On-Demand 3D Assembly Generation in PLM Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional product lifecycle management (PLM) systems face challenges in efficiently generating and managing three-dimensional (3D) assemblies due to complexity, error-prone Bill of Materials (BOM) management, and the need for multiple BOM structures, which complicates the process of accommodating changing consumer demands and site-specific product requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating 3D assemblies on-demand in a PLM system by electronically creating and storing instance objects, mapping them to function information, and receiving user input to generate enriched 3D assemblies based on position and part model information extracted from a 3D CAD environment, eliminating the need for manual translation and 2D assembly drawings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple BOM structures are maintained for different contributors and consumers, then the needs of different organizations are accommodated, but the complexity of BOM management increases and errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal BOM structure that can serve multiple organizational needs simultaneously. The system allows different contributors and consumers to access and interpret the same BOM data according to their specific requirements, eliminating the need for multiple separate BOM structures. This is achieved through a standardized data model that can be flexibly queried and presented in different formats for engineering, procurement, assembly, and service functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple BOM structures into a single unified BOM. Instead of maintaining separate BOMs for different organizational functions, the system consolidates all BOM data into one structure that can be accessed and processed by all stakeholders. This unified approach reduces management complexity and eliminates translation errors between multiple BOM versions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual translation of BOM structures is performed to accommodate different purposes, then downstream organizational needs are met, but errors increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital copying and referencing mechanisms to allow different organizational functions to access the same BOM data without manual translation. The system creates virtual copies or views of the unified BOM structure that can be customized for specific purposes (engineering, procurement, assembly, service) while maintaining the original data integrity. This eliminates manual translation processes and the associated errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a standardized BOM data model as an intermediary layer between the source BOM and various organizational consumers. This intermediary structure acts as a universal interface that can be queried and processed differently by various functions without requiring manual translation or modification of the source data, thereby maintaining accuracy while providing adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If 2D assembly drawings are created from 3D models, then manufacturing documentation is provided, but valuable information is lost and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains and utilizes the 3D dimension of assembly models for manufacturing documentation purposes. Instead of converting 3D models to 2D drawings and losing information in the process, the system allows users to directly work with and document from the preserved 3D models. The 3D models themselves serve as the manufacturing documentation, retaining all spatial, geometric, and assembly relationship information that would be lost in 2D conversion.
4Ease of operation
If conventional 3D CAD assemblies are maintained to model BOM permutations, then product information is visualized, but the assemblies become difficult to maintain due to unpredictable BOM changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic approach where the BOM structure is decoupled from the 3D CAD assembly structure. The system allows the BOM to change independently in response to product lifecycle changes while the 3D models remain stable. The linkage between BOM items and 3D models is maintained through flexible referencing mechanisms that can adapt to BOM changes without requiring reconstruction of the 3D assemblies, making the system maintainable despite unpredictable BOM permutations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for generating a three-dimensional (3D) assembly on-demand in a product management system, such as a product lifecycle management (PLM) system. The method includes electronically creating and storing one or more instance objects in the product management system. Another step includes electronically mapping the one or more instance objects to function information in the product management system. The method also includes electronically receiving, via a network portal, user input regarding a selection of one or more functions representing product information from the product management system. Still another step includes electronically generating the 3D assembly based on one or more of the mapped instance objects and the user input.