ERIS, Engineering Resource Information System
Abstract
ERIS(Engineering Resource Information System) is a knowledge base of engineering resources for the design and manufacture of window regulators. It has been created with sufficient generality to form the basis for building similar systems for other products. The form of the knowledge base is hierarchichal semantic networks of frames or schemas. This form has been shown effective for representation of knowledge ranging from simple facts to classes of parts to manufacturing processes to complex part geometries. The representation of parts in production allows a search for possible carry over parts for a new application. If a carry over part is not adequate, the parametric representation of the geometry of parts allows for redesign of an existing part to meet new specifications. Two different geometric representations were created. One represents the observed features created by a progressive-die press. The other represents the design process as it evolves through the addition of surfaces and edges. Costs for window regulators were studied and broken down into categories that display all significant costs. Labor and raw materials are major contributors to the total cost. Better designed parts and decreased lead time are major payoffs that result when automated design methods are used. The ERIS knowledge base has been used to demonstrate automation of facets of the design process: material selection, failure mode analysis, selection of regulator style, and either choice of a carry over part or modification of an existing part. From a study of the design processes for parts produced by Fisher Guide an estimate was made that lead time could be reduced by a factor of three through computer automation. (RH)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA213357
Entities
People
- Jerome Kraitchman
- Timothy Roth
Organizations
- Carnegie Mellon University