A hybrid case-based reasoning CAD system for injection mould design

Injection mould design generally lies on the critical path of a new product development. The design efficiency will have significant impact on the overall lead time of a new product. This paper presents a prototype injection mould-design system using a hybrid case-based reasoning (HCBR) approach. Case-based reasoning (CBR) is a solving paradigm that uses previous episodes on solving problems similar to the problem at hand (the new problem) as the basis for solving the new problem. In this hybrid system, CBR is incorporated with generalized design knowledge, and provides a flexible and comprehensive model of design. The knowledge base of the system would be accessed by mould designers through interactive programs so that their own intelligence and experience could also be incorporated with the total mould design. The approach provides a workable model of mould design system with CBR and knowledge-based expert system intelligent support, which could suggest good and proven design solutions to new design problems quickly, avoiding the time necessary to create those designs from scratch, for the plastic products manufacturing industry.