Use Case: Enhancing Operability, Maintainability, and Manufacturability with VR Solutions from TechViz
In the design of complex products or facilities, ensuring that they can be operated, maintained, and manufactured efficiently is essential. Traditional methods involve creating physical prototypes to test accessibility, assembly, and maintenance processes, which can be both time-consuming and costly. With TechViz’s VR technology, development teams can assess and refine these critical aspects in a virtual environment, allowing for a more efficient and flexible design process that reduces costs, mitigates risks, and enhances overall operational reliability.
TechViz provides VR solutions that allow design teams to conduct operability, maintainability, and manufacturability assessments at the early stages of development. By visualizing digital 3D models in VR, engineers can simulate and test reachability, accessibility, and assembly scenarios in confined environments. These virtual simulations enable design adjustments to be made in real-time, which greatly reduces the need for physical mock-ups and accelerates time-to-market.
By visualizing 3D models of a product or facility, engineers can assess how easily operators can reach and interact with essential components. This feature is essential in the design of tight spaces, such as submarine compartments or aircraft engines, where ease of access is critical.
VR allows for the simulation of maintenance tasks, helping teams evaluate whether technicians can replace, repair, or maintain components without obstruction. This feature reduces potential downtime and prepares operators to address adverse events by testing their response in various scenarios.
TechViz enables remote collaboration within VR, allowing support engineers and on-site technicians to work together on maintenance tasks in a safe, virtual environment. This is particularly beneficial for complex, hazardous environments, as it reduces risks and enhances preparedness.
With TechViz, changes made to the 3D model in design software (e.g., PTC Creo) are immediately displayed in VR, enabling teams to test and validate configurations in real-time. This rapid iteration cycle eliminates delays that are typically associated with physical mock-ups or model conversions.
Assess the accessibility and operability of components in complex installations, such as submarines or engine compartments.
Using VR, the design team can load a 3D model of the installation, allowing engineers to evaluate reachability and the ease with which operators can access critical components. If an issue is detected, modifications can be made in the CAD software and visualized instantly in VR.
Improved Operational Reliability : Early detection of accessibility issues allows for design adjustments that enhance operational reliability.
Enhanced Safety : Potentially hazardous accessibility challenges are addressed before construction, ensuring a safer final product.
Validate the feasibility of maintenance tasks in confined or challenging environments.
Maintenance scenarios are simulated in VR, where a virtual technician can be used to test ergonomic postures, accessibility, and task execution. Teams can assess and adjust designs based on real-time VR feedback, optimizing the layout for easier maintenance.
Cost Savings and Reduced Downtime : Avoiding physical mock-ups and reducing the need for maintenance-related modifications post-production cuts costs and prevents operational delays.
Enhanced Preparedness:Simulated adverse events allow teams to prepare for unexpected incidents, reducing direct maintenance costs and improving response readiness.
Streamline the assembly process by identifying and addressing manufacturing challenges early.
TechViz’s VR allows designers to simulate the assembly sequence and test different configurations for optimal manufacturability. Teams can ensure that all parts are reachable and easily assembled within the designated space, minimizing errors during actual production.
Accelerated Time-to-Market: Virtual assessments reduce the need for physical prototypes and allow faster modifications, supporting a quicker transition from design to production.
Efficient Resource Allocation: Identifying and resolving manufacturability issues virtually saves materials and labor costs.
Enable remote assistance for maintenance tasks, particularly useful in isolated or hazardous facilities.
Through VR collaboration tools, off-site engineers and on-site technicians can meet in the virtual model of an installation. The engineering team can guide the technician through the necessary steps, reducing risks and minimizing downtime.
Enhanced Safety: Remote guidance lowers the risks associated with complex maintenance tasks in hazardous environments.
Reduced Operational Downtime: Real-time troubleshooting and support ensure quicker resolutions to maintenance issues.
