A CORBA-Based Integration Platform of Product Development Process Management for Concurrent Engineering

Product development process management plays an important role in concurrent engineering (CE). The integration platform is a useful tool for effectively supporting the software development and integration. Based on the analysis of practical requirements for product development process management for CE, a CORBA-based integration platform of product development process management (IP-PDPM) is designed and developed. The design principles for IP-PDPM are described. The system architecture and functions of the platform are given, the key technologies for the implementation of IP-PDPM are presented, the application integration mechanism and its implementation techniques are also detailed.

e-LITE:A Concurrent Engineering Method Dedicated to E-learning Training Development for the Enhancement of Research Project Results

Scientific research projects aim to produce new knowledge generally in domains of high specialization.Some of these projects have goals of improving the performance of companies.In this case,the issues of the capitalization and transfer of scientific knowledge and its rapid transformation into professional skills are directly addressed.However,there is no method to derive e-learning teaching material from project results.So,this paper presents the e-LITE Method and its application to the ISTA3 project to support the process of developing a e-learning training.This application has allowed us to highlight the contributions of the method that promotes better knowledge sharing between partners of a research project and the development and transfer of research results to the professional world.So,after the presentation of the method,an application to the ISTA3 project will be presented.

A Reference Framework for Concurrent Engineering

Considering the diversity of methods and tools offered to concurrent engineering, the aspects playing important roles in the concurrent engineering context have been pinpointed as being four core elements which are Activity, Method, Object and Information. Based on these four elements, a reference framework called AMOI is proposed to be the guideline for the systematic concurrent product design. Using the AMOI reference framework, concurrent product development system can be structured into four function models (including the activity model, method model, object model and information model) which are interconnected with each other.

An Overview of Concurrent Engineering Research and Its Industrial Implementation in Chinese Enterprises

Concurrent Engineering (CE) is an effective way for enterprises to reengineer the product development processes and to improve the product development abilities. In this paper, the existing status of product development in Chinese manufacturing industry is analyzed, and the requirements of manufacturing technology for them are investigated. An overview of our CE R&D work is introduced, including product modeling, DFA, DFM, QFD, PDM, and other enabling technologies. A case study of the CE pilot project is discussed. The industrial implementation and application in Chinese enterprises are summarized.

CAPP Framework System for Concurrent Engineering

Difficulty in generalizing and lack of adapt ability are important factors that hamper a computer aided process planning (CAP P) system from being popular and practical. New manufacturing philosophies such as Concurrent Engineering require special characteristic of a CAPP system. Propose d in this paper is a CAPP framework system for Concurrent Engineering (CAPPFS C E) which can meet the requirements of Concurrent Engineering and whose informati on models, function models and decision logic can be customized by users to form various CAPP application systems. Its function requirements are discussed broadly. An architecture for CAPPFS CE is presented. It is based on abstract in formati on models (AIMs) and abstract function models (AFMs). The kernel is formed by cu stomization interpretation, internal process control and decision engine. A new information modeling and system development method, information element method ( IEM), is introduced to build up AIMs, decision engine, and AFMs and then realize a CAPPFS CE. THCAPP SHELL, a CAPPFS CE developed by IEM, is demonstrated. A CAPP system produced by customizing THCAPP SHELL for complex structural parts i n a concurrent engineering environment is shown.

Numerical Simulation System for Casting Process in Concurrent Engineering

According to the implementing principle and application background of the Concurrent Engineering (CE) project, studies on the integration of numerical simulation system for casting process with CE, simulation of turbulent phenomena in filling process of casting by Algebraic Stress Model (ASM), computation efficiency of filling process and quantitative prediction of shrinkage cavity and porosity under feeding condition of several risers are discussed. After the simulation of casting process of typical magnesium based alloy casting with complicated structure, remarkable success in assuring the quality is also presented.

