- Raffles Education Corporation, Raffles University Iskandar, Department Memberadd
- I am retired Now. I have over 35 years academic experience in universities in Finland, New Zealand and Singapore. I h... moreI am retired Now.
I have over 35 years academic experience in universities in Finland, New Zealand and Singapore. I have good knowledge of the tertiary education sectors in Australia, Finland, Malaysia, and Singapore.
I have a unique, international, multicultural, multidisciplinary experience and a proven track record in communication and interpersonal skills. I have over 35 years experience conducting applied research in industry, including company-specific projects, national projects, and international collaborative research projects.
I am an expert in systems theory and practice, especially using graph theoretic methods.edit
This paper explains how current best practice for qualifying and setting up plastic injection molds, scientific molding, can be incorporated into a simulation environment to improve part and mold designs. The study is limited to analysis... more
This paper explains how current best practice for qualifying and setting up plastic injection molds, scientific molding, can be incorporated into a simulation environment to improve part and mold designs. The study is limited to analysis of injection fill time. The paper describes scientific molding and the procedure to determine the optimal fill time. This is followed by a discussion on how scientific molding practices can be adapted to a simulation environment. A worked example is presented to clarify the concepts and illustrate the approach. A software implementation of the approach has been developed using Solid Edge and Moldflow simulation software.
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... The major challenge is to develop a 'design-centric' expert system that incorporates knowl-edge ... Section 2 introduces the reader to knowledge-based expert systems and discusses the ... Section 4 discussesthe specific... more
... The major challenge is to develop a 'design-centric' expert system that incorporates knowl-edge ... Section 2 introduces the reader to knowledge-based expert systems and discusses the ... Section 4 discussesthe specific application ofthe techniques using an approach known as ...
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Traditionally strip layout is a manual, experience-based activity. Automation of strip layout is desirable to improve productivity and the quality of design, and to provide computer-aided tools for design. One important, but very... more
Traditionally strip layout is a manual, experience-based activity. Automation of strip layout is desirable to improve productivity and the quality of design, and to provide computer-aided tools for design. One important, but very difficult, task in automated strip layout design is the determination of a good sequence of stamping operations so that the part can be stamped correctly and efficiently. This paper presents our work to develop a novel, graph-theoretic, operations sequencing method that is capable of generating a stamping sequence automatically, taking into account practical stamping constraints. A graph is used to represent a stamping part and define the relationships between its stamping features. These stamping features are then clustered into workstation sets using a graph colouring algorithm. Next, the sets are ordered to determine an optimal sequence of workstations. The objective function for the optimisation is ‘minimisation of the torque difference between two sides of the progressive die’. The proposed approach can speed up the progressive die design process by automating the strip layout design.
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The purpose of this paper is to present a functional schema which can be used to develop computer tools to assist designers during the early stages of the mechanical product design process. The schema is based on an analysis of the... more
The purpose of this paper is to present a functional schema which can be used to develop computer tools to assist designers during the early stages of the mechanical product design process. The schema is based on an analysis of the meaning of function. five main types of mechanical function are described: performance, assembly, manufacturing, marketing and maintenance. The paper
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Research Interests: Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Aided Design, Knowledge Based System, Intelligent design, and 11 moreFunctional Design, Intelligent System, expert System, Non Functional Requirement, Knowledge base, Knowledge Representation and Reasoning, Object Oriented, Rule Based, Representation Politics, Engineering System, and Functional Decomposition
This paper presents a case-based reasoning (CBR) methodology for metal stamping die design, that in particular addresses the indexing and retrieval of die design cases. A feature relation graph representation of stamped metal parts are... more
This paper presents a case-based reasoning (CBR) methodology for metal stamping die design, that in particular addresses the indexing and retrieval of die design cases. A feature relation graph representation of stamped metal parts are used to create a high level of geometric abstraction, which is used to index design cases quickly and accurately. Though the potential search space for case retrieval is huge, by employing a novel dual-step similarity analysis between a new stamped part and existing parts in the case library, the proposed retrieval strategy can narrow down the search space efficiently and retrieve the most similar case in a reasonable period of time. An illustrative example is included to demonstrate the operation of the proposed approach and show its effectiveness in speeding up stamping die design.
