Intelligent Computer Methods for Modeling of Manufacturing Processes and Human Intent

Abstract

This paper presents a novel methodology for modeling manufacturing processes of mechanical parts. The aim was to develop a manufacturing process model that describes all possible process variants in a single model and involves generic process description for a cluster of manufacturing tasks. It must be fit into the product model concept. A four-level generic manufacturing process model has been developed by using Petri net representation for model entities. Advanced shape models do not describe the intent of the designer and other information that is necessary for the application of the model. As a contribution to solving this problem, we propose a methodology for attaching designer intent information and knowledge to geometric and form feature models. This improves communication between the product designer and production engineer. First, the importance of the manufacturing process model and its interconnections with other product related models are emphasized. Then, the structure, entities, creating, evaluation, and application of the manufacturing process model are explained. Next, product and production process modeling procedures are analyzed from the point of view of design intent information to be transferred between product designers and manufacturing engineers. Finally, characteristics of communication between engineers and modeling of human intent are outlined.