MBSE Collaboration Module for Cross-Platform Model Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing model-based systems engineering platforms face challenges in seamless communication and collaboration with other engineering domains due to incompatibility and reliance on document-based approaches, leading to inefficiencies and miscommunication.
Innovation Solution
A collaboration module for a model-based systems engineering platform that enables digital data exchange with other modeling platforms using universally unique identifiers and database identifiers, allowing for synchronized updates and sharing of project elements between systems engineers and domain-specific engineers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If document-based approaches are used for communication between engineering domains, then information can be shared, but miscommunication and inefficiency occur due to incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a collaboration module as an intermediary system that includes a database with standardized schemas and data transformation logic. This mediator translates between different modeling platforms' data formats, ensuring accurate information exchange while maintaining high collaboration efficiency. The standardized database schema acts as a common language that eliminates miscommunication between domains.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different modeling platforms are used by systems engineers and domain-specific engineers, then specialized expertise can be maintained, but seamless communication becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The collaboration module implements a universal interface layer that can work with multiple different modeling platforms simultaneously. The system maintains compatibility with various platforms (e.g., SysML tools, domain-specific modeling tools) while providing a unified collaboration experience. This allows engineers to use their preferred specialized tools while seamlessly communicating with other domains through the standardized database interface.
3Reliability
If real-time synchronized updates are implemented across platforms, then collaboration accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the database schema stores version information and update timestamps for each data element. When updates occur, the system automatically tracks changes and notifies relevant platforms of synchronization status. This feedback loop ensures data consistency across platforms without requiring complex manual coordination, as the system self-regulates the synchronization process through structured feedback signals.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method is performed by a collaboration module of a model-based systems engineering platform. The method includes maintaining a working version of a project and importing a first element from a remote database that stores a collaborative version of the project. Importing the first element includes comparing a database identifier (DBID) of the first element to elements included in the working version of the project. If the DBID matches the DBID of an existing element in the working version, then one or more data fields of the existing element are updated. If no DBID match is found, then the working version is searched for an element having a universally unique identifier (UUID) that matches a UUID of the first element. If, however, the first element does not include a UUID, then the first element is added to the working version of the project as a new element.