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... can have a num-ber of attributes, and these attributes can be used to represent the flow of energy,material and signal ... Based on the input-output flow-of-action strategy of behavioural representation, we suggest the following... more
... can have a num-ber of attributes, and these attributes can be used to represent the flow of energy,material and signal ... Based on the input-output flow-of-action strategy of behavioural representation, we suggest the following procedure for exploring functional design ...
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... A CAD-CAE Integrated Injection Molding Design System Y.-M. Deng, YC Lam, SB Tor and GA Britton ... However, such interac-tion is not supported by current computer-aided systems (CAD and CAE), because design and analysis are realized... more
... A CAD-CAE Integrated Injection Molding Design System Y.-M. Deng, YC Lam, SB Tor and GA Britton ... However, such interac-tion is not supported by current computer-aided systems (CAD and CAE), because design and analysis are realized as isolated modules. ...
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The purpose of this paper is to explain the philosophical and methodological basis of the Singer/Churchman/Ackoff School of Thought (experimentalism). The key features of experimentalism relate to its philosophy, methodology, and imagery.... more
The purpose of this paper is to explain the philosophical and methodological basis of the Singer/Churchman/Ackoff School of Thought (experimentalism). The key features of experimentalism relate to its philosophy, methodology, and imagery. The paper traces and explains the development of experimentalist philosophy from a philosophy of science to a philosophy of life. The basis of this philosophy is the pursuit of ideals. Next the experimentalist methodology is discussed. This is teleological, deriving its justification from the pursuit of the scientific ideal of truth. The paper shows how the methodology changed from optimizing, problem solving to interactive planning. Then experimentalist imagery is discussed in depth. This consists of a formal, rigorous, conceptual framework that provides a conceptual link among the mechanical, probabilistic, and functional images of nature. The authors conclude by discussing how experimentalism could be further developed.
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This paper presents initial work to develop a novel, mathematical technique that is capable of generating a stamping sequence automatically in the design of progressive stamping dies. A graph is used to represent a stamping part and... more
This paper presents initial work to develop a novel, mathematical technique that is capable of generating a stamping sequence automatically in the design of progressive stamping dies. A graph is used to represent a stamping part and define the relationships between its stamping features. These stamping features are then clustered into workstation sets using a graph colouring algorithm. Next, the sets are ordered in order to determine an optimal sequence of workstations. The objective function for optimization is ‘minimization of the torque difference between two sides of the progressive die’.
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It is argued that design dimension specifications contribute to the manufacturability of a part and should therefore be subjected to optimization, targeting minimal tolerance stacks in a process plan. The optimality of a process plan, and... more
It is argued that design dimension specifications contribute to the manufacturability of a part and should therefore be subjected to optimization, targeting minimal tolerance stacks in a process plan. The optimality of a process plan, and therefore of a design, depends on the manufacuring environment. As this may change or be unknown at the deisgn stage, this paper proposes a mathematical approach to redimension a design without imparing the functionality of the part. The calculation of tolerances for substitute dimensions is emphasized, depending on the role of a dimension in the design.
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ABSTRACT This paper discusses research results relating to automatic process planning for mould parts for plastic products. It is argued that current research is incomplete from an industrial point view. Industrial requirements for... more
ABSTRACT This paper discusses research results relating to automatic process planning for mould parts for plastic products. It is argued that current research is incomplete from an industrial point view. Industrial requirements for automated process planning are proposed. An object-oriented model that will meet these requirements is briefly described.
