基于知识的互感器产品快速设计技术

根据互感器产品设计的特点,本文讨论了基于KBE的互感器产品快速设计技术系统的实现。该系统在已有的设计经验和工程知识的支持下,有效地减少了设计错误,降低了生产成本,使产品开发周期缩短了三分之一。实例应用表明,知识驱动的特征设计方法可以大大提高企业新产品开发的效率,增强企业对市场的反映能力。     

Issues for integrating knowledge in new product development: reflections from an empirical study

With increased market pressures now imposed on companies there is a greater requirement for information and knowledge to be considered as fundamental resources; the need to rapidly provide high quality products of high performance and reliability is forcing companies to change the way in which they manage them. The goal of this paper is to identify the pertinent research issues that will need to be considered in order for knowledge (and information) to be successfully integrated into future product development. This will be achieved by presenting the key findings from empirical and simulation studies of information and knowledge access in engineering design, within a number of different design activities. In particular, this will show the extent to which engineers rely on their personal knowledge.     

Development of technology for customer requirement-based reference design retrieval

Engineering design is a knowledge-intensive process, and includes conceptual design, detailed design, engineering analysis, assembly design, process design, and performance evaluation. Each task involves various aspects of knowledge and experience. Whether this knowledge and experience can be effectively shared is key to increasing product development capability and quality, and also to reducing the duration and cost of the development cycle. Therefore, offering engineering designers various query methods for retrieving engineering knowledge is one of the most important tasks in engineering knowledge management.The study develops a technology for customer requirement-based reference design retrieval to provide engineering designers with easy access to relevant design and associated knowledge. The tasks involved in this research include (i) designing a customer requirement-based reference design retrieval process, (ii) developing techniques related to the technology for customer requirement-based reference design retrieval, and (iii) implementing a customer requirement-based reference design retrieval mechanism. The retrieval process comprises the steps of customer requirement-based query, case searching and matching, and case ranking. The technology involves (1) a structured query model for customer requirement, (2) an index structure for historical design cases, (3) customer requirement-based case searching and matching mechanisms, (4) a customer requirement-based case ranking mechanism, and (5) a case-based representation of designed entities.     

A framework for management of Knowledge-Based Engineering applications as software services: Enabling personalization and codification

Literature on Knowledge-Based Engineering (KBE) has identified challenges concerning the personalization and codification of knowledge for new product development, such as maintaining the quality, accessibility and traceability of knowledge for inspection, review and re-use, as well as managing the life-cycle of KBE applications and the knowledge contained within these applications. This paper reports on the development of a framework that realizes the management of Knowledge-Based Engineering (KBE) applications as software services, and in doing so supports the codification and personalization of knowledge that is used in performing knowledge-intensive product development tasks. The developed framework supports the elicitation and structuring of design and manufacturing knowledge, provides the capacity to run KBE applications as remote software services, and facilitates the distribution and lifecycle management of KBE applications and the underlying knowledge. A ‘learning by doing’ approach is supported where knowledge can both be personalized and codified as design progresses and new insights are gained. The framework has been successfully applied in an industrial use case that considers the conceptual design of composite aircraft wing covers.     

Estimation of aircraft component production cost using knowledge based engineering techniques

A comprehensive method is presented to estimate aircraft component production costs using Knowledge Based Engineering (KBE) techniques. A suite of parametrical cost estimation blocks are treated as Cost Primitives (CPs), which contain attributes such as cost types, cost driving parameters, and cost estimation relationships. A CP is associated with a parameterized geometry and a set of specific design parameters including part/assembly types, materials and production methods. Production cost is estimated by aggregating the cost of different CPs within a tree structure integrating both product breakdown and cost breakdown structures. The cost analysis tool is integrated into a KBE application by building Capability Modules (CMs), which provide manufacturable geometric representations for cost estimation and can be used to summarize output reports for further optimization. Case studies concerning stiffened panels are carried out, verifying the accuracy of the cost estimation method and illustrating the applicability of this method together with the integrated KBE application for various aircraft components. The main contribution of this research is automating the cost integration in the design process to improve the fidelity, repeatability and traceability of cost analysis.     

On technology for functional requirement-based reference design retrieval in engineering knowledge management

Engineering design is a knowledge-intensive process, and includes conceptual design, detailed design, engineering analysis, assembly design, process design, and performance evaluation. Each of these tasks involves various aspects of technical knowledge and experience. Whether this technical knowledge and experience can be effectively shared is key to increasing product development capability and quality, and also to reducing the duration and cost of the development cycle. Consequently, providing engineering designers various query methods for retrieving engineering knowledge is one of the most important tasks in engineering knowledge management.The study develops a technology for functional requirement-based reference design retrieval as a decision support mechanism, which can assist engineering designers to retrieve relevant design and associated knowledge for reference in conducting functional requirements of a product. This study involves the following tasks: (i) designing a functional requirement-based reference design retrieval process, (ii) developing techniques related to the technology for functional requirement-based reference design retrieval, and (iii) implementing a functional requirement-based reference design retrieval mechanism. The retrieval process includes the steps of functional requirement-based query, case searching and matching, and case ranking. The technology involves (i) a structured query model for functional requirements, (ii) an index structures for historical design cases, (iii) functional requirement-based case searching and matching mechanisms, (iv) a functional requirement-based case ranking mechanism, and (v) a case-based representation of designed entities. Finally, the experimental example with indexing and retrieving similar designed entities is conducted to demonstrate the proposed techniques worked efficiently.     

