Modelling Knowledge used in the Design of Hosiery Machines

Abstract

This paper looks at some of the developments within ESPRIT project 25418, ‘Methodology and tools Oriented to Knowledge-based engineering Applications’. The methodology covers the entire lifecycle of a knowledge-based engineering application, from identifying the opportunity to using the system to gain business benefits. Maintenance is regarded as a subset of these activities. The techniques are illustrated with the knowledge required to design part of an industrial half-hose knitting machine; namely the mechanism for driving the needle-carrying cylinders when knitting the heel and toe of a sock. This demonstrates how much knowledge can be involved and how important it is to define clearly the scope of any knowledge-collection exercise. There must also be a clear end-use in mind so that the knowledge is appropriate and manageable.