US 11,480,944 B2 · CAD-based design control

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments relate to methods, mediums, and systems for associating information, including critical-to-quality (CTQ) information such as minimum or maximum part dimensions, with parts in a three-dimensional model of a product. The information may be identified by performing a failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) against the model. The information is stored with the model data (e.g., in the form of an annotation applied to a model feature corresponding to the part in question). The model data may be consulted by product lifecycle management (PLM) applications during various phases of the product's lifecycle. Among other possibilities, the information may be used to automatically generate regulatory compliance documentation, to ensure product quality standards are met during a manufacturing process, or to perform postproduction quality monitoring of the product.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method performed by a computer system having at least one processor and a memory, method comprising:

creating, using modeling logic executing on the processor, a three-dimensional model of a product, the three-dimensional model comprising a feature representing a part of the product, the three-dimensional model being represented by model data stored in a non-transitory storage medium;
identifying a quality characteristic for the feature by performing a failure mode effect analysis against the three-dimensional model, wherein the quality characteristic comprises one or more of:
a minimum value for a parameter of the feature, a maximum value for the parameter of the feature, or a range of values for the parameter of the feature;
storing the quality characteristic as structured data in a data structure associated with the feature within the model data;
and
retrieving the stored quality characteristic from within the model data during at least one post-design phase of a product lifecycle management process to perform a post-design phase action with respect to the product.

3 more elements

A system comprising:

one or more computer processors;
one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to:
create, using modeling logic executing on a processor, a three-dimensional model of a product, the three-dimensional model comprising a feature representing a part of the product, the three-dimensional model being represented by model data stored in a non-transitory storage medium;
identify a quality characteristic for the feature by performing a failure mode effect analysis against the three-dimensional model, wherein the quality characteristic comprises one or more of:
a minimum value for a parameter of the feature, a maximum value for the parameter of the feature, or a range of values for the parameter of the feature;
store the quality characteristic as structured data in a data structure associated with the feature within the model data;
and
retrieve the stored quality characteristic from within the model data during at least one post-design phase of a product lifecycle management process to perform a post-design phase action with respect to the product;
and
an electronic device configured to process the quality characteristic to perform the post-design phase action with respect to the product.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

CAD-based design control

Life of this patent

CAD-based design control

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20