The development of Knowledge-Shelf to support the generation of a set-based design of Surface Jet Pump

Abstract

Set-based Concurrent Engineering (SBCE) is advocated in order to provide an environment where design space is explored thoroughly leading to enhanced innovation. This is achieved by considering an alternative set of solutions after gaining knowledge to narrow down the solutions until the optimal solution is reached. Knowledge provision is essential in SBCE application. Hence there is a need for a tool that provides appropriate knowledge environment to enable SBCE and supports it in taking right decisions. At the same time there is a need to capture the rationale of the alternative design decisions taken during the process of narrowing down the set of the design in the SBCE environment. These decision rationales constitute important knowledge to be re-used in developing new products. In this research the tool designed to address this research rationale is called Knowledge-Shelf (K-Shelf). This paper and its outcome serve the groundwork for the development of K-Shelf software that captures knowledge and in generating the first design set in SBCE environment based on previous knowledge documented. This paper is a collaborative work from a case study of Surface Jet Pump (SJP) between the LeanPPD research group in Cranfield University and Caltec Ltd, a company that provides engineering solutions to the oil and gas industry. The K-Shelf was developed using rapid web application development tool - Oracle APEX