Weld joint modeling and representation on assembly structure for knowledge-based design support systems

In order to support distributed design work, it is necessary to use all kinds of geographically dispersed design expertise and knowledge as soon as possible. At the same time, all the knowledge base is asked to accumulate and update, as well as to retrieve and share. This paper focus on the knowledge map and knowledge management tools to support distributed design. Design activity in distributed product design includes calculation and reasoning, as well as simulation and evaluation. Design knowledge includes formula and rules, as well as constraints. The object of product design knowledge management includes the knowledge of the product domain, the design process knowledge and the expert with design knowledge. Knowledge management architecture can be described as four layers, which are management tool layer and basic management layer, as well as high management layer and knowledge integration layer. Knowledge map is used to connect all knowledge nodes with different kinds of knowledge base. To increase the transparency and agility of knowledge map, the knowledge indexing is a very important work. Knowledge expert can move along six paths that are central for effective knowledge visualization in product design contexts. The XML based knowledge index support building knowledge map automatically, and provide user information about the design knowledge. The map is constructed in the text based SVG format, so user can search the needed knowledge by key words. The basic element of product design knowledge is represented as BNF format. Some technologies of management tools had been analyses.KeywordsDistributed designKnowledge mapKnowledge management tool

Shipbuilding is a typical example of highly cooperative product development. In this research, an object-oriented design tool was prototyped for the preliminary design of ships. Design knowledge was classified into two categories: knowledge about the design object and knowledge about the design process. A constraint oriented system with evaluation, propagation and local violation satisfaction mechanisms was used to deal with knowledge about the design object. It was helpful in detecting the conflicts and keeping consistency in a design object model. For representing a large, complex design object, in this case a ship, a part-whole hierarchy proved essential. A group of designer objects dealt with knowledge about the design process. They controlled the design process well using knowledge bases consisting of if-then rules representing human designers' know-how.

Specific examples of how ‘soft’ architectural design knowledge can be formalized and made available to knowledge-based design support systems are scarce in the literature. In this paper such an example is presented in some detail. In a context of design of networks of footpaths, streets, or the like for pedestrian traffic, two particular design concepts are studied: ‘concentration of pedestrians’ and ‘smoothness of walking lines’. The concepts are put to work in a hypothetical design, and on that background their possible representation in Horn clause logic is outlined, and computational aspects of the representation are discussed.

Abstract. Highlights A knowledge-based rapid design system for combine chassis is proposed. The object-oriented knowledge representation uniformly describes the multi-source heterogeneous design knowledge. The multivariate linear regression analysis ratiocinates further unknown design principles behind existing products. Abstract. In the design of agricultural machinery, the lack of systematic and structured knowledge utilization systems results in low development efficiency and poor reusability of design knowledge. This paper considers the design of a combine chassis, and focuses on the application of knowledge-based rapid design to agricultural machinery. As a typical sophisticated agricultural machine, combines have a complicated design that requires the integration of multiple disciplines according to the crop types, production areas, and ability of the designers. Hence, a knowledge-based design system for a wheeled combine chassis is proposed. By integrating object-oriented technology with a mixed reasoning strategy, multi-source heterogeneous design knowledge can be applied in completing the chassis design task. To date, there are more than 2000 design ideas and 350 parameter models in the knowledge database. In addition, tacit design knowledge acquired by a knowledge discovery method can be employed to perfect the design and improve the reliability of the product. The design of a combine chassis demonstrates that the knowledge-based rapid design of agricultural machinery is completely feasible, and the design system significantly reduces the design workload, shortens the development cycle, and improves design efficiency and knowledge utilization.

New visual languages supporting design of multi-storey buildings

Decision support systems under multiple objectives (MODSS) has been classified as a specific type of system within the broad family of DSS and has been one of the most active areas of research. However, despite its theoretical development large scale real-world applications of multiobjective decision-making (MODM) methods had been seriously lacking due to the technical knowledge and expertise needed to select and apply the most appropriate method. This paper explores the possibility of embedding intelligent guidance within MODSS, and outlines a specific guidance framework for the design of knowledge-based guidance for the selection of a suitable MODM method. This framework has been implemented as an intelligent and graphical user interface based multiple objective decision support system prototype. The prototype, with its database, methodology base of MODM and knowledge based system, will help any decision-maker in selecting the most appropriate method in solving various MODM problems.

