Multi-Component Material Selection Under Compatibility Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current computer-aided design and manufacturing systems lack efficient methods for selecting optimal materials for multi-component products, considering both component-level and product-level constraints, which can lead to suboptimal material mixes and increased manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that uses Multiple Criteria Decision Aiding sorting models, incorporating Non-Compensatory Sorting and SAT/MaxSAT-based encodings, to determine optimal materials for each component of a product by analyzing provided constraints and specifications, ensuring compatibility and reliability across all components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual material selection methods are used for multi-component products, then flexibility in material choice is maintained, but the complexity of considering multiple constraints increases and suboptimal material mixes result

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial selection reliabilityVSAvoidconstraint management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the material selection process into distinct phases: defining component-level constraints, defining product-level constraints, determining material compatibility, and selecting optimal materials. This segmentation allows complex constraints to be managed systematically rather than overwhelming manual evaluation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a computer system as an intermediary that mediates between the complex constraints and the material selection decision. The system processes constraints, evaluates compatibility, and provides recommendations, reducing the burden on human users while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If comprehensive constraint analysis is performed for all components and products, then material compatibility and reliability are improved, but the time and computational resources required increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial compatibilityVSAvoidmaterial selection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining constraints for components and products, and pre-determining material compatibility relationships before the actual material selection occurs. This preparation work is done once and reused, reducing the time needed for actual selection while maintaining comprehensive analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical analysis with computer-based computational analysis. The computer system automatically processes constraints and evaluates compatibility, significantly reducing the time required compared to manual methods while maintaining or improving accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If optimal materials are selected for each component independently, then component performance is maximized, but overall product compatibility and coherence are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent manufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidproduct material coherence

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges component-level material selection with product-level compatibility constraints. The computer system considers both individual component requirements and overall product coherence simultaneously, ensuring that optimal materials for each component are selected in a way that maintains overall product stability and compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Measurement precision

If extensive material specifications and constraints are defined, then material selection precision is improved, but the difficulty of managing and processing specifications increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial selection precisionVSAvoidspecification management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through the computer system that automatically processes and manages extensive specifications and constraints. The system handles the complexity of defining, storing, and processing material specifications without requiring manual intervention, allowing precise material selection while managing specification complexity automatically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240338014A1Selecting materials of components of a product to be manufactured

Publication Date: 2024.10.10 DASSAULT SYSTEMES SA

AI summary

A computer-implemented method for selecting materials of components of a product to be manufactured. The method includes obtaining a set of materials for the components of the product. The method also includes obtaining, for each component, a set of use and/or manufacturing and/or material constraints for the component. The method also includes obtaining, for the product, a set of use and/or manufacturing constraints for the product. The method also includes obtaining, for the product, one or more material compatibility constraints. The method also includes obtaining specifications. The specifications indicate an extent of compatibility of one or more reference materials within the set of materials with the constraints. The method also includes determining, for each component of the product, at least one optimal material, with respect to compatibility with the constraints and based on the provided specifications, for manufacturing the component.