Digital Product Models Research Articles

GNN-based deep reinforcement learning for MBD product model recommendation

ABSTRACT Digital twin is more and more widely used, and the delivery demand of digital twin is more and more prominent at the same time of product physical delivery. Research on the digital twin product model recommendation method is of great significance for the rapid construction and reuse of digital twins. The methods currently in use, however, principally concentrate on geometric reuse and pay little attention to functional or knowledge reuse. In this paper, a graph neural network (GNN)-based deep reinforcement learning (DRL) for product model recommendation is presented. First, an MBD (model-based definition)-based semantic feature attribute adjacency graph (MSFAAG) is introduced to structured MBD model as the carrier of the digital twin product model. The MSFAAG is then embedded into continuous vector spaces using a GNN to obtain the categorization of these MBD models. Finally, DRL is used to adaptively identify more important semantic features, including manufacturing semantics and functional semantics, to obtain more detailed model classification results. The experiment effectively improves the reuse efficiency of the non-geometric aspects of the digital twin product and MBD model. Compared with other traditional recommendation algorithms, the algorithm proposed in this paper has higher accuracy and can well meet the design requirements of users.

How to effectively use distributed ledger technology in supply chain management?

Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) refers to multi-party systems that enables saving encrypted data across a peer-to-peer network of nodes, without central authority. While DLT applications have been mainly studied in finance, we conduct empirical research on DLT application in supply chain management, combining theory testing and theory elaborating case research. Applying the Theory of Affordance Actualisation, we identify five DLT affordances: (1) verify product origin and history, (2) exchange data on digital product models, (3) track and trace products’ logistics, (4) simplify supply chain finance, and (5) automate payments. We identify and evaluate these affordances and also outline how these affordances can be actualised. We contribute to the discourse of DLT value creation and provide practical guidance to assess DLT potential in supply chains. We integrate our findings into the academic discussion on collaboration in viable, intertwined supply networks.

ПОДХОДЫ К УПРАВЛЕНИЮ ОРГАНИЗАЦИОННЫМИ ИЗМЕНЕНИЯМИ НА ОСНОВЕ РАЗНОУРОВНЕВЫХ ЦИФРОВЫХ ДВОЙНИКОВ

The article deals with the implementation of organizational changes in enterprises in the context of digital transformation processes, which are associated with the active introduction of digital twins at different organizational levels (product, production, organization as a whole). In the context of a multi-level system of digital twins, the authors describe the structure of the relationship between digital twins of different levels and it is noted that the combination of digital product models and digital modeling of production processes within a single digital model leads to the formation of a smart digital production model, which is a reflection of the key stages of the product life cycle. A three-dimensional model of the architecture of a digital enterprise is formed and described, the parameters of which are the levels of business process management, the product life cycle depending on production volumes and the types of resources used.

Integration of manufacturers' product data in BIM platforms using semantic web technologies

As building information modeling (BIM) gains popularity in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, manufacturers are required to distribute their product specifications in digital product models. Currently, manufacturers mainly employ proprietary formats, such as BIM objects supplemented by PDF documents to represent their product data descriptions. However, these formats do not support flexible automated product search and data integration. This paper describes the use of Semantic Web technologies in combination with BIM-based visual programming language (VPL) to automatically integrate product data from external databases. To facilitate data integration, we introduced a method to semantically represent product data linked with the CEN/TS 17623:2021 standard using ontologies in web ontology language (OWL). The study has focused on the use case of a manufacturer of lighting products. Results show that building designers are able to execute a more efficient product search that satisfies their query requirements and returns suitable products of their choice from the manufacturer's database based on their requests. This approach eliminates the time-consuming and error-prone process of manually entering product data into BIM software.

Development of a Digital Twin for an Elevator System

The increasing digitalization of production processes and current technological developments make it possible to use sophisticated digital product models or virtual images of industrial and technical processes, so called digital twins. In this paper a digital twin is created using different development environments and systems, such as Simulink®, B&R® control, CAD design environment and OPC-UA communication. The creation process used is verified and simulations are performed with the created digital twin to test and validate its behavior and efficiency compared with the physical model. Then the two systems, which are the digital twin and the elevator model, are linked together so that the communication between the two can be verified. The ability to communicate with the real world is one of the main characteristics of an optimal digital twin.

