Integrated knowledge-based approach and system for product design for assembly

Abstract

Due to the complexity of assembly and product design, there is an increasing need to integrate artificial intelligence (AI), e.g., expert systems, more harmoniously with the designer intelligence for maximum benefits from expediting advanced design, automation and manufacturing. This paper discusses a knowledge-based approach and an expert system (DFAES) for integrated product design for assembly (DFA), which concurrently integrates product design, assembly modelling and process planning, assemblability analysis and evaluation. Key issues on the development of DFAES are addressed in greater detail, which include the system structure, knowledge representation, knowledge base design, problem solving paradigms, knowledge base management system and knowledge acquisition. DFAES integrates frame-based representation, constraint-based language, rule-based reasoning, truth-maintenance systems and object-oriented composite values, and has an interface to analysis and evaluation program, database and CAD systems. Fuzzy logic-based knowledge representation and inference technique are also applied to deal with uncertainties in both data and knowledge in DFAES. This intelligent system is able to provide users with suggestions to improve a design and also to offer design ideas. The concurrent engineering knowledge can be effectively incorporated into the preliminary design process through the use of the developed approach and system. The applications in assembly design show that the integrated approach and intelligent system are feasible.