Case-based Reasoning in Conflict Negotiation in Concurrent Engineering

Case based reasoning (CBR) is a kind of analogous reasoning that is widely used in artificial intelligence. Conflicts are pervasive in Concurrent Engineering design environment. Conflict negotiation is necessary when conflicts occur. It is difficult to resolve conflicts due to several reasons. An approach to resolving conflicts by case based reasoning is proposed in this paper. The knowledge representation of conflict negotiation cases, the judgment of case similarity, the retrieval model of cases, the management of case bases, and the process of case based conflict negotiation are studied. The implementation structure of the Case based Conflict Solving System (CCSS) is also given.

Concurrent Engineering Oriented CAx/DFx Information Integration

The information integration, especially in CAD/CAPP/CAM, is a basis for realizing the integrated and concurrent product development in Concurrent Engineering (CE) environment. The integration technology based on STEP application protocol gives an effective way for the CAx/DFx information integration. This paper discusses the characteristics of concurrent product development, analyzes the methodology and technology of STEP, proposes an information integration approach based on STEP AP214, and presents the strategy of product data integration and an integration system implementation architecture. The integration technology based on STEP application protocol and the ST Developer tools is realized in a prototype system to support product data integration between CAD and its follow up systems through STEP physical file and STEP information exchange interface.

Machining Process Simulator for Concurrent Engineering

Integration is a key component of CIMS and concurrent engineering is an important step in realizing CIMSprocess integration. Concurrent engineering is itself dependent on an effective machining process simulator that verifies the machining process. A machining process simulator for concurrent engineering CMPS was developed at CIMSERC to meet the need for an effective simulator. This paper introduces the CMPS structure. key techniques. including geometry model construction and kinematics. NC code translation. collision and interference checks, material removal simulation. machining animation. etc. The model uses the solid Ray-representation method and the Voxelsplus B-representation algorithm. The Ray-representation method simplifies the Boolean operation process and improves the material removal simulation speed. The Voxels plus B-representation algorithm quickly detects collisionand interference problems. Finally. CMPS is applied to an actual NC milling process as an example.

DFM/CAPP/CAM System in a Concurrent Engineering Environment

In this paper the importance of DFM/CAPP/CAM system in Concurrent Engineering (CE) is discussed. Based on the analyses of the character of concurrent product design and manufacturing process design, the workflow of DFM/CAPP/CAM system in CE is given. DFM/CAPP/CAM theories, methods and functions are investigated in a delicate and all round way, and are implemented in the developed DFM/CAPP/CAM system.

Concurrent Engineering Research and Application

Research and application of Concurrent Engineering have produced good results. A Chinese style concurrent engineering architecture and reference mode has been produced. A series of break thoughts in BPR (Business Process Reengineering) have been made with organization of the IPT (Integrated Product Development Team) and engineering support technologies. Several prototype tools were developed, including product development process modeling and management, QFD based schema design and decision making, PDM based concurrent design, STEP based CAD/CAPP/CAM integration, design for assembly, design for manufacturing, computer aided fixture design, and machining process simulation. Finally, the research results were used in the development of two complex components in an aerospace application, and satisfactory results were obtained.

Concurrent Engineering Systematic Approach and Application

Concurrent engineering is a systematic approach to the integrated and concurrent design of products andtheir related processes. Using the information integration capabilities of computer integrated manufacturing system(CIMS), it shortens product leadtime, improves product quality and reduces product cost. This paper analyzes theessential features of concurrent engineering and introduces some typical methods and technologies used in concurrentengineering. The paper also describes the application methodology used in the ongoing project entitled 'concurrentengineering' of the National High-Tech Development Program of China.

PRODUCT MODELING AND PROCESS PLANNING WITHIN CONCURRENT ENGINEERING ENVIRONMENT

A prodouct modeling and a process planning that are two essential basses of realizing concurrent engineering are investigated , a logical modeling technique , grammar representation scheme of technology knowledge and architecture of expert system for process planning within con- current engineering environment are proposed. They have been utilized in a real reaserch project.

