Engine Component Selection Using Manufacturing and Operating Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current engine component selection methods do not effectively account for operating environment characteristics and manufacturing data, leading to unpredictable maintenance, performance, and service intervals.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an electronic control unit with a processor and memory, executing a machine-readable instruction set to select components from a catalog based on measured manufacturing characteristics and operating environment characteristics, improving engine performance, life cycle, and service intervals by grouping components within defined distributions and using cumulative damage models or fleet models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional engine component selection methods are used, then assembly specification compliance is maintained, but maintenance predictability and service interval optimization are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from traditional specification-based component selection to a data-driven approach using measured manufacturing characteristics and operating environment characteristics. The system selects components based on quantitative parameters such as manufacturing tolerances, operational conditions, and degradation patterns, enabling more predictable maintenance scheduling and optimized service intervals while maintaining assembly compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-grouping components into distributions based on their measured manufacturing characteristics before assembly. This pre-characterization allows the system to predict component behavior and maintenance needs in advance, improving maintenance predictability without requiring complex real-time analysis during operation.
2Productivity
If components are selected without considering operating environment characteristics, then assembly process is simplified, but engine performance optimization and life cycle extension are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by matching specific component characteristics to specific operating environment conditions. Instead of applying a uniform selection criterion, the system tailors component selection to local conditions such as temperature, humidity, load patterns, and operational intensity. This enables optimization of engine performance for each specific operating context while maintaining a systematic selection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using measured manufacturing characteristics and operating environment characteristics to inform component selection decisions. The system continuously refines its selection criteria based on actual component performance data and operational conditions, enabling progressive optimization of engine performance and service intervals without requiring overly complex upfront planning.
3Reliability
If uniform component selection is used, then manufacturing process is simplified, but service interval optimization and fleet-wide performance improvement are achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the component population into distinct distributions or groups based on their measured manufacturing characteristics. Instead of treating all components uniformly, the system segments them into categories that share similar degradation patterns and performance characteristics. This enables optimized service interval scheduling for each segment while maintaining a streamlined manufacturing process that accommodates the segmented selection approach.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for selecting components for an engine (500/600) includes an electronic control unit (103) comprising a processor (230) and a memory component (240) and a machine-readable instruction set. The machine-readable instruction set is stored in the memory component (240) of the electronic control unit (103) and causes the system to perform at least the following when executed by the processor (230): receive a catalog of a plurality of components (238a), where the plurality of components (238a) include a measured manufacturing characteristic, receive at least one operating environment characteristic of a plurality of operating environment characteristics (238b), and select one or more components from the catalog of the plurality of components (238a) for a bill of materials (238f) based on the measured manufacturing characteristic and the at least one operating environment characteristic.