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ABSTRACT This paper reports preliminary work to investigate the suitability of using a blackboard framework as a problem-solving model for stamping process planning in progressive die design. The model is described at two levels:... more
ABSTRACT This paper reports preliminary work to investigate the suitability of using a blackboard framework as a problem-solving model for stamping process planning in progressive die design. The model is described at two levels: knowledge level and computational level. The knowledge level describes how the stamping process planning domain is represented in a blackboard architecture. The computational level describes how the blackboard architecture is modeled and implemented using object technology. A software prototype has been developed using CLIPS and C++ interfaced with Solid Edge CAD system. An example is presented to illustrate the feasibility and practicality of the proposed approach.
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ABSTRACT Supporting the conceptual stage of mechanical product design has been recognized as a challenging research work. This is an area that is not addressed by current computer-aided design systems. In this paper, we present our work... more
ABSTRACT Supporting the conceptual stage of mechanical product design has been recognized as a challenging research work. This is an area that is not addressed by current computer-aided design systems. In this paper, we present our work on the identification of functional design knowledge and the strategies for its organization. The functional design knowledge is aimed at assisting the conceptual stage of mechanical product design using a dual-stage functional modelling framework proposed by us. Several aspects of functional design knowledge are identified and represented, including function decomposition and functional mapping knowledge, physical structure and physical phenomena knowledge, as well as schematic geometry knowledge. These different aspects of knowledge are organized into three levels: meta level, physical level, and geometric level. A number of libraries are used to implement the design knowledge and its organization. The strength of the approach is that it encompasses very comprehensive aspects of functional design knowledge, and it provides a useful means for compiling past design experience in a formalized and structured form. To demonstrate how the approach can be applied, an example of automatic assembly system design is also studied.
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Injection mould design is a complex process incorporating various aspects of design information and a variety of design activities. Specific requirements such as undercut mould design add difficulties to the problem because they often... more
Injection mould design is a complex process incorporating various aspects of design information and a variety of design activities. Specific requirements such as undercut mould design add difficulties to the problem because they often require innovation, which ...
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The paper presents a formal graph representation scheme for stamping operation sequencing for sheetmetal progressive dies and a graph theoretic method for automatic determination of the stamping operation sequence. Operation relations are... more
The paper presents a formal graph representation scheme for stamping operation sequencing for sheetmetal progressive dies and a graph theoretic method for automatic determination of the stamping operation sequence. Operation relations are represented ...
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... The main objective of the present research is to develop a rule-based causal behavioural reasoning methodology through an appropriate functional modelling framework, so that computers can play a more active role in the functional... more
... The main objective of the present research is to develop a rule-based causal behavioural reasoning methodology through an appropriate functional modelling framework, so that computers can play a more active role in the functional design process. ...
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This paper presents a knowledge-based approach for automating the functional design of mechanical systems. By using our proposed automated functional reasoning strategy, which is based on a heuristic search method, a set of physical... more
This paper presents a knowledge-based approach for automating the functional design of mechanical systems. By using our proposed automated functional reasoning strategy, which is based on a heuristic search method, a set of physical behaviours can be reasoned out automatically from the desired functions. The interconnection of these behaviours is possible when the functional outputs of one are compatible to the corresponding functional requirements of the next one. Though the design space for behavioural configuration is very large, by defining its heuristic evaluation function as a fuzzy multicriteria decision-making (FMCDM) problem, the proposed heuristic search method can lead to a near optimum design solution in a reasonable time. A case study for the automated functional design of an automatic assembly system is given to illustrate the operation of the proposed heuristic search method, and to show its effectiveness in functional reasoning and optimizing the final design.
Research Interests: Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Aided Design, Heuristic Search, Mathematical Sciences, and 11 moreCase Study, Multicriteria decision making, Non Functional Requirement, State Space, Advanced manufacturing technology, Mechanical systems, Knowledge base, Heuristic, Heuristic Evaluation, DESIGN SPACE, and Optimum Design
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Research Interests: Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Manufacturing, Sheet Metal Forming, and 9 moreMathematical Sciences, Process Planning, Advanced manufacturing technology, 9. Computer aided process planning (CAPP techniques), Sheet Metal, Case Base Reasoning, Deep Drawing, Indexation, and Representation Politics
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... Geometric relation refers to the assembly or connection style between the design and its environmental elements, thus it is also called ... With this distinction, design variables may be classified as exterior design variables,... more
... Geometric relation refers to the assembly or connection style between the design and its environmental elements, thus it is also called ... With this distinction, design variables may be classified as exterior design variables, interior design variables, and design variables relating ...
