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1992
Conference Paper
Titel
Development and introduction of a knowledgebased system for mechanical engineering.
Alternative
Entwicklung und Einführung eines wissensbasierten Systems für den Maschinenbau
Abstract
The system is designed for the configuration of industrial mixing-machines to assist members of the sales department. The process of configuration is split in two parts: In the process-engineerical part the mixing-machine is characterized by the kind of agitator and the number of revolutions in respect to the mixing task; in the second part all components of the mixing-machine are determined with regard to the laws of mechanics. Different kinds of knowledge had to be implemented: structural knowledge is represented by objects whereas algorithmic knowledge is coded in functions; directed constraints are used to express causal dependencies; technical parameters and available parts are stored in databases. These databases also serve as an interface to existing CIM-system. The database-format chosen allows an easy maintenance of the data by various tools. The process of configuration is caracterized by loops of feedback. Often parameters are needed before they can be computed; therefore th ey have to be pre-estimated. Later on they are checked and probably re-computed. Main decision in the process of configuration are done by the user. The systems supports the user by suggestions on the cheapest components. This development of system and the need for the expert knowledge has had an interesting side-effect: the revision of various methods and standards of the manufacturer. It turned out, that there are two different kinds of validation: the validation of process-engineerical and mechanical knowledge done by the experts and the usefulness for daily work examined by members of the sales department.