An ontology-based modelling and reasoning framework for assembly sequence planning

In the current era of increased customization, changing manufacturing systems and business globalization, effective use of product design information and knowledge generated from the product model can facilitate the decision-making of an assembly sequence by providing feasible product relationships and a viable semantic foundation. To enrich such semantics, a geometry-enhanced ontology modelling and reasoning framework is proposed in this paper to explicitly express relevant concepts for assembly sequence planning (ASP). A rule-based reasoning mechanism based on Ontology Web Language Description Logics (OWL-DL) and Semantic Web Rule Language (SWRL) is also suggested to clarify implicit relations by incorporating reasoning units (RUs) to process complex geometric information. This framework is then validated with a complex case study related to assembly sequence planning.