Concurrent Design Study of the Petroleum Equipment CAD System

Military petroleum equipment, as the special device a nd tool for petroleum storage, transportation, filling, chemical analysis, detec tion and maintenance for the army, is an important means and basis of petroleum indemnificatory. To adapt to modern war in high-tech conditions, the petroleum equipment have to develop towards higher reliability, adaptability, maneuverabil ity, standardization, container and cell type with versatile multi-functions. As a new design theory and design process, concurrent engineering may prod uce remarkable benefit when applying to product development. With the aid of the state-of-the-art modeling and simulation technology, it foresees the future or even the whole life cycle of the products designed. Based on wide statistics and survey, the product design period is reduced by 1/2～1/3 with concurrent des i gn process. The application of concurrent design process in new petroleum equi pment development shall greatly accelerate the petroleum equipment updating an d promote their indemnificatory.

Application of Grey System Theory in Design For Cost (DFC)

Design For Cost (DFC) is a branch of Design For X (DFX). In this paper, wedefined DFC as a design method that analyzed and evaluated the product's life cycle cost (LCC), thenmodified the design to reduce the LCC. Nowadays it is a very difficult thing to obtain LCC data inChina or in developing countries. Statistical methods can not be used because available LCC data arefew. In order to solve this problem, we used grey system theory. Then relations of cost factorswere analyzed in LCC using grey relevant methods, and a GM(1,1) model between design parameters andLCC was established. Using this model, we can estimate and control LCC by changing design parametersat the beginning of the design stage.

An Approach to Collaborative Design Based on Distributed Constraint-Net

We focuse on design process in concurrent engineering and propose an, approach to collaborative design based on distributed constraint-net. The approach adopts agent technology to express kinds of distributed constraints. And through the cooperation among agents, the consistency of constraint is maintained and the constraint conflict is detected and eliminated. The constraints are satisfied concurrently and distributively. Based on the proposed approach, the collaborative design process in concurrent engineering can be well supported.

Scheduling of Development Projects with Uncertain Iterations

This paper studies the scheduling of design projects in concurrent development process with uncertain number of feedback revisions. An optimization based methodology that combines heuristic algorithm, artificial intelligence (fuzzy, genetic algorithm) and scheduling theory is developed. In the algorithm, weighting values of some key factors are defined by genetic algorithm. In addition, fuzzy logic is used to decide the ability coefficients of different roles taken by designers. Moreover, the process of pre-release and feedback revision is realized. Simulation example is a fraction of practical development project, and satisfied results are obtained.

Immersive Display Interface Specification Standards in Virtual Manufacturing:A Prototype

In this paper we briefly describe our effort in developing standards for immersive display interfaces in virtual manufacturing.This work is being conducted in collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST).First we review the concept of virtual manufacturing,discuss its scope and lay the contextual foundation for describing our application.Next we describe a prototype implementation of immersive display interfaces in virtual manufacturing.This prototype is based on processing the output of a factory simulation model.Finally we describe the standards emerging from this prototype.

A Multidisciplinary Optimization Architecture for A Distributed Computing Environment

This paper introduces a distributed computing approach for multidisciplinary complex product design. The framework that may aid in the implementation of this scheme is described. This distributed design environment has the property of concurrent engineering. The approaches considered here are the framework of a distributed optimization design environment and the optimization architecture in the environment.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT THROUGH INTEGRATION OF QUALITY TOOLS

The relationship between major quality tools such as quality function development （QFD）, failure mode and effects analysis （FMEA）, design of experiments （DOE） and statistical process control （SPC） is analyzed through an extensive review of the literature and the concurrent quality engineering philosophy, and a basic structure for the integration of quality tools is presented. An integrated quality management system （IQMS） is developed using C＋＋ Builder, running in the Windows 2000 Server environment with the basic internet connections, and SQL Server 2000 as the platform for developing the database, An illustrative example applying IQMS to the continuous quality improvement for a crane equipment manufacturing is reported. The result shows that the application of IQMS can optimize the process of design and manufacturing, shorten the cycle time of product, reduce the cost, and realize quality improvement continuously, The proposed integrated framework with IOMS is believed to be applicable to continuous quality improvement in many manufacturing companies.