Knowledge Based Assistance for Conceptual Development of Industrial Product-Service Systems

The conceptual development of Industrial Product-Service Systems (IPS²) requires the integration of different domains, i.e. mechatronic and service engineering. Considering this integration, an IPS² concept model and an IPS² concept development methodology have been proposed. Applying model and methodology to an evaluation example reveals that even simple IPS² can reach a high level of complexity in the conceptual design phase. To handle this complexity and to optimise the development of IPS² concepts, developers need comprehensive knowledge of participated domains and effective development tools. In this paper an approach for a knowledge-based assistance is presented, which supports developers in different tasks of IPS² concept development. Focus of the paper is the knowledge based support of the IPS² concept development methodology by deducing concepts for IPS² from given requirements. Starting with the basic understanding of IPS² concept modelling and conceptual development, the paper describes the requirements for a knowledge based assistance system. Based on these requirements, an approach has been developed and implemented in a software prototype. This paper concludes with the application of the approach on an evaluation example.