Knowledge-Based Engineering Systems Research Articles

Interoperability within Multi-Agent System

Heuristic computing has consolidated into two streams of research (personification software and smart products) [1]. Cognitive Science is one of these fields and is attracting research effort based on Multi-Agent System (MAS). This research requires the formation of a voluntarily trust relationship in order for collaboration to occur, otherwise the imposed goal(s) may be aborted or fail completely [2,3]. An Agent Transportation Layer Adaption System (ATLAS) communications framework has been constructed to pass messages between separate agent systems. Discussion about confined frameworks have recently been extended to enable individual students associated with our Knowledge-Based and Intellingent Information and Engineering Systems (KES) Centre to fast track the development of their research concepts. A Plug 'n' Play concept based on a multi-agent blackboard architecture forms the basis of this research. This paper highlights the core architecture, we believe is required for Multi-Agent System (MAS) developers to achieve such flexibility. Agent teams can provide the ability to adapt and dynamically organize. The model described, concentrates on the blackboard design constructs to represents all functional blocks required to automate the processes required to complete any decomposed goals. Discussion in this paper is limited to the formative work within the foundation layers of that framework.

Architecture of a knowledge based engineering system for weight and cost estimation for a composite airplane structures

This paper presents the architecture of the knowledge based engineering system which has been developed for estimation of weight and cost. It mainly discusses knowledge implementation in the knowledge base and knowledge processing in the inference engine to obtain weight and cost estimates. The inference engine extracts geometric data from a geometric model in CATIA V5 and processes the knowledge using the geometric data. Fuzzy logic is used for indiscrete knowledge. It also recognizes the flanges of a part and measures part complexity. The system automates the design process of weight and cost estimation including structural analysis.

Processing Knowledge to Support Knowledge-based Engineering Systems Specification

During design phase, engineering activities typically involve large groups of people from different domains and disciplines. These differences often generate important information flows that are difficult to manage. To face these difficulties, a knowledge engineering process is necessary to structure the information and its use This article, presents a deployment of a knowledge capitalization process based on the enrichment of Methodology and tools Oriented to Knowledge based engineering Applications methodology to support the integration of Process Planning knowledge in a CAD System. Our goal is to help different actors to work collaboratively by proposing one referential view of the domain, the context and the objectives assuming that it will help them in better decision-making.

Development of a knowledge-based engineering system for diagnosis and alleviation of defects in aluminium welding

Defects in aluminium welding that may contribute to the loss of properties comprise cracks, porosity, inclusions, incomplete fusion and penetration, imperfect shape or unacceptable contour, and miscellaneous other defects. Due to the complicated nature of the aluminium welding process, defect formation could be attributed to an infinite number of causes, ranging from process obscurities, inconsistent production procedures, and defective materials to human errors. Therefore, since high quality in aluminium welding is affected by multiple quantitative and chiefly qualitative parameters, aluminium welding requires a sophisticated defect analysis system. A knowledge-based engineering system named WeldES was developed for this purpose and is described in the present work. The WeldES system aims to be used as an industrial tool for the identification, assessment, and correction of defects in the aluminium welding process. The system consists of two modules: the diagnostic module and the adviser module.

Knowledge acquisition and documentation for the development of a KBE system for automated FE analysis

Knowledge Based Engineering (KBE) is now being used in the area of Finite Element Analysis (FEA). To undertake any KBE initiative requires a large amount of information. This paper describes the process undertaken to acquire the knowledge for an automated analysis system. This has highlighted that a time consuming part of creating such a system was the knowledge acquisition and documentation process as it was undertaken by a knowledge engineer who did not have understanding of the problem domain. The creation of the system would have been enhanced if the researchers creating it had also undertaken the knowledge acquisition process.

Review of Knowledge Based Engineering with PLM

This paper starts with an analysis of the need for knowledge based engineering (KBE) system based on typical domain-specific engineering products. It looks back the history of KBE and exams the general structure of KBE systems. It then reviews the current development, particularly the knowledge representation in a KBE system, followed by a discussion of the shortcomings regarding to the maintenance and excessive cost of integrations with other digital tools. Finally it recommends the characteristics of a genuine KBE system and the standardization of KBE applications, particularly the internal knowledge representation standards and knowledge-based system interface standards with CAx systems and PLM solutions.

Study of Knowledge-Based Engineering (KBE) Technology for the Cutting of Large Containers

The combination of metal cutting theory, computer technology and expert knowledge was used to study the use of knowledge-based engineering (KBE) for cutting large containers. This report includes information on the acquirement, expression, and inference and management of KBE. The structure of the KBE system was established by selecting the principles of processing parameters and optimizing the model of machining data and by using the method of expressing knowledge of combining producing type with frame type and by using the software SQL server 2000. The inferential mechanism of every functional module in the system was realized by applying the software, VC++ 6.0. The KBE technology will help technicians to share expert knowledge and experience, and to optimize cutting parameters to intellectualize cutting design and machining.

