Onboard 2D Code Data Tracking for Asset Digital Twins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart manufacturing systems face challenges in effective communication and data management between designers, manufacturers, and inspectors due to the use of non-miniaturized and isolated ID tags that lack comprehensive data storage, leading to inaccessible information across the lifecycle of complex assets like aircraft.
Innovation Solution
Embedding redundant two-dimensional codes on the entire surface of assets, allowing for accurate and timely data collection and updating, mirroring the function of DNA to track the genesis, lineage, and usage of the asset, enabling seamless integration of data into a digital twin model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional ID tags are used for asset tracking, then identification is achieved, but data accessibility and comprehensiveness deteriorate due to centralized storage and single-location tagging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized data storage system into distributed tags embedded throughout the asset. Each tag contains redundant copies of the complete data set, eliminating the need for a centralized database and improving data accessibility while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple redundant copies of the complete data set and embeds them in distributed tags throughout the asset. This copying approach ensures data availability even if some tags are damaged or inaccessible, directly addressing the data accessibility problem.
2Reliability
If single-location ID tags are used, then tagging simplicity is maintained, but data availability deteriorates when parts of the asset are separated or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single centralized tag into multiple distributed tags placed at different locations on the asset. This segmentation ensures that if one location is damaged or separated, data remains available from other tags, improving reliability without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of tag distribution from centralized to distributed throughout the asset. This parameter change improves data availability and reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized tagging processes at multiple locations.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive data is stored centrally, then information completeness is achieved, but data accessibility deteriorates due to system incompatibility and location barriers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates redundant copies of the complete data set and distributes them throughout the asset via embedded tags. This allows any tag to provide complete information, eliminating barriers to data retrieval and improving ease of operation while maintaining information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each distributed tag a universal data source that contains the complete data set, allowing any tag to serve any data retrieval need. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation by eliminating location-specific access restrictions while maintaining complete information availability.
4Measurement precision
If detailed tracking data is collected, then digital twin accuracy is improved, but data management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data collection and storage function into distributed tags embedded throughout the asset. Each tag independently stores complete data, eliminating the need for complex centralized data management systems while maintaining high digital twin accuracy through redundant data copies.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures that the digital model accurately reflects the physical state of the asset by providing accessible, comprehensive data throughout its lifecycle, facilitating informed decision-making and efficient maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The surface of the object is coated with a photo-sensitive emulsion prior to exposing the surface of the object to a projected pattern of the 2D code.
Implementation Method 2
the 2D codes are optically or magnetically read and added to the life cycle model or updated with new information
Implementation Method 3
the 2D codes are optically or magnetically read and added to the life cycle model or updated with new information
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for embedding critical data directly onboard a physical asset is disclosed. Since the critical data and the asset are never separated, accurate and timely data pertinent to the asset travels with it, and may be written, read, and updated. Accurate data collection ensures a digital model/twin of the asset reflects the true physical state of the asset. Data is embedding optically or magnetically and may be read or rewritten so that information about the life/usage of the asset is continually available, right up to the current state.