Retain and reuse of knowledge using CAD-models

Abstract: Knowledge and information is two very general terms used in all kinds of
contexts and certainly key aspects of any product development. An area with
issues in regard to both these is that of storage and retrieval, one which
really has been taken to heart during this master thesis. Aimed towards
retention and reuse of knowledge in computer-based 3D-models this thesis
has been conducted for the division for Computed Aided Design at Luleå
University of technology and further applied to Gestamp Hardtech.
Gestamp Hardtechs main efforts lie in development and manufacturing of
structural automotive components, side impact beams, bumpers and various
posts are among these. Most significant for Gestamp hardtech and their
components is their press-hardening technology. A previous master thesis has
been conducted at GHT, more specifically on their research and development
department for side impact beams. That thesis resulted in a set of tools for
start-up model generation, interactive beam customisation and optimisation
using a basic graphical user interface.
Research related to knowledge incorporation with the actual CAD models has
also been and still are continuously researched at the division for Computer
Aided Design.
The overall aim of this thesis has been to increase knowledge sharing
throughout the product development process. The first thesis part applied
this thinking to Gestamp Hardtechs initial quotation design and more
specifically to how production cost could be calculated and presented to the
designer during initial SIB development. As for the second part, focus lay
on development of a method for retention and reuse of information
throughout the product development process, all incorporated within the CAD
model.
Two different tools were created using NX and the Knowledge Based
Engineering support it provides through Knowledge Fusion and NX Open. These
two applications based on the same basic principles surrounding knowledge
management has together ensured that knowledge is shared in a two-way
channel during product development. The first tool supplies the initial
designer with information regarding the entire production process of a SIB
and how choices made will affect final production costs. In extension, it
further increased the knowledge foundation during initial design. The other
direction is covered in the second part of this thesis, where the created
demonstrator showed that knowledge can in fact be both stored and retrieved
through a simple CAD model. Further allowing each and everyone involved in
the development process a chance to access and edit the same knowledge
space.