SysML Structural Complexity Quantification With Automated DSM Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current quantitative measurement methodologies for structural complexity in engineered systems lack accuracy and precision due to the non-integration of design structure matrices (DSMs) with traditional systems engineering products, and manual data extraction methods fail to account for additional complexity details.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a structural complexity analysis system that integrates System Modeling Language (SysML) with a numerical computation module, such as Matlab, to automate the calculation of structural complexity by generating complexity profiles and graphs, and outputting a design structure matrix.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual data extraction methods are used to assess structural complexity, then the process can be performed with simple tools, but the accuracy and precision of complexity quantification deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of structural complexity quantificationVSAvoidcomplexity of analysis system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an automated analysis system that acts as an intermediary between the engineering system model and the complexity assessment process. This system integrates design structure matrices with systems engineering products and automatically extracts complexity data, eliminating manual extraction while maintaining high measurement precision through systematic computational analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical data extraction methods with automated computational tools. The system uses software-based algorithms to automatically analyze system models, extract complexity metrics, and generate assessments, thereby improving precision while the integrated automation actually reduces operational complexity despite increasing system sophistication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional systems engineering products are used without integrating design structure matrices, then the existing process remains simple, but the precision of structural complexity assessment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of structural complexity assessmentVSAvoidease of integration with existing systems engineering processes

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges design structure matrices with traditional systems engineering products into a unified automated analysis system. This integration combines the systematic structure of DSMs with the functionality of existing systems engineering tools, enabling precise structural complexity assessment while maintaining compatibility with established workflows through seamless interoperability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional system that performs both traditional systems engineering analysis and structural complexity assessment simultaneously. The automated system handles multiple tasks including data extraction, complexity calculation, and result generation within a single integrated platform, improving precision while ease of integration is maintained through universal compatibility with existing engineering processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If manual extraction of complexity data is performed, then the system setup remains simple, but additional complexity details are not accounted for, reducing measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of complexity detailsVSAvoidtime for data extraction and analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary automated extraction of all complexity details from the system model before analysis begins. The system proactively identifies and extracts relevant complexity data, including heterogeneous components, interactions, and topological formations, ensuring completeness of complexity details while eliminating the time-consuming manual extraction process through pre-computed automated analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250225281A1Methodology to use system modeling language for quantifying structural complexity of a system

Publication Date: 2025.07.10 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

A structural complexity analysis system includes a system modeling language (SysML) module and a numerical computation module. The SysML module determines a complexity interaction profile of an engineering system, which includes a plurality of nodes and a plurality of connectors, each connector establishing a connection between a sub-set of nodes among the plurality of nodes, and determines a complexity node profile of parts, which defines a complexity of at least one node among the plurality of nodes. The SysML module further generates an interfaces table based on the complexity interaction profile, and generates generate a node table based on the complexity node profile. The numerical computation module receives the interfaces table and the node table, and applies at least one numerical computation tool to the interfaces table and the node table to determine an overall structural complexity of the engineering system.