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This paper presents a prototype intelligent system, the knowledge-based functional design automation system (KBFDA) for automating the functional design process of engineering products/systems. An integrated knowledge representation... more
This paper presents a prototype intelligent system, the knowledge-based functional design automation system (KBFDA) for automating the functional design process of engineering products/systems. An integrated knowledge representation scheme combines rule-based and object-oriented representation methods to represent functions and function related design characteristics in an intelligent design environment. A knowledge-based functional reasoning strategy uses this representation to automatically generate physical behaviors from desired functions or behaviors. The required behaviors are then combined in different configurations to develop a set of potential concept variants that meet the functional requirements and functional constraints given in a design specification. Finally, the variants are ranked according to the degree to which they meet non-functional constraints. The variant with the lowest rank (score) is selected as the best solution. A case study design of a terminal inserti...
Research Interests: Computer Science, Computer Aided Design, Knowledge Representation, Intelligent Manufacturing, Intelligent design, and 14 moreFunctional Design, Design process, Case Study, Manufacturing Engineering, Intelligent System, Non Functional Requirement, Knowledge base, Design Automation, Automatic code generation, Production System, Object Oriented, Rule Based, Representation Politics, and Engineering System
This paper describes three approaches for virtual product development of plastic injection moulds. The first is characterized by the use of three-dimensional computer aided design (CAD) for product design, two-dimensional drafting for... more
This paper describes three approaches for virtual product development of plastic injection moulds. The first is characterized by the use of three-dimensional computer aided design (CAD) for product design, two-dimensional drafting for mould design and three-dimensional computer aided design/manufacture (CAD/CAM) for mould manufacture. The second is characterized by the use of three-dimensional CAD models by all three participants, but between any two participants some form of file conversion is normally required because different CAD systems are used. The first two approaches share one common feature: the models are passed serially from the product designer to the mould designer and on to the toolmaker. They represent current practice in industry. The third approach is a proposed collaborative design process. Participants can work concurrently on the same model, sharing their knowledge and experience. The process is currently being refined and will be validated later this year with ...
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SUMMARY This paper describes the essential requirements for the successful performance of a team of people whose primary activity is intellectual effort. The requirements consist of a set of eight job roles, structured walk-throughs, cost... more
SUMMARY This paper describes the essential requirements for the successful performance of a team of people whose primary activity is intellectual effort. The requirements consist of a set of eight job roles, structured walk-throughs, cost and schedule control, and vertical and horizontal linking between teams. Eight job roles are necessary to accomplish the intellectual and management tasks of a team: technical director, technical co-director, production director, client, inventor, critic, librarian and developer. Coordination and integration between teams is achieved by vertical and horizontal linking of some of the job roles. Team management is accomplished by structured walk-throughs to control quality and an integrated cost and schedule control system to control costs, resources and the timing of the team's tasks. Practical implementation of our model is illustrated using a design team as an example.
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This paper presents an expert functional design model and software modeling environment for designing the architecture of industrial robots. The modeling environment comprises an integrated knowledge base, an inference engine, a working... more
This paper presents an expert functional design model and software modeling environment for designing the architecture of industrial robots. The modeling environment comprises an integrated knowledge base, an inference engine, a working memory, and an explanation unit and is implemented in CLIPS. The functional design model is based on the authors’ behaviour-driven, function-environment-structure (B-FES) formalism, which has been tailored to meet the special requirements of industrial robot design. A universal robot template has been created and a library of typical components of a robot has been compiled. Nine customized templates were generated from the universal template. Web links to the websites of manufacturers/suppliers provide easy access to data on robot components. The architectural design solutions are assessed by a set of user-defined performance criteria, such as precision, flexibility and short cycle time. Application of the approach is demonstrated through a case study of the functional design of a printed circuit board assembly robot. The authors argue that this approach is new for configuring robots and can significantly reduce the time, effort and number of errors made.
