Product Model Data Research Articles

A Contribution to the Identity Assessment of Ship Structure Plate Parts

For the modeling of the ship structure, computer-aided design systems are generally used. During the different phases of the ship structure modeling and production process, the correctness of the generated product model data has to be continuously preserved. The correct assignment of position numbers to steel parts, e.g., represents a fundamental requirement of the ship structure production management. According to this requirement, a quality criterion can be formulated, that all parts to be manufactured have to have a position number assigned to with the condition that only identical parts should have the same position number. Two parts are generally regarded to be identical when they have the same properties concerning material, thickness, and shape. Shape in this case includes the outer and the inner contours (holes). The current control mechanisms of the correctness of product model data are manual, drawings-based methods. A new approach has been developed to automatically check the identity of the ship structural parts already during the design phase. This mechanism allows the engineers to maintain the quality of the product model data before it will be handed on for further processing. The approach described in this article is based on the Fre´chet distance algorithm, which is generally used to assess how closely two continuously closed curves resemble each other. The results of the steel structural parts shape comparison are presented in a report. This report can be used to check the correctness of the position number assignments and by this contributes to the overall quality assurance mechanism to preserve a high quality of the product model data. Although errors can be avoided, which will otherwise be detected in later process phases, they have to be fixed with significant additional costs.

A Methodology to Recognize Manufacturing Features of Prismatic Parts from STEP AP 203 File

To enhance the interoperability and integration of CAD/CAM system, a generic feature recognition system will be needed incompliant with Standard for Exchange of Product model data (STEP) neutral file for seamless manufacturing. The main objective of this work is to develop a methodology to recognize manufacturing features of prismatic parts from STEP AP 203 file (i.e. ISO 10303 file), which will recognize all common types of manufacturing features of prismatic parts. In this work a new concept called Object Slicing Approach (OSA)in which an imaginary plane with a specific feature definition will be moved along different axes directions to identify all the manufacturing features of the component. In this approach a STEP AP 203 neutral file (i.e.Configuration controlled 3D design data file) is considered for feature recognition process. This paper covers the literature survey with more emphasis on STEP AP 203 neutral format file. To extract the data from the STEP AP 203 file an interface called Java Standard Data Access Interface (JSDAI) is used. In this work a JAVA programmed system will be developed to identify different manufacturing features form the product model with JSDAI as interface to JAVA program. The effectiveness of the above mentioned approach will be demonstrated by considering examples with different features.

Early problems identification in collaborative engineering with different product data modelling standards

Since activities during collaborative projects in global engineering teams depend greatly on efficient exchange of current and accurate data, establishing procedures for successful data exchange is needed for effective product design and realisation projects. The work found in this study benefits a collaborative engineering strategy for testing available software applications, and their neutral exchange file types, which will be used in a bigger project among stakeholders in the product design or manufacturing phase. A collaborative methodology for future larger scale projects that would be done with a team, who has access to different software, has been tested on a smaller example in this study using a cordless hand drill reverse engineering project. This research aimed to establish a model for the start-up and testing of a virtual collaborative tool set-up for a future engineering collaboration on product design and realisation projects. A real case study was considered in this project to simulate a real situation, not uncommon for modern design and manufacturing projects, especially while collaborators are from mid-sized companies and working for a larger supplier. The proposed approach is a possible solution to accelerate the identification of possible problems in data conversion as early as in the design phase.

FSM Based Collaborative Design Oriented Component Agent Model

The keen competitive market is forcing companies to adopt various advanced technologies, such as collaborative design, to short the product development time-to-market. In this paper, the theory model of the component agent based on finite state machine is proposed first. Secondly, a product component agent frame is proposed by combining the proposed agent model with collaborative design-oriented product data model. Finally, an application is given which shows that the proposed model can enhance the ability of the collaborative product design.

Searching for value: construction strategy exploration and linear planning

Examined is how contractor or construction manager decision making and judgment in response to client objectives and project constraints can be aided by a structured approach to construction strategy selection and assessment using time-space project process and product modelling. The context studied is one of high-rise construction. Construction strategy is expressed in terms of strategy modes and tactical variables and accompanying values, which in turn are expressed in terms of a formal plan using a linear planning modelling paradigm. Highlighted is the important role that data visualization can play in both formulating strategy and assessing its workability via the medium of linear planning graphics complemented with other data representations that make use of quantitative product model data. Of particular interest is the ability to formulate and assess alternative construction strategies in a relatively fast and cost effective manner in order to achieve best value as a function of project constraints, context, and project participant objectives. Included in the assessment task is consideration of the impact of strategy on construction process productivity and production rates by way of performance metrics that relate directly to strategy workability. The concepts presented are illustrated through their application to a large-scale, mixed-use project.

