Feature-based systematic approach development for inconsistency resolution in automated production system design

Inconsistency management is important and challenging in automated production system design (APSD), because consistency among interdisciplinary models from different stakeholders cannot always be maintained in different design phases. Hence, (semi-)automated techniques assisting domain-specific engineers to resolve arising inconsistencies are essential to increase system reliability and design efficiency. However, few efforts have been made on inconsistency resolution in APSD. This study proposes a systematic method to develop an inconsistency resolution approach from problem definition to approach formulation. The problem addressed is firstly formalized, in order to reach a clear and common understanding across disciplines. Then, the solution space is framed with the feature diagram, which draws on mostly primary features in resolving inconsistencies. The feature diagram also allows approaches in different domains to be compared. As a result, a conceptual approach based on the feature diagram and oriented by the formalized problem is put forward. It is capable to plan resolutions semi-automatically for inter-model inconsistencies in APSD.