A Two-Level Modelling Approach to Acquire Functional Design Knowledge in Mechanical Engineering Systems

Modelling as a means of knowledge acquisition has been proposed by some workers in artificial intelligence. In this paper the authors describe an approach using two-level knowledge modelling that employs the concepts of a functional model (extended FEBS model) and an object model to capture domain-specific functional design knowledge. The functional model serves as a basis for communication between domain experts and a knowledge engineer. The object model is used to bridge the gap between the functional model and an executable knowledge base. The approach is viewed as an important method for building a function-laden knowledge base that is useful for developing a knowledge-based functional design expert system. The proposed knowledge acquisition method is applied to an automatic assembly system for manufacturing electronic connectors to illustrate the general idea.