Automated Synchronization of System Architecture and Analysis Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual processes for updating system architecture models based on analysis results are inefficient and prone to errors in model-based systems engineering, making it difficult to integrate and synchronize different tools used in design, analysis, and product management.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that links an analysis template to a system architecture, extracts properties, converts them into a variable input-output structure, and uses this structure to generate results, which are then linked back to the analysis instance and product management tool, synchronizing design, analysis, and product management to improve efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual processes are used to update system architecture models based on analysis results, then flexibility in tool selection is maintained, but efficiency and accuracy deteriorate due to inefficiency and error-proneness
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-synchronization where the engineering tool, analysis tool, and product management tool automatically exchange data and update models without manual intervention. The engineering tool extracts properties from architectural elements, the analysis tool generates analysis results, and the product management tool automatically updates configuration items, creating a self-service automated workflow that eliminates manual processing errors and improves efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback loops where analysis results are automatically fed back to update the system architecture model and configuration items. The product management tool receives analysis results and automatically updates configuration items with analysis instance data, creating a continuous feedback mechanism that maintains synchronization across tools without manual intervention
2Reliability
If manual processes are used to maintain analysis models as system architecture models evolve, then tool compatibility flexibility is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to error-proneness
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically maintains analysis models through self-service mechanisms where the engineering tool extracts properties from architectural elements, converts them to input-output structures, the analysis tool generates results, and the product management tool automatically updates configuration items. This automated self-maintenance eliminates manual errors and ensures reliability in maintaining analysis models as system architecture evolves
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces automated intermediary components including a property extraction module that extracts properties from architectural elements, a conversion module that transforms properties to input-output structures, and a synchronization mechanism that mediates data exchange between tools. These intermediaries ensure accurate and reliable automatic maintenance of analysis models without manual intervention
3Productivity
If automated synchronization is implemented between different tools, then efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements universal multi-functional tools where the engineering tool performs both architecture modeling and property extraction, the analysis tool handles multiple analysis types, and the product management tool manages both configuration items and analysis results. This universality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies integration while maintaining high efficiency through automated synchronization
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standardized data exchange formats and automated translation mechanisms as intermediaries between different tools. The property extraction module and input-output conversion module act as intermediaries that translate between different tool formats, reducing integration complexity while enabling efficient automated synchronization across diverse tools
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple versions of tools are used for different use cases, then adaptability is improved, but synchronization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts parameters including data exchange formats, property types, and analysis configurations based on the specific tool versions and use cases being employed. This parameter adaptability allows the system to work with multiple tool versions while the automated synchronization mechanisms handle the complexity of coordinating between different versions, maintaining both versatility and manageable synchronization
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method and apparatus for automating design, analysis, and product management synchronization in a model-based systems engineering environment. An analysis template is linked to a system architecture representing a product to be manufactured. A set of properties for an architectural element of the system architecture is extracted based on an analysis instance created from the analysis template. The set of properties is converted into a variable input-output structure. An analysis is run using the variable input-output structure to generate results. The results are linked to the analysis instance such that the analysis instance provides a time-based record of the analysis; to the system architecture to update a set of architectural elements impacted by the results; and to a product management tool, thereby synchronizing the design, the analysis, and the product management of the product to improve an efficiency in the design and manufacturing of the product.