Discussion of “A Meta-Model for Knowledge Configuration Management to Support Collaborative Engineering”

This study was primarily focused on another method of incorporating knowledge-based systems into Product Lifecycle Management with a focus on collaboration. This system is based on Unified Modeling Language. Unified Modeling Language is an object-oriented software engineering tool used primarily in academic settings.

Monticolo sees this as a necessary system because “with the use of 3D geometrical product components in CAD files, engineers include parameters and expert rules to drive the geometry in CAD models through parametric and variational approaches. [1]” The authors’ system seeks to incorporate multiple CAD and CAE systems into a unified system linked to an object-oriented process.

The authors hoped to develop a system that they called the KCModel method. This system was based on sharing data between multiple systems to streamline product development. These product class definitions could be instantiated for each product to shorten design flows.

This system had five primary steps. The first step was for the person in charge of the project to create a knowledge configuration file and instantiate it as a product reference. Next, engineers would use that product reference to create and customize models. After that, engineers would synchronize their models to the controlling knowledge server and ensure no definition conflicts exist. Next, engineers publish their models to the general user group. Finally, the project administrator may review all product instances for accuracy.

Overall, I think this is an excellent pursuit. I used a system that accomplishes many tasks in the CATIA V5 suite. I can define parameters used throughout an assembly and may involve knowledge sharing between models in the form of relational and layout modeling.

References

[1] Monticolo, D., Badin, J., Gomes, S., Bonjour, E., Chamoret, D., 2015, “A Meta-Model for Knowledge Configuration Management to Support Collaborative Engineering,” Computers in Industry, vol 66, pp 11-20.