DESIGN INFORMATION HANDLING IN A KNOWLEDGE BASED INTELLIGENT DESIGN SYSTEM

The advancements in internet technology have had a tremendous impact on the development of knowledge-based engineering systems that support concurrent engineering. Not only the conventional knowledge acquisition and representation techniques need to be improved to adapt the new situation, but the information retrieval and distribution have arisen to be new questions to answer. This article addresses these issues of management and handling of knowledge in a knowledge-based intelligent design system. A search algorithm based on the computation of a similarity index is proposed to retrieve a design case from the project library. An initial design report is used to distribute design information so that the information such as a designer's intent which cannot be included in a standard CAD file, can be retained. In addition, a simple constraint definition frame is presented to define the relationships between critical design parameters, and two information representation schemas, information matrix and constraint tree, are described. The presented research efforts in this article aim to provide promising tools to harness the full potential of ontologies in knowledge management within an intelligent design system.

Development of a fuzzy FMEA based product design system

The demand for high-quality and low-cost products with short development time in the dynamic global market has forced researchers and industries to focus on various effective product development strategies. The authors are carrying out research studies to explore the applicability of fuzzy logic and knowledge-based systems technologies to today’s competitive product design and development, with an emphasis on the design of high quality products at the conceptual design stage. A framework of a fuzzy FMEA (failure modes and rffects analysis) based evaluation approach for new product concepts is proposed in this paper. Based on the proposed approach and methodologies, a prototype system named EPDS-1, which can assist inexperienced users to perform FMEA analysis for quality and reliability improvement, alternative design evaluation, materials selection, and cost assessment, thus helping to enhance robustness of new products at the conceptual design stage. This paper presents the underlying concepts of the development and shows the practical application with the prototype system with a case study.

Strategic Development of Factories under the Influence of Emergent Technologies

Structure and management of factories are heavily influenced by the implementation of emergent technologies and objectives for economic efficiency in the turbulent environment. A generic model of Technology Management for the development of factories constitutes the kernel of this paper. It includes trends of technologies and industrial priorities for research which have been defined in the European Road-Mapping Process for the Manufuture Platform. The investigations and road-mapping processes lead to structural changes towards new generations of adaptable factories - engineered with knowledge-based engineering systems and operating in an ubiquitous information and communication (Grid Manufacturing) environment. The paper shows the paradigms of holistic production systems (factories as products).

Research on aluminium profile extrusion product development intelligent decision support system

In this paper, three new engineering technologies, namely, Concurrent Engineering (CE), Knowledge-Based Engineering (KBE) and Decision Support System (DSS) are applied to aluminium profile product development. And a new mode of product development is put forward. The mode integrates technologies such as concurrence and system optimisation of CE, engineering intelligentising of KBE and new decision-making mechanism of DSS. All the development tasks and subsystems are integrated efficiently and executed concurrently. Domain knowledge from different sources is fused closely with whole process. And by harmonious cooperation with computer system, engineer can obtain rational and optimised solutions more easily. On the basis of this mode, a prototype system of product development Intelligent Decision Support System (IDSS) is established. In this paper, the system frame and some key technologies are introduced.

Can C-K theory apply to Knowledge-Based Engineering systems?

The aim of this study is to provide a framework for the development of an interactive system for assistance to collaborative design. This framework provides to designers a tool to formalise design knowledge in order to share and reuse the active resources of the design. The study of domain knowledge models was based on a new theory of design known as C-K theory (Hatchuel and Weil, 2002). This theory is based on the distinction between the concept space and the knowledge space in integrated design. It stipulates that design oscillates from one space to another by co-building the product and knowledge which supports it. In this paper, we implement DeSIgn with KnOwledge VERsioning (DISKOVER) knowledge models as an application of the C-K theory operators. Those models are based on three knowledge levels, which are split into a product models (concepts) and design process models, otherwise knowledge that describe the product. The impact of versioning on the instantiation of DISKOVER knowledge models to C-K design theory was also studied in this research.