Research on Intelligent Collaborative System for Auto Parts Industry

Through the demand analysis of the business collaborative activities of auto parts enterprises, we establish the Intelligent Collaborative System. After the research on interaction process of collaborative quotation among auto parts enterprises, we build the product data model that supports multi enterprises’ collaborative response to customer requirements; according to the research of collaborative production planning principle, we propose the framework of auto parts enterprises’ building collaborative production planning; Based on the study of the hierarchical model of collaborative control of production process among multi enterprises, we discuss the framework of collaborative production process controlling among multi enterprises. The research indicates this system can meet the collaborative business demand of auto parts industry by using ASP mode and intelligent technology, also realize the intelligence.

Mechatronic Design Process: A Survey of Product Data Model

The mechatronic system, as one of the most essential part of a modern product, plays a critical role when products become smarter and more complex. With the purpose of achieving an integrated design, the mechatronic system design process should be optimized.The product data model is considered as an effective and efficient support to product development process. In fact, the objective of product data model is mostly to support Product Data Management (PDM) functions of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) by providing a structure for product data creation, storage and exchange during the whole product lifecycle. Several product data models have been proposed for product design. However, few data models are dedicated to mechatronic system design.This paper presents the different product data models, proposes specific criteria to evaluate them during the mechatronic system design process and points out the directions for the future research.

Dynamic customisation, validation and integration of product data models using semantic web tools

Standard product data models enable information exchange across different organisations, actors, processes and stages in the product lifecycle. These standard models need to support diverse domain-specific requirements from the multitude of disciplines involved during a product’s lifecycle. Due to this diversity, challenges are to: 1) develop multidisciplinary models; 2) extend them to support new requirements over time; 3) implement the resulting gigantic information models. ISO 10303, the reference standard for PLM-related data models provides mechanisms to enable specialisation of generic product data to address some of these challenges. In this paper, we introduce the need for dynamic product data models, detail the ISO method and identify its limitations. We present enhancements to that methodology using ontologies and the SPARQL Inference Notation (SPIN) for validating product data. To conclude, we show how these ontologies can be leveraged to ease and strengthen PLM data integration through the use of Linked Data.

An extension of the core product model for the maturity management of the digital mock up: use of graph and knowledge to describe mechanical parts

Reverse engineering (RE) of mechanical parts consists in creating a 3D virtual model using data that are often gathered by 3D measurement systems like laser scanners. The resulting point cloud is then transformed into a geometrical model. The purpose of RE activity is to make maintenance or redesign operations easier. The boundary of the literature is the component, isolated from its product assembly. Because of unreported on-field maintenance, a long time running in-use product may not reflect its digital mock-up (DMU) anymore. In order to maintain an efficient lifecycle, the changes made have to be considered. This paper focuses on the development of a knowledge-based RE methodology to support the DMU maturity management: to identify the maturity defaults, which correspond to unreported changes, in the CAD assembly model in order to make it matching the real product. That approach is supported by a core product model data model extension.

Development of the integrated product information model for product sustainability assessment

The sustainability of a product is evaluated using the product sustainability index (ProdSI) methodology. This methodology is based on the total product life-cycle and a 6R approach. When it comes to product information models, it is difficult to extract required information to evaluate certain elements of ProdSI from the currently available geometry-based product data models. This paper discusses the development of an integrated product information model that will provide all such information, and will facilitate the ProdSI assessment process. The proposed model combines information about geometry and topology along with function, behaviour, manufacturing processes and product sustainability related information.

Automatic recognition of hull transverse sections and rapid finite element modelling for cargo hold longitudinal structures

For rapid modelling of ship structure and sharing of product data for a computer-integrated manufacturing system in shipbuilding, this research proposes a data exchange method between two-dimensional drawings and three-dimensional finite element models. The report of the research is followed by appropriately planning the structure of the extracted data based on the Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data. A set of rules for two-dimensional feature recognition is established, and then the method for the extraction of graphic and non-graphic design information from two-dimensional drawings of transverse sections is presented. An algorithm for rapid modelling of the longitudinal hull structure is proposed, based on data extracted from the transverse sections. This algorithm bypasses the geometric modelling stage required in traditional manual modelling, exclusively making use of the extracted information. The proposal also enriches data exchange, greatly reduces human error in modelling and consequently improves the accuracy of the finite element modelling for the shipbuilding industry.

