Ontology-based Assembly Design Representation for Model Reuse
Yi Fang Liang
1, a
, Yan Ru Zhong
1, b
, Mei Fa Huang
2, c
and Cong Wen Zeng
1, d
1
Key Laboratory of Intelligent Processing of Computer Image and Graphics, Guilin University of
Electronic technology, Guilin 541004, PR China
2
School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic technology, Guilin
541004, PR China
a
672427081@qq.com,
b
rosezhong@guet.edu.cn,
c
hmhmf@guet.edu.cn,
d
570247136@qq.com
Keywords: Model reuse, Assembly retrieval, Ontology, OWL 2 DL, SWRL.
Abstract. Assembly is an important part in production and development of complex products.
Flexible assembly retrieval is one of the key issues to find the reusable model. The main objective
of this paper is to extend the model of ontology-based assembly design for model reuse. Firstly, we
propose a representation of assembly structural data including topological structure, assembly
semantics, and geometrical information. Secondly, we enrich assembly design (AsD) ontology for
knowledge captured and shared in Web Ontology Language 2 Description Logic (OWL 2 DL) and
Semantic Web Rule Language (SWRL). And then, we define the matching strategies and similarity
assessment for two matched models. Finally, we illustrate the validity of assembly design
representation for model reuse through experiments.
Introduction
Computer-Aided design and manufacturing has made an immeasurable impact on product
development. Those models created by CAD tools contain abundant of design knowledge, most of
them can be reused to facilitate innovation designs [1]. However, primal challenge for model reuse
is that it is trouble or time-consuming for designers to find their suitable parts to reuse. To make full
advantage of model reuse for exiting designs, assembly semantics should be persistently captured,
and their terms should be interpreted in a consistent manner. Kin [2] developed an AsD formalism
based on spatial relationships and features. Chen [3] presents a flexible assembly retrieval approach
for model reuse. Gaag [4] proposes a function-based method for retrieval design solutions, and
enhancing model reuse by using SWRL rules. Kim [5] describes an assembly model retrieval
method based ontology technology. However, most of them only focus on data exchange between
cooperators in collaborative design, but lacking higher level semantic knowledge. Fortunately,
ontology can be used for knowledge representation, reasoning, and reuse [6]. In previous papers [7,
8, 9], we have done more works about assembly tolerance representation model and assembly
tolerance types. In this paper, a richer AsD ontology is based on assembly design representation.
The new AsD ontology captures design knowledge including geometric features, mating features
and spatial relationships by using OWL 2 DL and SWRL rules. The representation provides a
flexible approach of retrieval for model reuse.
Representation of Assembly Model
A data structure representing assemblies in a database can be divided into two parts [10]. The first is
the data structure used to store topological and geometric information in an assembly. The second is
used to store information on how all the components are connected. In order to effectively model
reuse, a comprehensive representation involving those data is prerequisite.
Topological Structure
An assembly can be decomposed to some subassemblies and parts [3]. Subassembly can have its
own subcomponents. While a component without child called part. In Fig.1, the component-of
relationships (black edges with arrows) form a two-level treelike structure to illustrate the
connections between assembly and its component. Moreover, the assembly interfaces (red curve)
form the assembly-graph to express the connections among all the components.
Applied Mechanics and Materials Vol. 775 (2015) pp 484-490 Submitted: 2015-04-02
© (2015) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland Accepted: 2015-04-03
doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.775.484 Online: 2015-07-20
All rights reserved. No part of contents of this paper may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of Trans
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