Knowledge‐based systems: a re‐evaluation

PurposeThe goal of this paper is to re‐evaluate the role of knowledge‐based systems (KBS) in knowledge management (KM). While knowledge‐based systems and expert systems were widely used in the past, they have now fallen from favor and are largely ignored in the knowledge management literature. This paper aims to argue that several factors have changed and it is now time to re‐evaluate the contribution that such systems can make to knowledge management.Design/methodology/approachThe role of KBS in KM is explored through a comprehensive analysis of both the management and the technical literature on knowledge. The literature on KBS and expert systems is reviewed and some of the problems faced by them are highlighted. Some of the probable causes of these problems and some of the solutions that might be used to overcome them are indicated. The paper describes how knowledge systems (KS) could be used as an effective tool for managing knowledge.FindingsThe lack of success of KBS technologies for managing knowledge is mainly due to organizational and managerial issues. These problems can be solved through feasibility studies before system development activities. KS technology is now being successfully applied in a variety of newer domains that exploit its capabilities.Practical implicationsSome conclusions are drawn concerning integration of knowledge systems with knowledge management, problems of the early implementation of knowledge systems technology, and possible solution to overcome these problems.Originality/valueThe main contribution of the article is in re‐evaluating the role of knowledge‐based systems as a tool for knowledge management.

Knowledge-based strategies and information system technologies: preliminary findings

Knowledge-Based (KB) strategies are being recognised as a vital factor of business strategy. Still, there is limited empirical research in this young academic field. This research intends to add to the limited empirical research in the area of Knowledge Management (KM) and Information Systems (IS) technologies. This research uses a recently proposed framework to analyse the relationship between six KB strategic dimensions, organisational culture, and IS technologies. The results indicated that two KB strategies had a positive association with a number of IS technologies, but not all types of IS technologies. Further, only one IS technology showed statistically significant association with one of the outcomes tested.

4216 磁気ディスク装置設計支援KBEシステムの開発(J16 設計における情報共有・ナレッジマネジメント,J16 設計における情報共有・ナレッジマネジメント)

4216 磁気ディスク装置設計支援KBEシステムの開発(J16 設計における情報共有・ナレッジマネジメント,J16 設計における情報共有・ナレッジマネジメント)

Knowledge-Based Engineering System for Designing Automotive Fuel Pump Module

We developed a knowledge-based engineering system for designing automotive fuel pump module. This system enables fuel pump module to be designed faster with greater reliability. The system has following four main features : (1) database that enables systematic organization of design knowledge, (2) a design process navigator that guides design procedures, (3) a structural evaluation tool that supports the setting of boundary condition for finite element method (FEM) analysis, and (4) fuel gauge character design and suction performance simulator that are connected to a 3 dimensional computer aided design (3 D-CAD) tool. The effectiveness and reliability of the system was confirmed by designing a test fuel pump module. The total design time was decreased by 1 690 minutes less than manual operation, and the system contributed to improvements in design reliability.

Intelligent manipulation and calibration of parameters for hydrological models

It would be greatly helpful to neophytes if knowledge-based system technology incorporating the existing heuristic knowledge about model manipulation can be integrated into the hydrological system. This paper delineates the development and implementation of a prototype knowledge-based system for model manipulation for hydrological processes by employing an expert system shell. The architecture and main components of the system are presented. The prototype system is verified and validated in two real watershed applications. It helps inexperienced users of hydrological models make the right choice of the appropriate model and/or direct the users throughout the calibration process.

Applying knowledge-based engineering to traditional manufacturing design

The paper outlines the development of a knowledge-based engineering (KBE) system for hot forging design using state–of–the–art technology and the Internet. The benefits of a KBE approach over a traditional design process are emphasized. The aim of the proposed KBE system is to integrate the hot forging design process into a single framework for capturing knowledge and experience of design engineers. The KBE application guides the design engineer through different stages of the design process enabling the generation of forgeable geometry from a component profile taking into account machine, material and forging company specific data, and design considerations.

Knowledge Based Engineering System to Estimate Manufacturing Cost for Composite Structures

Acosting application utilizing the knowledge-based-engineering environment inCATIAV5 has been developed in this research. The application can be used to estimate the cost of an assembly of composite components modeled in CATIA V5 during the initial conceptual design phase. The assembly cost is determined by extracting manufacturing process costings from a process cost analysis database. The tool uses design rules for aerospace structures to add detail to a conceptual design enabling an estimate of the cost to be determined. In addition, the tool can modify the structures to achieve the design goal of compliance with performance criteria with minimum weight. The tool is thus able to answer “what-if” questions as the design concept evolves.

Knowledge-based inventory management in production logistics: A multi-agent approach

With the rapidly changing market conditions, an accurate and highly dynamic inventory management model is much needed for making an enterprise more predictable to the global competition. However, traditional inventory management in production logistics is inadequate in managing inventories with high fluctuation in demand and value. To establish effective inventory management strategy, this paper presents a knowledge-based inventory management system for active inventory replenishment based on multi-agent dynamic forecasting and knowledge-based system technologies. The system dynamically forecasts the fluctuation of the demand and updates price of its raw materials. Hence, appropriate inventory management strategies are derived to respond and adapt to the rapid market changes and the material requirement. A prototype system has been built and successfully trial implemented in a manufacturing enterprise.