Fixture knowledge model development and implementation based on a functional design approach

The development of a knowledge model applied to fixture design is a complex task. The main purpose of such model is the development of a knowledge-based application to assist fixture designers. It comprises a detailed specification of the types and structures of data involved in the execution of the inference process needed to create a fixture solution for machining a raw part. A development method together with a knowledge model for automating fixture design is proposed. The development was divided into three parts: Design Process Model, definition of Top-level functional functions and Product Knowledge Model. Adopting a functional design approach, the fixture design solution was created in two levels: functional and detailed. The functional level is based on fixture functional elements and the detailed one is based on fixture commercial elements. The definitions and concepts used in the application are specified in several Units of Knowledge (UoK) that comprises the Fixture Knowledge Model. Common Knowledge Analysis and Design Structuring (CommonKADS), Methodology and software tools Oriented to KBE Applications (MOKA), Integrated DEFinition for Function Modelling (IDEF0) and Unified Modelling Language (UML) are the methodologies and techniques used in the proposed method. Finally, a prototype KBE application for fixture design was developed.     

基于知识的CAD系统的体系结构和关键技术的理论与实践

工程设计是一个知识驱动的创造性过程,KBE技术是促进工程设计智能化的重要途径。本文在深入总结前人研究工作的基础上,系统地论述了基于知识的CAD系统的基本内涵、体系结构和相关的关键技术。产品建模的核心问题是建立相关的知识模型和计算模型。本文对知识模型和计算模型,以及它们之间的关系进行了分析。     

The evolution of knowledge-based engineering from a design research perspective: Literature review 2012–2021

Knowledge-based engineering (KBE) is a research field, which evolved in the 1980s within the context of artificial intelligence (AI), computer aided design (CAD) and computer programming. KBE is often referred to methods, processes and tools for knowledge reuse and design automation promising time and cost benefits in engineering design and originally especially in aerospace and automotive industry. Despite the long period of existence, theoretical foundations of KBE are weak and scientific literature is quite dispersed. About a decade ago, a review by Verhagen et al. collected the state of research and identified future research challenges, which has gained impact within the KBE research community. Therefore, within our review we aim at analysing the evolution of those research challenges in KBE literature during the last decade and further provide an overview of current shortcomings from a design research perspective. The analysis comprises 160 publications from the period of 2012 to 2021. Key findings from the review show, that the challenges from 2012 remain unsolved. We further derived that reuse and adoption of KBE approaches from literature is impeded by (1) a missing conceptualization of KBE research, (2) insufficient links from knowledge source to automation and (3) a tendency of insufficient distinction of the application area.     

A RFBSE model for capturing engineers’ useful knowledge and experience during the design process

Reuse of designers’ knowledge and experience of solving problems during the engineering design process holds the key to increase efficiency of decision making in future projects. An important part of this useful knowledge and experience is the interpretation of data and information about design objects and processes as well as the generation of new information for decision-making. However, previous studies on knowledge representation models have mainly focused on developing a structure to describe the knowledge about design objects and design processes while a systematic method that can effectively integrate knowledge about design objects and knowledge about problem-solving strategies is still missing. To fill this gap, a RFBSE knowledge representation model for capturing useful design knowledge and experience for future reuse is developed and evaluated in this study. This paper describes the key elements of this model, explains the rationale of using particular elements, and discusses the evaluation of the model using an engineering design example.     

A framework to integrate design knowledge reuse and requirements management in engineering design

This paper presents a framework to integrate requirements management and design knowledge reuse. The research approach begins with a literature review in design reuse and requirements management to identify appropriate methods within each domain. A framework is proposed based on the identified requirements. The framework is then demonstrated using a case study example: vacuum pump design. Requirements are presented as a component of the integrated design knowledge framework. The proposed framework enables the application of requirements management as a dynamic process, including capture, analysis and recording of requirements. It takes account of the evolving requirements and the dynamic nature of the interaction between requirements and product structure through the various stages of product development.     