Building product ontology: Core ontology for Linked Building Product Data

The digitalisation of the Architecture, Engineering and Construction domain introduced new methods for digital collaboration, i.e. Building Information Modelling (BIM). While this method focuses on building data, the distribution of digital product models is still problematic, complicating uniform product searches and automated product data processing. Existing schemas, such as a subpart of the Industry Foundation Classes or the German VDI 3805, rely on rigid or template-driven schemas, that do not support the description of innovative or multi-functional products or impose a large schema overhead and complexity on manufacturers. Therefore, this article combines flexible and modular product descriptions with Semantic Web technologies and Linked Data. By applying Web-based technologies, the searchability of product data and the applicability of distributed data are expected to be enhanced.More precisely, this article proposes a concept for Linked Building Product Data and introduces the generic Building Product Ontology as a potential core schema of the concept. To demonstrate the feasibility of Linked Building Product Data and the Building Product Ontology, the authors apply both the concept and the data schema to innovative and multi-functional example products that cannot be described with the existing approaches for product descriptions. The evaluation demonstrates the flexibility, modularity and overall suitability of the presented concepts, meeting all collected requirements for digital product descriptions. Hence, Linked Building Product Data may solve existing issues with rigid product description schemas. At the same time, this approach complements the current research trend of Linked Building Data.

Towards a Cyber-Physical PLM Environment: The Role of Digital Product Models, Intelligent Products, Digital Twins, Product Avatars and Digital Shadows

Abstract Over the last year, there was rarely a day without industry announcing a new project involving Digital Twins or a scholarly publication with Digital Twin in the title. However, given the novelty of the concept and the pace of these developments, there are several fundamental open questions yet to be answered. In this paper, we take a step back and holistically discuss the Digital Twin and its related concepts. We aim to explore the “engineering requirements” for developing a Cyber-Physical Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Environment to support the cyber-physical product lifecycle – the foundation of functional and effective Digital Twins. Furthermore, we provide definitions for a digital product model, an intelligent product, a cyber-physical product, a product avatar, a digital shadow, and a digital thread, and discuss their interrelations as the main building blocks for developing a Cyber-Physical PLM Environment.

ESTIMATION OF THE POSSIBILITY OF USING REVERSE ENGINEERING IN THE AVIATION INDUSTRY

The article discusses methods for creating digital models of aircraft piping standards. Based on the conducted experimental work, an analysis of the methods for reproducing the products was carried out to select a rational method for reconstructing the product. The article describes in detail various methods for creating digital models of aircraft pipelines. Based on the results of the work and the results obtained, the methods under consideration were evaluated and conclusions were drawn on the effectiveness and feasibility of their application. To increase productivity and choose a rational method of reproduction, the standards were investigated and classified according to technological characteristics into groups. During the experiment, all types of aircraft pipeline standards were tested and the optimal measurement method for each group was selected.This work showed that the use of modern reverse engineering technologies in the aviation industry is relevant, since today there are no alternative solutions to reduce the time spent on creating a digital reference base. Reproduction of aircraft pipelines is not only a problem for domestic enterprises. In the USA and Europe, such a solution has been applied at all advanced enterprises for many years, for example, Boeing, Airbus. Our foreign colleagues have successfully implemented reverse engineering at various stages of production. To restore the lost design documentation (CD) in a short time, reverse engineering is used, which allows you to get a high-precision digital product model from the existing physical standard of the pipeline. This article discusses the successful application of technology in Russia.

Computer-aided design of technical documentation on the digital product models of Industry 4.0

The task of organizing project activities in a digital factory is considered. Digital Factory is the industry 4.0 enterprise, operating in the digital environment. The components of a digital enterprise at the physical level of technological equipment (cyber-physical systems) and at the cyber level of cloud services are described. A set of tools that provide information support for the process of designing instrument-making products is offered. The scheme of interaction between the components of the Industry 4.0 digital factory and cloud services for project activities is given.

