality validation tool in a form of a computer program, installable on a specific hardware and or workstations which supports industrial CAD tools and PLM tools, the quality validation tool is executable independent of CAD platforms, Non-CAD platforms and or PLM platforms, wherein an engineering information resides in a geometry extractor while a plurality of engineering rules reside in a check validator. The engineering information is encrypted and decrypted. The tool has capability to perform quality audit, while keeping CAD form and detailing unknown to auditor. Validation report with quality rating is generated.