Interpreting the semantics of GD&T specifications of a product for tolerance analysis

The representation and management of product information in its life cycle require standardized data exchange protocols. ISO 10303, informally known as the Standard for Exchange of Product model data (STEP), is such a standard that has been used widely by the industries. The information language used for STEP is EXPRESS. Even though the EXPRESS language is capable of developing well defined and syntactically correct product models, the semantics of product data are represented implicitly. Hence, it is difficult to interpret the semantics of data for different product life cycle phases for different application domains. OntoSTEP, developed at NIST, provides semantically enriched product models in OWL. In this paper, we would like to present how to interpret the Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) specifications in STEP for tolerance analysis by utilizing OntoSTEP. This process requires (1) developing the tolerance-analysis-oriented information model in EXPRESS, (2) combining this model with the ISO 10303 product model, (3) translating the combined model into OWL and (4) defining semantic web rule language to map the GD&T specifications to the specifications needed for the tolerance analysis. This study will help users interpret the GD&T specifications of a product differently as required in different phases of the product’s life cycle.

Extending engineering data model for web-based fuzzy information modeling

Being an information modeling language to support the STEP (Standard for Exchange of Product Model Data), EXPRESS has been developed to share and exchange product design, manufacturing and production data in product life cycle. Also being the de-fact

Developing a product data model using the STEP PDM schema for integrating specifications of technical services

Life-cycle-oriented technical services are product-centric customer supports that aim to maximise product performance over its life cycle. This article proposes an extended product data model that can specify technical services, taking into account the product design and manufacturing process supported as integrated product life-cycle data. This integration allows the proposed model to evaluate the cost or environmental effects of products from the view of the product life cycle. The model specifies the life-cycle-oriented technical services by extending the STEP PDM schema, a widely implemented international standard for product data management (PDM). It helps manufacturers to integrate their technical services with current product and process specifications by using their existing PDM systems. A design information system based on a commercial PDM system is implemented based on the proposed product data model, and a set of application examples illustrates the effectiveness of the model for specifying life-cycle-oriented technical services.

Recent advances in sharing standardized STEP composite structure design and manufacturing information

Composite structures have been developed and used in the aerospace, automobile, sports, and marine industries since the early 1940s. Compared to conventional metallic structures, newer high-performance composite structures provide benefits such as decreased weight and reduced energy consumption. An international standards subcommittee on industrial automation systems and integration has developed and implemented a standard, ISO 10303-209, for sharing the manufacturing information for these complex composite structures. This standard, part of the family of standards commonly known as the Standard for Exchange of Product model data (STEP), is considered essential for improving the design, analysis, and manufacturing productivity of composite structures. The ISO 10303-209 standard also enables the long-term data retention necessary to support the composite structures throughout the lifetime of the products that use them. This paper describes recent advances that led to the development of ISO 10303-209 data models for composite structural shape and composition. The paper also reports the status of ongoing implementation and testing efforts. Varied usage scenarios have motivated several areas for future improvement, such as full three-dimensional representation and the efficient cost-effective visualization of composite structural parts. Issues and their proposed solutions, along with their anticipated impacts on the design, analysis, manufacturing, and long-term support of composite structures are also discussed.

PDM 데이터베이스로부터 핵심성과지표를 추출하기 위한 정보 시스템 아키텍쳐

The current manufacturers have generated tremendous amount of digitized product data to efficiently share and exchange it with other stakeholders or various software systems for product development. The digitized product data is a valuable asset for manufacturers, and has a potential to support high level strategic decision makings needed at many stages in product development. However, the lack of studies on extraction of key performance indicators(KPIs) from product data management(PDM) databases has prohibited manufacturers to use the product data to support the decision makings. Therefore this paper examines a possibility of an architecture that supports KPIs for evaluation of product development performances, by applying multidimensional product data model and on-line analytic processing(OLAP) to operational databases of product data management. To validate the architecture, the paper provides a prototype product data management system and OLAP applications that implement the multidimensional product data model and analytic processing.

