Internet-enabled fixture design system using case-based reasoning technology

Abstract

Fixture design is a complex process and largely relies on a designer's experience to solve current problem. Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) provides a promising methodology for solving design problems in this complex domain based on the idea that past problem-solving experiences can be reused and learned from in solving new problems. A CBR design system in this thesis has been developed to assist designers to solve fixture design problems in the Internet-enabled environment. The system with distributed CBR engine has been implemented using Java programming language to ensure platform independent. It retrieves previously designed cases from the case-base, and modifies them by using certain adaptation techniques to satisfy the current problem requirements. Currently, the system can be implemented and tested for prismatic workpiece in the modular fixture design domain.