Some possibilities for including knowledge into models of mechanical parts

Mechanical and production engineers use sophisticated modeling systems for design and planning purposes. The model itself is result of a complex engineering work and does not describe the knowledge that may be necessary for re-evaluation and modification as well as application of the model. Therefore, iterative steps of the model development are encountered. This results in long throughput time in the innovation procedure. The authors studied this problem and have elaborated a methodology for definition, storage and transfer of knowledge which is associated with the model. This knowledge helps the engineer with handling the model and is used by modeling procedures for evaluation and modification of the model for a given application. In this paper first the importance of product modeling and characteristics of integrated and open architecture CAD/CAM systems are explained. Following this, types and features of the knowledge associated with the product model are outlined. Finally, the suitable knowledge representations and the possibilities of attaching knowledge to the model are presented.