Ontology-based module selection in the design of reconfigurable machine tools

Zhenjun Ming (), Cong Zeng (), Guoxin Wang (), Jia Hao () and Yan Yan ()
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Zhenjun Ming: Beijing Institute of Technology
Cong Zeng: Beijing Institute of Technology
Guoxin Wang: Beijing Institute of Technology
Jia Hao: Beijing Institute of Technology
Yan Yan: Beijing Institute of Technology

Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, 2020, vol. 31, issue 2, No 4, 317 pages

Abstract: Abstract Reconfigurable machine tools (RMTs) are important equipment for enterprises to cope with ever-changing markets because of their flexibility. In design of such equipment, selection of appropriate modules is a very critical decision factor to effectively and efficiently satisfy manufacturing requirements. However, the selection of appropriate modules is a challenging task because it is a multi-domain mapping process relying heavily on experts’ domain knowledge, which is usually unstructured and implicit. To effectively support RMT designers, an ontology-based RMT module selection method is proposed. First, a knowledge base is built by development of an ontology to formally represent the taxonomy, properties, and causal relationships of/among three domain core concepts, namely, machining feature, machining operation, and RMT module involved in RMT design. Second, a four-step sequential procedure is established to facilitate the utilization of encoded knowledge from a knowledge base to aid in the selection of appropriate RMT modules. The procedure takes a given part family as the input, automatically infers the required machining operations as well as the RMT modules through rule-based reasoning, and eventually forms a set of RMT configurations that are capable of machining the part family as the output. Finally, the efficacy of the ontology-based RMT module selection method is demonstrated using a plate family manufacturing example. Results show that the approach is effective to support designers by appropriately and rapidly selecting modules and generating configurations in RMT design.

Keywords: Reconfigurable machine tool; Design; Module selection; Ontology; SWRL rule; Knowledge base (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10845-018-1446-3

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