Design engineering—a need to rethink the solution using knowledge based engineering

This paper discusses the current limitations of Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools and reports on the use of knowledge Based Engineering (KBE) in the creation of a concept development tool, to organise information flow and as an architecture for the effective implementation of rapid design solutions. The KBE tool along with supporting analytical solutions has been applied to the Body-In-White area of automotive design. The present methods of using CAD and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) systems do not use a unified product/process model representation and lead to the creation of separate non-relation data models that only capture the result of the engineering process. The KBE method unifies the engineering intent into a single model that allows for existing or novel design solutions to be assessed. These design solutions can then represent themselves in the correct form to the analysis systems. Automeshing is achieved using a rule-base that meshes the model with respect to the analysis solution required, materials and processes.     

Research on an active knowledge push service based on collaborative intent capture

The quality of a knowledge service influences the quality, efficiency and innovation of product conceptual design. Existing approaches lack intelligence and individuation when providing a knowledge retrieval service via rules and cases. In this paper, we propose a framework of an active knowledge service based on collaborative intent capture to assist product conceptual design. First, a collaborative intent capture model is constructed through the study of the expression and capture of collaborative intent; second, a framework and a process of active knowledge push based on collaborative intent capture are designed after analyzing the method of knowledge resources acquisition based on the constraint satisfaction theory. Finally, match algorithms for text content are studied. Based on the above research achievements, a prototype system of a collaborative design and active knowledge service platform (C-AKSP) has been developed for providing a knowledge service and assisting product conceptual design. An example, the conceptual design of a machine tool spindle system, is used to validate the proposed theories for the model, the framework and the algorithm. As a result, C-AKSP can provide a superior knowledge service that meets the designer's knowledge needs.     

Knowledge integration and sharing for collaborative molding product design and process development

This study presents a systematic approach to developing a knowledge integration and sharing mechanism for collaborative molding product design and process development. The proposed approach includes the steps of (i) collaborative molding product design and process development process modeling, (ii) an ontology-based knowledge model establishment, (iii) knowledge integration and sharing system framework design, (iv) ontology-based knowledge integration and sharing methods development, and (v) ontology-based knowledge integration and sharing mechanism implementation. The mechanism can support collaborative molding product design and process development by providing functions of knowledge integration and sharing. Results of this study facilitate the knowledge integration and sharing of collaborative molding product design and process development to satisfy the product knowledge demands of participants, and thus increase molding product development capability, reduce molding product development cycle time and cost, and ultimately increase molding product marketability.     

基于KBE的模具型腔设计系统

为了解决模具型腔设计过程中信息集成和知识经验共享问题,提出将基于知识的工程（knowledge basedengineering,KBE）技术引入模具的型腔设计过程,并构造了基于KBE的模具型腔设计系统,其中充分采用了特征技术和知识工程技术.特征技术主要解决模具型腔设计各阶段的信息集成问题,而知识工程技术则主要解决模具型腔设计过程中的知识共享问题.研究结果表明,通过在模具型腔设计过程中引入KBE技术,可以有效地提高模具型腔设计的设计效率,加快模具开发的进程.     

An intelligent system for automatic layout routing in aerospace design

This paper discusses the development of an intelligent routing system for automating design of electrical wiring harnesses and pipes in aircraft. The system employs knowledge based engineering (KBE) methods and technologies for capturing and implementing rules and engineering knowledge relating to the routing process. The system reads a mesh of three dimensional structure and obstacles falling within a given search space and connects source and target terminals satisfying a knowledge base of design rules and best practices. Routed paths are output as computer aided design (CAD) readable geometry, and a finite element (FE) mesh consisting of geometry, routed paths and a knowledge layer providing detail of the rules and knowledge implemented in the process. Use of this intelligent routing system provides structure to the routing design process and has potential to deliver significant savings in time and cost.     

The smooth (tractor) operator: insights of knowledge engineering

The design of and training for complex systems requires in-depth understanding of task demands imposed on users. In this project, we used the knowledge engineering approach (Bowles et al., 2004) to assess the task of mowing in a citrus grove. Knowledge engineering is divided into four phases: (1) Establish goals. We defined specific goals based on the stakeholders involved. The main goal was to identify operator demands to support improvement of the system. (2) Create a working model of the system. We reviewed product literature, analyzed the system, and conducted expert interviews. (3) Extract knowledge. We interviewed tractor operators to understand their knowledge base. (4) Structure knowledge. We analyzed and organized operator knowledge to inform project goals. We categorized the information and developed diagrams to display the knowledge effectively. This project illustrates the benefits of knowledge engineering as a qualitative research method to inform technology design and training.     

基于知识工程的UG二次开发

在知识工程(KBE)与CAD技术的结合已成为先进制造与自动化技术的发展趋势情况下,运用知识熔接技术将KBE与UG系统集成,对知识工程的系统模型进行了调查研究.通过UG系统二次开发工具UG/MenuScript,UG/UIStyler等研究了知识驱动在产品设计过程中,在工程经验及设计制造规则的知识继承和提高效率方面的重要作用,验证了该方法的可行性和高效性.