<p dir="ltr">Innovation drives the evolutionary solution era, where design is the anchor of its success. Product design is an iterative process of problem-solving and improvements where no matter how good a design is, it is possible to have improvements. Improving the design of a product should follow a systematic procedure to reduce the uncertainty that leads to complexity. Design framework methodology can aid in improving the design process by providing a measurable systematic approach. This research aims to form a comprehensive design framework methodology for cyber-physical products that integrate multiple disciplines. Drawing upon quantitative and qualitative literature meta-analysis, this study examines design methods, methodologies, functional complexity, and associated human factors. The proposed framework incorporates the main disciplines of mechanical, electrical, sensor, computer, and human components. Additionally, design tools such as Abstractional Design, Inter-Complexity Index, and Human Affordance are synthesized within the framework to guide designers at the conceptual level. The outcomes of this research include a multidisciplinary design framework, abstractional design method, inter-complexity index indicator, human affordance taxonomy, and product design considerations.</p><p dir="ltr">Comprehensive case studies are utilized to showcase the research outcomes and provide tutorials on utilizing the framework and design tools. The results demonstrate that the suggested methodology significantly reduces design complexity by 23% in the case studies examined while also improving functional understanding among stakeholders during the early design phase and considering relevant human factors. Furthermore, the proposed indirect coupling solution offers unique insights that complement existing methods such as Axiomatic Design and Design Structure Matrix.This methodology represents a novel contribution to product and system design, concurrent engineering, and interdisciplinary approaches. Notably, it addresses functional intercoupling complexity, reducing complexity risk and potential failure arising from interconnected functional links. The Abstractional Design Method, which facilitates design communication and promotes uniform representation in a model-based approach, contributes to reducing design knowledge complexity. Additionally, this method can potentially extend its benefits to data technology and aid design software applications like the Digital Twin.</p><p dir="ltr">The integration of human factors in this research acknowledges the significance of considering this aspect in system design, which is often approached separately. Doing so contributes to the body of design knowledge and paves the way for a new research and practice direction in approaching multidisciplinary systems.Overall, this research holds significant implications for designing complex multidisciplinary systems and establishing a foundation for system design standards in design communities. Given this domain's inherent challenges and risks, this research provides valuable insights and helps mitigate misunderstandings and resource limitations.</p>

Based on the theory of user needs and the product development mode and framework of mobile Internet interactive innovation, a new “reality → virtual → reality” interactive innovation product development mode is constructed. It draws on the unique characteristics, systematic technical system, and comprehensive scientific and technological layout of the Metaverse. On this basis, a framework for product development and design based on interactive innovation from the Metaverse perspective is innovatively proposed. In the Metaverse scenario, interactive innovation knowledge can be easily and effectively transformed into design knowledge, and all groups of users truly participate in the whole process of product design. Moreover, the development of interactive innovative products in the Metaverse scenario can be combined with artificial intelligence (AI) technology to further automate the statistical analysis of user needs and preferences so as to meet the dynamic needs of users and accurately develop products that fit user needs and enterprise standards. In addition, users, designers, and enterprises can make joint decisions on product design solutions and development forms, and the Metaverse technology can also optimize the products with continuous iteration and obtain the optimal solutions. An automotive case study illustrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the model for product development innovation and enterprise digital transformation.

Intertwining knowledge delivery and elicitation: a process model for human-computer collaboration in design

Product development projects present numerous uncertainties that lead to risks, especially in the design phase of the product which involves qualitative, abstract and insufficient information about the problem and the product that is the object of development. Risk management in product design consists of a formal and systematic management process which aims to identify, analyze, treat, monitor and control risks related to their activities and tools. Expert system is an artificial intelligence based system that simulates the judgment and behavior of a human with expert knowledge and experience in a particular field. It contains a knowledge base system with accumulated experience and a set of rules. This article aims to provide guidelines for the development of an expert system for the risk identification phase in product design. It also approaches a risk management methodology with focus on the risk identification that has been already developed and assisted to product design. This paper concludes with a partial and general conceptual vision of the expert system to be developed.

PurposeUnique product design is a highlight of sustainable branding. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether product design affects customers’ psychological responses (i.e. cognitive and affective responses) to smartphones, and, in turn, affects their brand loyalty (i.e. attitudinal and behavioral brand loyalty), further advancing the knowledge of product design and brand management.Design/methodology/approachThis work used survey data from 456 Taiwanese with experience using smartphone. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the proposed model and hypotheses.FindingsThe results indicate that the product design significantly affects both cognitive response and affective response, which, in turn, significantly affect both attitudinal brand loyalty and behavioral brand loyalty. The findings also suggest that the moderating effect of product involvement on the relationship between product design and affective response is statistically significant, although it does not positively and significantly moderate the link between product design and cognitive response.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has two main limitations. First, this study was conducted in the context of smartphones, thus potentially constraining the generalization of the results to other industries. Second, the data in this study were obtained from a cross-sectional design.Practical implicationsThese findings can permit companies to generate more brand loyalty in their customers and guide their management of assets and marketing activities.Originality/valueThis paper presents new insights into the nature and importance of product design in brand value.

