Multi-Dimensional Representation for Product Design Knowledge Based on Configurable Knowledge Template

A configurable template base method was proposed to solve the problem in multi-dimensional representation of product design knowledge. Firstly, considering the dynamic evolution of design knowledge, the definition of configurable knowledge template was presented. Then, the construction process of configurable knowledge template was described, including template building process and template instantiation. Then a multi-dimensional knowledge representation model was created through a customizable tree structure in which knowledge template was cited, and thus the template instances were clustered to the referenced node. A software system based on this method is applied in several enterprises in aerospace and shipbuilding industries. The feasibility and effectiveness of this method is validated.