Ali K. Kamrani

A new methodology for extracting manufacturing features from CAD system

In recent years, various researchers have come up with different ways and means to integrate CAD and CAM. Automatic feature recognition from CAD solid systems highly impacts the level of integration. CAD files contain detailed geometric information of a part, which are not suitable for using in the downstream applications such as process planning. Different CAD or geometric modeling packages store the information related to the design in their own databases. Structures of these databases are different from each other. As a result no common or standard structure has been developed so far, that can be used by all CAD packages. For that reason this paper proposes an intelligent feature recognition methodology (IFRM) to develop a feature recognition system which has the ability to communicate with various CAD/CAM systems. The proposed methodology is developed for 3D prismatic parts that are created by using solid modeling package by using CSG technique as a drawing tool. The system takes a neutral file in Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) format as input and translates the information in the file to manufacturing information. The boundary (B-rep) geometrical information of the part design is then analyzed by a feature recognition program that is created specifically to extract the features from the geometrical information based on a geometric reasoning approach by using object oriented design software which is included in C++ language. A feature recognition algorithm is used to recognize different features of the part such as step, holes, etc. Finally, a sample application description for a workpiece is presented for demonstration purposes.

Macro level product development using design for modularity

Abstract Modular design is an engineering methodology that will organize and structure a complex product, process or system into a set of distinct sub-systems and components that may be developed independently of each other and then assembled together. Modular design aims at identifying independent and standard units that could be used to create a variety of products. A structured methodology is proposed for identifying components that can be developed in parallel. In the proposed methodology the needs and product functional requirements are first established. The product is then decomposed based on its functional and physical characteristics. Next, a similarity index is introduced to measure the associativity between the basic components. Finally, a clustering technique is used to integrate the basic components into design modules based on their similarity index.

Engineering Design and Rapid Prototyping

Inevitably, reading is one of the requirements to be undergone. To improve the performance and quality, someone needs to have something new every day. It will suggest you to have more inspirations, then. However, the needs of inspirations will make you searching for some sources. Even from the other people experience, internet, and many books. Books and internet are the recommended media to help you improving your quality and performance.

A genetic algorithm-based solution methodology for modular design

Combinatorial optimization problems usually have a finite number of feasible solutions. However, the process of solving these types of problems can be a very long and tedious task. Moreover, the cost and time for getting accurate and acceptable results is usually quite large. As the complexity and size of these problems grow, the current methods for solving problems such as the scheduling problem or the classification problem have become obsolete, and the need for an efficient method that will ensure good solutions for these complicated problems has increased. This paper presents a genetic algorithm (GA)-based method used in the solution of a set of combinatorial optimization problems. A definition of a combinatorial optimization problem is first given. The definition is followed by an introduction to genetic algorithms and an explanation of their role in solving combinatorial optimization problems such as the traveling salesman problem. A heuristic GA is then developed and used as a tool for solving various combinatorial optimization problems such as the modular design problem. A modularity case study is used to test and measure the performance of the developed algorithm.

A genetic algorithm methodology for data mining and intelligent knowledge acquisition

Data mining is a process that uses available technology to bridge the gap between data and logical decision making. The terminology itself provides a promising view of a systematic data manipulation for extracting useful information and knowledge from the high volume of data. Numerous techniques are developed to fulfill this goal. Implement data mining in an organization would impact every aspect and requires both hardware and software development. This paper outlines a series of discussions and description for data mining and its methodology. First, the definition of data mining along with the purposes and growing needs for such a technology is presented. A six-step methodology for data mining is then presented. Finally, steps from the methodology are applied in a case study to develop a GA-Based system for intelligent knowledge discovery for machine diagnosis.

Knowledge management for consumer focused product design

As the automotive industry adopts a consumer focus in its product development strategy, it offers broader product ranges, shorter model lifetimes and the ability to process orders in arbitrary lot sizes. This offers the ability to conduct early product design and development trade-off analysis among these competing objectives. A distributed knowledge-based system, which analyzes, verifies, stores, and retrieves process definitions, is needed to manage the complexity of workflows. The use of information technologies and networking capabilities is essential in the dissemination of product knowledge in order to integrate the decision-making process among heterogeneous and distributed partners/units. This paper offers insights into a knowledge management approach that enables implementing a consumer-focused product design philosophy by integrating capabilities for intelligent information support and group decision-making utilizing a common enterprise network model and knowledge interface through shared ontologies. An automotive supply chain case study is utilized in illustrating the proposed approach.

Intelligent decision support system for diagnosis and maintenance of automated systems

ROBODOC, the diagnosis and maintenance consultant, is an off-line decision support utility that will help maintenance staff diagnose and correct robotic failures. It uses a group technology approach to classify symptoms and a decision tree approach in developing the system. It has the capability to produce both detailed as well as shallow reports of problems and their fixes. Its modularity makes it easier to add or revise the knowledge base or to transfer the diagnostic knowledge from one automated system to another, without necessitating complete development from scratch. The results of this work can contribute to the development of a design for a service expert system, which will be able to give design recommendations based on past experiences, which will produce more durable and easier to maintain equipment designs.

A methodology for integrated product development using design and manufacturing templates

Purpose – The primary objective of this paper is to illustrate the development of an integrated product development environment using template‐based methodology. This system would thus act as an effective tool to reduce cost by foreseeing manufacturability constraints during concept generation phase. Concurrent engineering approach is applied to product and process development and thus the different phases of manufacturing are integrated together. The developed template system is then used for the design of a prototype using an electric motor.Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, implementation of an integrated design based on templates is presented. The developed system components such as design calculations, component search, machine selection, process template retrieval and cost estimation. These components are integrated to relational databases. These databases contain all information required for integrated product and process development. Concepts used in developing the system are independent...

Simulation-based methodology for machine cell design

This paper presents a simulation-based methodology which uses both design and manufacturing attributes to form manufacturing cells. The methodology is implemented in three phases. In phase I, parts are grouped into part families based on their design and manufacturing dissimilarities. In phase II, machines are grouped into manufacturing cells based on relevant operational costs and various cells are assigned part families using an optimization technique. Phases I and II are based on integer and mixed-integer mathematical models. Finally, in phase III, a simulation model of the proposed system is built and verified, and the model is run so that data on the proposed system may be gathered and evaluated. The mathematical and simulation models are used to solve a sample production problem. The results from these models are compared, and can be used to justify the final design. By the use of these modeling tools, cellular manufacturing systems can be designed, analyzed, optimized, and finally justified.

Critical issues in design and evaluation of computer aided process planning systems

Abstract In this article an overview of the techniques and the role of process planning within todays modern manufacturing industry is identified. Characteristics and critical issues associated with the evaluation and selection of a CAPP system are also discussed. Finally, the stages associated with the design and implementation of a Knowledge-Based Computer-Aided Process Planning is identified. The developed system is structured based feature-based modeling, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, and group technology.