Decentralized PLM System for Cross-Organizational Data Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems struggle to operate across organizational boundaries due to differences in authentication, authorization, revision status identification, and data revision processes.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize cryptographic identities, hash values, and decentralized distributed content-addressed storage systems to securely provide data of an object over its entire life cycle, enabling PLM to function across organizations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional PLM systems are implemented within individual organizations using centralized authentication and authorization, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability across organizational boundaries deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal PLM system that functions across multiple organizations by using blockchain technology and decentralized identifiers. The system provides multi-functional capability to serve both intra-organizational and inter-organizational PLM processes through a common infrastructure, allowing the same system to handle authentication, authorization, and configuration management across different organizational boundaries while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces blockchain technology and decentralized identifiers as intermediary layers between organizations. These intermediaries enable cross-organizational PLM processes by providing a trusted, neutral platform that facilitates authentication and authorization without requiring direct integration between organizational systems, thus improving adaptability while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different authentication and authorization implementations are used by different organizations, then adaptability to organizational requirements is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies homogeneity by standardizing authentication and authorization mechanisms across all organizations through the use of blockchain technology and decentralized identifiers. Instead of allowing each organization to implement different authentication systems, the patent creates a unified approach where all organizations use the same cryptographic standards and protocols, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability through configurable access policies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

3Ease of operation

If centralized PLM systems are deployed within individual organizations, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability across organizational boundaries deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the centralized PLM system into decentralized components distributed across multiple organizations. By using blockchain technology, the system divides the authentication and authorization functions into independent nodes that collectively provide reliable cross-organizational PLM processes. This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure inherent in centralized systems while maintaining ease of operation through unified access interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces blockchain technology as an intermediary layer that mediates between different organizational PLM systems. This intermediary provides reliable authentication and authorization across organizational boundaries by creating a trusted platform that all organizations can rely on, thereby improving reliability without compromising ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional PLM systems are implemented with organization-specific data management, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to cross-organizational processes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal PLM system that handles both intra-organizational and inter-organizational configuration management through a single decentralized infrastructure. The system provides multi-functional capability to manage configuration items within individual organizations and across organizational boundaries using the same blockchain-based platform, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining ease of manufacture through consistent implementation approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12206791B2Method and system for securely providing data of an object over the entire life of the object

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A method for securely providing data of an object over the entire life cycle thereof and to a system for carrying out this method, wherein the system is configured as a decentralized distributed content-addressed storage system.