Model-Based Definition Data Mapping with FAE Addresses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional MB-DMI systems fail to effectively map and index data associated with the product throughout its lifecycle, leading to inefficiencies and errors in manufacturing and inspection processes.

Innovation Solution

A MB-DMI system that integrates a controller and data storage network to generate a FAE definition system and data model, organizing product elements with FAE addresses, PMI data, and generating lifecycle workflows, enabling seamless data transfer and automation across product lifecycle stages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional MB-DMI systems are used without FAE address mapping, then the system structure is simpler, but data mapping and indexing efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata mapping efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments product data into functionally attributed elements (FAEs) and organizes them using FAE addresses that map to specific locations in the 3D model. This segmentation allows efficient indexing and retrieval of product information throughout the lifecycle, resolving the contradiction by creating a structured data organization system that improves productivity while managing complexity through systematic categorization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The FAE address system acts as an intermediary layer between the 3D model geometry and the product lifecycle data. This intermediary mapping structure enables efficient data indexing and retrieval without requiring direct complex relationships between all system components, thus improving data mapping efficiency while maintaining manageable system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive PMI data is added to all product elements, then manufacturing precision improves, but data processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct definition accuracyVSAvoiddata organization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning PMI data and FAE attributes specifically to individual elements or surfaces of the 3D model where they are relevant. Rather than uniformly processing all data, the system selectively enriches specific geometric elements with their corresponding manufacturing and inspection information, improving precision while reducing unnecessary data processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining FAE addresses and associating PMI data with corresponding 3D model elements during the modeling phase. This advance organization of data structure ensures that manufacturing precision is maintained while reducing the complexity of real-time data processing during manufacturing and inspection operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If manual data mapping is used for product elements, then system implementation is simpler, but productivity and accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifecycle workflow efficiencyVSAvoiddata indexing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically generate FAE addresses, extract product information, and map data to the 3D model elements without requiring manual intervention. The automated FAE definition system and grouping tree generation perform data organization tasks autonomously, significantly improving productivity and eliminating time losses associated with manual data mapping while maintaining systematic data structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4641425A1Model-based definition manufacturing and inspection system including data model
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP
  • EP4641425A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4641425A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4641425A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A computer system (100) includes a controller (102) having a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by controller to perform operations including generating (302) a three-dimensional (3D) model of a product (200), extracting (304) data indicative of one or more elements of the product, and assigning a FAE address to the one or more elements. The method further includes generating (306) a grouping tree (204) to organize the extracted elements, each extracted element organized according to the FAE address, and adding (308) product and manufacturing information (PMI) data to one or more of the addressed FAEs in the grouping tree.