Secure Manufacturing Optimization via Virtual Avatars
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing automation and geographic distribution of manufacturing processes pose a security risk for designers as they must share intellectual property with multiple manufacturers to compare options, exposing their designs to potential security breaches and legal risks due to varying security levels across different jurisdictions.
Innovation Solution
A secure system and method for oblivious-client optimization of manufacturing processes, utilizing a secure server with a manufacturer exchange module, avatar generator, and simulator to interface with multiple manufacturers, generate manufacturer avatars, and simulate manufacturing processes without revealing the design until a choice is made, thus maintaining security and optimizing manufacturing decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If designers communicate prospective designs to multiple manufacturers to compare manufacturing options, then the quality and accuracy of manufacturing information obtained is improved, but the security risk of intellectual property exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (the secure comparison platform) that acts as a mediator between designers and manufacturers. This platform enables manufacturers to submit manufacturing information and capabilities without requiring designers to share actual design details. The system uses automated technology to compare manufacturing options across multiple manufacturers while keeping design intellectual property confidential, thus resolving the contradiction between obtaining accurate manufacturing information and protecting IP security.
2Adaptability or versatility
If designers explore more potential manufacturing processes by sharing designs with more manufacturers, then the quality of manufacturing outcomes is improved, but the risk of security breaches and legal risks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform serves as a secure intermediary that enables designers to explore multiple manufacturing options across different manufacturers without directly exposing designs to each manufacturer. The system automatically compares manufacturing capabilities, processes, and quotations from multiple manufacturers based on the design parameters submitted to the platform, thereby expanding manufacturing option exploration while maintaining security and reducing legal risks through automated, controlled information exchange.
3Measurement precision
If manufacturers receive detailed design information to provide accurate manufacturing quotations, then the accuracy of cost and time estimates is improved, but the exposure to misappropriation and security risks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated technology to create and process digital representations of manufacturing requirements and capabilities. Instead of sharing actual design intellectual property, the platform uses parameter-based copying where manufacturers receive structured design parameters and specifications sufficient for accurate quotation generation without accessing the original design files or intellectual property. This approach maintains quotation accuracy while preventing misappropriation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for secure, oblivious-client optimization of manufacturing processes includes manufacturer exchange module executing on a secure server, which receives from a plurality of manufacturer clients at least an identification of a manufacturing device operated by the at least a manufacturer and at least a manufacturing constraint, an avatar generator e configured to generate at least a manufacturing avatar, and a simulator executing on the secure server, the simulator designed and configured to receive a design of a part to be manufactured using an automated manufacturing device and at least an optimization criterion, and simulate at least a first manufacturing process using a first avatar manufacturer avatar of the plurality of manufacturer avatars.