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This paper presents a knowledge-based system "KBCS", the "Knowledge-based conceptual synthesiser" that... more
This paper presents a knowledge-based system "KBCS", the "Knowledge-based conceptual synthesiser" that supports the synthetic phase of conceptual design. It was developed using an expert system shell called CLIPS. By using this knowledge, physical behaviour can be derived from a desired function or desired behaviour, and a functional model which represents causal relationships among the functions and behaviours can be
Research Interests: Engineering, Computer Science, Decomposition, Knowledge Based System, Intelligent design, and 12 moreDesign process, Mathematical Sciences, Conceptual Design, Case Study, expert System, Advanced manufacturing technology, Knowledge base, Knowledge Representation and Reasoning, Production Rule, Object Oriented, Representation Politics, and Functional Decomposition
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A new generic graph representation scheme for process planning is presented. It has been specifically developed to facilitate the planning and control of geometric dimensions and tolerances. Relationships between cut, location, and datum... more
A new generic graph representation scheme for process planning is presented. It has been specifically developed to facilitate the planning and control of geometric dimensions and tolerances. Relationships between cut, location, and datum surfaces and machining operations are represented by a graph consisting of connected boxes. A box is a multi-terminal node that corresponds to a machine set-up. Machining operations are depicted as arrows inside the box. These connect input nodes, representing datum and location surfaces, to output nodes, representing machined surfaces. External connectors join boxes together to form a directed graph. The main purpose of these connectors is to indicate the surfaces (from prior set-ups) that are used as location and datum surfaces for later set-ups. The representation covers cutting operations and non-cutting operations, such as surface finishes and coatings. The paper concludes with an example that illustrates the application and power of the scheme.
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Abstract This paper describes the development of Computer Aided Process Planning methods at the University of Canterbury and Nanyang Technological University. Three methods are described: a generative system for milling operations, an... more
Abstract This paper describes the development of Computer Aided Process Planning methods at the University of Canterbury and Nanyang Technological University. Three methods are described: a generative system for milling operations, an interactive system for cylindrical parts, and a retrieval system using neural networks. They are based on tolerance analysis and, in particular our technique for tolerance charting using rooted tree digraphs.
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The paper first briefly describes interactive planning, which consists of five interacting phases, which can be performed in any order: mess formulation, ends planning, means planning, resource planning, and implementation. The paper... more
The paper first briefly describes interactive planning, which consists of five interacting phases, which can be performed in any order: mess formulation, ends planning, means planning, resource planning, and implementation. The paper shows how interactive planning and the viable system model (VSM) can be combined to give a powerful methodology for studying and redesigning organizations. The essential skills to use the approach are listed. Finally, a guide for using the VSM is presented. The guide describes how to define levels of recursion, and how to identify and describe various systems.
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... Casti, JL 1995. Complexification. HarperPerennial: New York. Chau, KW and Albermani, F. 2002.Expert system application on preliminary design of water retaining structures. Expert Systems with Applications, 22 (2), pp. 169-178. Chen,... more
... Casti, JL 1995. Complexification. HarperPerennial: New York. Chau, KW and Albermani, F. 2002.Expert system application on preliminary design of water retaining structures. Expert Systems with Applications, 22 (2), pp. 169-178. Chen, YM, Miller, RA and Vemuri, KR 1991. ...
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... is, System 3 may set up a service to manage the environmental loops of the operational elements, eg, a sales department or advertising department. ... FIGURE 4. Model of the whole trade training system in New Zealand: Recursion 1. ...... more
... is, System 3 may set up a service to manage the environmental loops of the operational elements, eg, a sales department or advertising department. ... FIGURE 4. Model of the whole trade training system in New Zealand: Recursion 1. ... APPLICATION OF BEER'S CYBERNETICS ...