Method for automated structuring of product data and its applications

Product structures represent the data backbone for through-life management of complex systems. Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems are used to maintain product structures and track product changes. However, in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) product composition often is unknown when MRO service providers are not the original manufacturers. Thus, MRO processes start with an exhaustive product diagnosis to identify elements to be maintained or replaced. Existing 3D scanning and data post processing methods have to be improved to acquire structured product data. This paper presents a method for automated derivation of product structures from 3D assembly models

Proactive maintenance as success factor for use-oriented product-service systems

In use-oriented Product-Service Systems (PSS) the ownership of the product remains with the provider who is responsible for maintenance, repair and overhaul [1]. Thus the risk of machine unavailability is transferred from the customer towards the PSS provider. In order to minimize this risk the provider needs to reduce unscheduled downtimes to enhance machine availability. Hence proactive maintenance is an important success factor for providing this PSS type [2]. In practice, manufacturing equipment providers struggle to derive the required information for providing proactive maintenance from the existing data and thus potentials remain unused. One of the problems for many companies in this context is the missing knowhow for managing and analyzing this high amount of data. This issue is discussed in research and practice under the topic “Big Data” [3]. This paper focusses on discussing different approaches for data gathering, analysis and interpretation as well as associated challenges. Drivers and hindering factors are introduced and solution approaches are provided. These aspects are analyzed in a case study in collaboration with a material handling manufacturer which was conducted in one of the transfer projects of the Collaborative Research Center Transregio 29 which addressed the dynamic interdependencies of products and services in the production area

Engineering Support Systems for Industrial Machines and Plants

In the business of industrial machines and plants, rapid and detailed estimates for planning installation, replacement of equipment, or maintenance work are key requirements for meeting the demands for greater reliability, lower costs and for maintaining safe and secure operation. These demands have been addressed by developing technology driven by IT. When replacing equipment at complex building or plants with high equipment density, the existing state of the installation locations and transportation routes for old and new equipment need to be properly measured. We have met this need by developing parts recognition technology based on 3D measurement, and by developing high-speed calculation technology of optimal routes for installation parts. This chapter provides an overview of these development projects with some real business application results

Cognitive estimation in the ideation phase of engineering design

Estimation in its diverse forms is assumed to be relevant for problem solving in engineering design due to the inherent deficiencies in information availability and reliability. Nevertheless aside from some exception estimation as a method is hardly mentioned in standard literature on systematic approaches to engineering design like Pahl and Beitz. As well it is rarely deliberate addressed in engineering education. Engineering designers are expected to gain estimation competence by experience. Good performance in estimation and the development of estimation competence by hat is left to chance. Estimation as a problem solving strategy covers a wide range of activities on a continuous spectrum between the extremes of random guesses and highly mathematical statistics based approaches. Our research addresses estimation activities which are solely based on cognitive performance, without using specific mathematical procedures or technological support. Our current study is an explorative, qualitative protocol analysis of two idea creation meetings addressing different problems in the early phases of a technology-driven innovation project recorded by the DTRS7 organisation. The addressed research questions are: Where, how, why and what for is estimation used in engineering design? This analysis should give further insight in the not widely delineated topic of estimation in engineering design

Estimation and its Role in Engineering Design - An Introduction

Estimation is assumed to be a relevant method for problem solving in product development due to the deficiencies in information availability and certainty, as well because of short resources. Nevertheless estimation as a method is hardly mentioned in literature on product development nor is it part of engineering education. As a consequence good performance in estimation and the development of estimation competence is left to chance, i.e. expected to be built up through experience. We believe that estimation can be supported and taught. Hence estimation competence can be developed purposive and more quickly. The aims of the research introduced in this paper are to understand relevance and functioning of estimation in engineering design, and to develop support for engineering practice and education based on this understanding. This paper focuses on demonstrating the topics’ relevance by addressing the following questions: •Why is estimation important for engineering design? •What is the state of the art in understanding estimation in general? •What is the state of the art of estimation as a method in engineering design? On the basis of this initial investigation we propose our research framework. After goal, approach and scope of our research, the main research questions on estimation in engineering design we wish to answer are formulated, and the research methods we are using. Furthermore first results on characteristics of estimation in engineering design identified by tests, as well as video and protocol analysis are summarized. At least an outlook on the prospect research is given

Notices :Bruxelles, hôpital Saint-Pierre et Uccle, hôpital Latour de Freins

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedEgalement publié en néerlandais sous le titre :Architectuur van Belgische hospitale

Opening Up Design Methodology

Contemporary product development has transformed from being mono-disciplinary to increasingly trans-disciplinary. Design problems often do not match the boundaries of a single discipline. The integrated use of tools, techniques, and methods, which are intended to support designers in their work, is a subject of design methodology. This paper presents a critique of the current state of design methodologies from a transdisciplinary perspective, and their in-dustrial uptake. A case for an open community based approach for design methodology is made that considers contexts and mind-sets and provides a plat-form for consolidating design methodology in a dynamic perspective. The paper particularly addresses the following research questions: What needs should be addressed in the further development of design methodology? What develop-ments are required to meet these needs