def update_flank_modifications(self, flankmods):
        """
        Set modifications-attribute of class, update current value

        INPUT parameter:
        flankmods : dictionary, containing flank modification data of gear
                    for content, see method __init__
        """

        tempmods = self.modifications.copy()
        tempmods.update(flankmods)
        self.__init__(self.data, tempmods)