Chapter 7: Knowledge engineering

Title: Cad automation and KB user interfaces for an efficient integration of topological optimisation tools in the product development process

Author(s): L. Barbieri, F. Bruno, U. Cugini, M. Muzzupappa

Address: Università della Calabria – Dipartimento di Meccanica – Rende (CS) – Italy | Università della Calabria – Dipartimento di Meccanica – Rende (CS) – Italy | Politecnico di Milano - Dipartimento di Meccanica – Milano – Italy | Università della Calabria – Dipartimento di Meccanica – Rende (CS) – Italy

Reference: International Conference on Product Lifecycle Management 2007 pp. 477 - 486

Abstract/Summary: This paper presents a methodology that defines the guidelines to obtain an efficient use of topological optimisation in the Product Development Process. This methodology is described referring to a specific case study which concerns the design of a plastic moped wheel.The possibility of focusing on a specific case-study allows us to demonstrate how the use of SDKs, allowed by the CAx tools employed in the process, improves the efficiency of the methodology. In fact, the paper shows how it can be possible to create custom procedures and interfaces that automate operation sequences, thus fastening the designer's work, according to the typical CADAutomation approach.The methodology is supported by a Knowledge Based (KB) user-interface, which allows the user to execute a logical sequence of operations, following the rules defined in the procedures. This helps us to reduce the possibility of error, fastening the process and finding the best solution in order to obtain an optimal design of the product. This work belongs to the research activity of the MUR/PRIN-"Prosit" project.

Order a copy of this article