Response prediction of reverse engineered free form surface by design of experiments

Reverse engineering is a new technique employed in product design wherein original drawings or pertinent technical data are not available. Reverse engineering technology acquires the conceptual designs from the existing products and consequently creates digital product models. In the product design these digital products are employed with optimization principles. The investigation in this paper encompasses 3-D reconstruction of products by the reverse engineering technique and consequently identifying the deviations between the original product and the reverse engineered model. Design of experiments is a systematic study in the consideration of the governing parameters and there by arriving at the optimization stage. In this investigation response surface methodology method is employed by taking the input parameters viz noise level, smoothing level and triangle count %; and there by identified the responses namely deviation and curvature deviation occurred from the existing physical model. The deviations and curvature deviations are in the range 0.0266 to 0.0621 mm and 0.543 (54.3%) to 0.645 (64.5%) respectively which indicate that the reverse engineered freeform surface is not exhibiting significant difference when compared to the original CAD model. Response surface contours are constructed for determining the optimum process conditions.

Digital World Spawns Identical Twins

This article explores the concept of digital twins and reasons why manufacturers prefer digital replicas of products, machines, processes, or even entire factories. A digital twin models the robotic line with such high fidelity that the engineer can do all this in the virtual world. Digital twins are the foundation of tomorrow’s smarter workplace. A factory’s digital twin must be robust enough to capture those changes, plus all relevant data from each operation. Smart factories, such as GE’s Brilliant Factory and Siemens’ competing Industrie 4.0, need both types of digital twins—product and process—to work. Digital product models contain each component that goes into a product, from screws and welds to plastic shapes and machined metals. Digital twins also support greater automation. As artificial intelligence (AI) systems learn more about specific machines, they will use their digital twins to help engineers run plants more efficiently. AI can analyze it to see if a screw is loose or a bearing is starting to fail. The better the AI knows the machine, the more accurately it can predict when that failure is likely to happen.

Knowledge-Based Engineering in the design for manufacture of prefabricated façades: current gaps and future trends

ABSTRACTThe use of prefabricated façades provides a timely means to increase efficiency in the delivery of buildings, while maximising the expected environmental service performance. In order to achieve high performance and low cost, these products require manufacturability and supply chain knowledge to be integrated earlier than usual in the design process. Knowledge-Based Engineering (KBE) applications can potentially fulfil this need by providing a digital Product Model that informs designers about manufacturability aspects and expected performance. This paper explores the currently available digital tools, as well as KBE and its applicability in façade design. It is first demonstrated that there is a fundamental gap in state-of-the-art digital tools: rather than integrating design principles and manufacturing constraints, existing and emerging tools continue to focus on single disciplines with no consideration for the actual manufacturing stage. The applicability of KBE is then evaluated by reviewing the current use of this approach in the building and other industries, namely, aerospace and shipbuilding. It is found that, although KBE is rarely used in façade design, there are significant opportunities for it to be applied in this sector, due to the similarity in terms of design tasks and priorities with the two other industries reviewed in this paper.

A Feature-based Concept for Decision Support to Cope with Product Variety

Industrial companies face the situation that customers demand more and more individualized products. This results in an increasing number of product variations and in batch sizes which tend to one. The essential decisions to ensure resource efficiency in this context are part of the product development. It has to be decided if it is possible to fulfill customers’ requirements by adapting existing products and parts, or if a new design is necessary. On the one hand, this is a technical question, but on the other hand, it is important to be able to estimate the costs of such decisions reliably. State of the art is that relevant information is spread across a company in different information systems and rarely available within an appropriate time. But an important step to support such decisions is to identify similarities between products based on their technical properties and to combine this with relevant economic information. This paper proposes a concept for the aforesaid task.The applied methodology is based on the design science approach: Various interviews with experts from German industrial companies deliver the requirements for the concept. The approach uses feature-technology which is the basis of the digital product model. Each part is described completely by the total amount of all features and their corresponding parameters. Features extracted from computer aided design (CAD) systems and loaded into a Business Intelligence infrastructure offer the possibility to analyze various parts on the feature-level.The results reveal that Business Intelligence is able to provide an adequate basis for decision-making in this context. It is possible to combine the relevant manufacturing and economic information with original product data from engineering and, therefore, to deal with an increasing product variety.

Research on Image Reconstruction Algorithm ICT Based

For complex structure of the product parts, we can have the aid of ICT measurement equipment to obtain the product slice images, use the analytical calculation, digital image-processing and CAD software to establish the product geometric model. This paper focused on the digital product model which was obtained by the digital image processing of ICT slices. Used the FDK reconstruction algorithm to deal with the tapered beam of counter projection problem, improved the efficiency and shorten the reconstruction time.