Development of Product Data Model for Maintenance in Concrete Highway Bridges

The primary objective of this paper is to develop the product data models, in which systematic information is defined for accumulating, exchanging, and sharing in the maintenance of concrete highway bridges. The information requirement and existing issues and solutions were analyzed based on the life cycle and the standardization for sharing. The member data models and business data models that defined design and construction information and accumulated results information were developed. The maintenance business process in which project participants utilize the product data model was described as utilization scenario. The utilization frameworks which define information flow were developed.

A Modeling Approach towards an Extended Product Data Model for Sustainable Mass-Customized Products

This paper presents an extension of a generic Product Data Model (PDM) to Mass-Customization (MC) and Sustainability (S) paradigms with the aim to fulfill the requirements to support a Sustainable Mass-Customized (S-MC) product design process. The extended PDM (ePDM) is focused on a product's Bill of Materials (BOM), which gathers the main information related to a product and its specifications in terms of its design and manufacturing processes. Therefore, the ePDM developed and presented in this research work is capable to provide either product components/parts, product sustainability and product mass-customization related information in order to support the design of S-MC products.

Planning of Flow of Material and Energy for Photovoltaics Industry

Due to the continuously increasing need for renewable energy, the demand for photovoltaic components is significantly growing. Therefore, many highly productive factories for solar cells will be built in the coming years. The development of tools and methods for rapid planning of state of the art and highly automated production facilities for photovoltaic equipment is the objective of the Saxon PV Automation Cluster (S-PAC). So far the focus of factory planning was strongly on discrete part manufacturing while in contrast the production of solar panels involves a lot of chemical processes with different by-products, even though the final output is discrete parts. Hence, it is investigated how methods and tools of discrete manufacturing still can be applied to photovoltaic industry or where adaptations are necessary. From a methodical point of view the Flow System Theory, comprising material, energy, information, value and personnel flow, as well as Component-based Planning, considering planning process and object components, will be in the focus. While in the past the emphasis was on the optimisation of the material flow, the significance of the energy flow is increasing. The realisation of the information flow requires appropriate tool support. The base of the tool support is provided by the concept of the Net Planning Assistant with the Production Database as central storage component. The Production Data Model as foundation for the Production Database has to be adapted to the differing object domain. A reference database of typical objects of photovoltaic cell, wafer and module production is developed as a basis for datasets of particular projects. Models for visualisation and simulation of the photovoltaic objects are connected to the data model. Interfaces to the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and the quality management system need to be defined.

Reference framework for enhanced interoperable collaborative networks in industrial organisations

Industrial collaborative networks are characterised by heterogeneous business processes and data structures. Enterprises joining these networks face difficulties when they have to manage and orchestrate information within the network, namely due to the lack of interoperability between the systems and software applications operating between them. The furniture industry is the largest manufacturing sector in the world, involving mostly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The development of collaborative networked environments in this industrial sector has been identified of major importance, looking forward to enabling enterprises to extend the potential of their own business capabilities. Indeed, to keep its competitiveness, industry needs to accomplish rapidly the requirements in the digital global marketplace, and push promptly SME-based enterprises to adopt seamless electronic business services in networked environments, using modern ICT and standards among all agents involved in the furniture product life cycle. The funStep case study presented in this article developed a framework to accelerate the integration of enterprises in collaborative working environments, solving information interoperability problems in the furniture supply chain. The funStep framework enables gradual and sustained system interoperability, allowing incremental implementations using conformance options and classes. The funStep created an ISO standard which defines a formal structure for catalogue and product data under industrial domains of the furniture sector. Then, the ICT combined with the use of open-standards, and enriched by semantics representation, resulted in a suitable tool to improve enterprise competitiveness via a wider adoption of STEP Application Protocols in collaborative environments. Model Driven Architecture technology is used to enable automation of Model Morphisms, and therefore, translation at the information model and data levels. A reference ontology integrated in the standard product data model, permits an intelligent management at semantic level, providing enhanced capabilities for interoperability. The results of the case study presented stimulate enterprises on the adoption of technologies and practices to reach the future vision of furniture manufacturing business based on collaborative networked environments. It prepares industry and researchers to advance on the state of the art, and to establish solid proposals for the industry in general. The funStep case study has been validated by the industry, supported by European/International industrial research projects.