Accurate representation of bolted joints in the finite element (FE) model of a built-up structure is a crucial factor in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the dynamic behaviour prediction of the structure. Modelling of bolted joints in industrial structures has not been widely and thoroughly studied, especially in the dynamic response of the bolted joint itself. The aim of this work is to investigate several flexibility formulae for the calculation of the stiffnesses of CBUSH elements for the modelling of the bolted joints. The flexibility formulae used in this work are attributed to Huth, Tate & Rosenfeld, Boeing, Swift and Grumman. The results of the normal modes analysis of the FE models with different flexibility formulae were compared with those obtained from the experimental modal analysis (EMA). EMA was performed to measure the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the structure with bolted joints. The total errors calculated from the comparisons between FE and EMA were recorded for all flexibility formulae. The results of the investigation demonstrated that there are noticeable variations in the total errors recorded using different flexibility formulas for the CBUSH element representing the bolts in the FE model of the structure with bolted joints. It was found that the Swift’s flexibility formula is the most appropriate for the prediction of the natural frequencies of the structure with bolted joints.Accurate representation of bolted joints in the finite element (FE) model of a built-up structure is a crucial factor in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the dynamic behaviour prediction of the structure. Modelling of bolted joints in industrial structures has not been widely and thoroughly studied, especially in the dynamic response of the bolted joint itself. The aim of this work is to investigate several flexibility formulae for the calculation of the stiffnesses of CBUSH elements for the modelling of the bolted joints. The flexibility formulae used in this work are attributed to Huth, Tate & Rosenfeld, Boeing, Swift and Grumman. The results of the normal modes analysis of the FE models with different flexibility formulae were compared with those obtained from the experimental modal analysis (EMA). EMA was performed to measure the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the structure with bolted joints. The total errors calculated from the comparisons between FE and EMA were recorded for all fle...

Robotic assembly of architectural structures has been an area of research for a few decades. Yet, current methods impose a large number of constraints on the geometry of those structures. In this paper we introduce a method for robotic assembly that enables the construction of double curved self-supporting structures. Latest research challenges have focused on the assembly of sophisticated brick structures and on sensor feedback systems for handling accuracy. We propose an alternative strategy to tackle tolerance handling in complex structures that rely on geometry. The intelligence of the system lies in two main aspects: a subdivision technique that incorporates the robot’s constraints as well as the structural equilibrium of the structure during each step of assembly, in order to omit the use of scaffolding; and a match between geometric information and the robot’s movements in a robot programming environment. As a proof of concept, we fabricated a portion of a full-scale double-curved structure. The structure was assembled without scaffolding by a portable KUKA KR10 on a randomly picked site. This project aims to demonstrate an easy and simple method for robotic assembly that enables the realization of digitally generated complex geometries as concrete complex structures.

In Memoriam: Dr. Clive L. Dym (1942–2016)

To enhance profitability of production cycle, any manufacturer needs effective product design and evaluation procedures. This study proposed a novel approach combining fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and multi-layer fuzzy inference system (MFIS). It is based on consumer online comments to improve product design. This method possesses several advantages over traditional design evaluation methods. It can quickly acquire consumer preferences, effectively handle multi-criteria decision problems and integrate uncertain and fuzzy information. The Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process–Multi-layer Fuzzy Inference System (FAHP-MFIS) involves the following steps: screening of factors, hierarchical modeling, quantification of qualitative factors, and conversion of these factors into quantitative values. It is a knowledge-based system that uses logical rules. The quantity and levels of input variables directly correlates with the quantity of logical rules. However, with multi-factor and multi-level inference, the establishment of a rule base becomes impractical due to the overwhelming number of rules. To address this issue, the Taguchi orthogonal table is applied to reduce the number of logical rules. Taking a household oxygen generator for medical devices as an example, the proposed model is applied in real-time. In the first stage, web crawlers are used to collect user reviews of the household oxygen generators on large e-commerce platforms. Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) models are used to screen for principal and sub-factors in the second stage. Then, sub-factors of the FAHP screening are used as inputs, and the principal factors are used as outputs. In the third stage, priority indicators are established based on principal factors such as Appearance, Basic Function, and Advanced Function. Established evaluation models are then used to rank the selected designs. The results show that the higher the priority index value of the product design scheme, the better the scheme, and vice versa. This study holds significant reference value in aiding enterprises to enhance the efficiency of their manufacturing cycle and determining the direction of product design and innovation with improved pace and accuracy. Moreover, it can be applied to other fields such as supply chain management, risk assessment, and investment decisions.