Strategy for Testing Conformance to Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing Standards

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) information is created as part of the design process. Today, that process is performed using computer-aided design systems, which generate 3D digital product models. GD&T information is created and stored as an integral part of those models. In many industries, the goal is to reuse GD&T to drive downstream activities including engineering, analysis, production, and inspection. To achieve this goal, the software applications associated with those activities must be able to exchange and interpret GD&T information correctly and, to the extent possible, automatically. To facilitate that exchange and interpretation, ASME and ISO developed information standards for defining, representing, and presenting GD&T information. The complexity of those standards, however, frequently causes both exchange and interpretation errors. Those errors can result in significant delays and cost overruns. This paper presents a strategy for testing conformance to ISO and ASME GD&T standards. That strategy includes a testing architecture, testing requirements, test cases, and coverage analysis.

Application of Data Maturity in Product Development Process Control

In the concurrent and collaborative product development process, the realization of quantitative analysis and overall control of the development process management is the key and the difficulties in the current study. Through describes the concept and role of data maturity, a new methods to quantitative analysis and overall control of collaborative product development process based on the idea of data maturity was proposed in this paper. Base on the explanation of the theory of data maturity to control the process, the differences and relationship between data maturity and milestone was analyzed. The division method of data maturity level was discussed, and the corresponding relationship between each data maturity level and completion degree of the digital product model was illustrated also. In addition, the overall form of the product collaborative development process based on data maturity was provided. Finally, the detailed process between product structure design, process design and tooling design driven by each data maturity were explored, which realized the quantitative analysis and overall control of the product development process.

Trends Influencing the Growth of Digital Textbooks in US Higher Education

Over the next 5 years, digital textbook sales in the United States will surpass 25% of combined new textbook sales for the Higher Education and Career Education markets. Moreover, we expect digital to be the dominant form factor in Higher Education textbooks inside of 7 years. This growth in digital textbooks will boost revenues in excess of $1.5 billion within 5 years (Private: Digital Textbooks Reach the Tipping Point in the US Higher Education—A Revised 5-Year Projection). This growth will also create avenues for new digital product models, allow new content publishers to enter the textbook market, lead to fundamental shifts in purchasing patterns around learning materials, and expedite the formal adoption of open educational resources to augment premium digital content.

Digital Design of Planetary Gear Mechanism of Thin Seam Shearer Cutting Department

Planetary gear mechanism has compact structure,high single-stage transmission ratio,high loading capacity and efficiency. The volume of planetary gear mechanism influenced coal loading efficiency of thin seam shearer drum.With regard to this, digital product model,digital simulation and simulation were combined to design the planetary gear mechanism of shearer cutting department. It can improve designing efficiency and reliability of planetary gear mechanism，and enhanced coal loading efficiency of shearer drum.

Development of energy-efficient products: Models, methods and IT support

Abstract The article proposes an IT system for product development that integrates product structures, digital product models, and methods that incorporate concerns for energy efficiency. The entire product development process is based on a property-driven design approach that is adapted to a design considering energy efficiency. By an energy-oriented target costing, energy design goals as well as costs can be controlled. The integration of product models including information about energy consumption can be achieved by a system ontology. The IT system proposed combines an enterprise application architecture with workflow modeling and management to support product development processes taking energy efficiency into account.

The implementation of a sketch-based virtual product development

Within the product development process, working in virtual environments is generally applied. Thus, the digital product model in its different stages is an essential prerequisite for the virtual modeling and simulation of manufacturing processes. Product development starts with conceptual design including the concepts for shape and function. The conceptual designers work on fuzzy product data applied to perception modeling and shape creation. For some time now, there has been a strong demand to define creative human problem solving in conceptual design as a task of virtual product development and to assist the process simultaneously through the use of appropriate digital models and virtual methods. This paper reports on R&D results concerned with integration of the process of conceptual design based on traditional aids, such as freehand paper sketches, in virtual environments. Until now, it has not been possible to work iteratively with both freehand sketches and digital product models. This paper describes how to interpret product descriptions in freehand sketches and to transfer them to digital three-dimensional models, e.g. in order to visualize, calculate and evaluate shapes to the development of computer-aided design (CAD) models. The methods combine an image-based modeling strategy with conventional CAD modeling strategies.