CLAVIER is a case-based reasoning (CBR) system that assists in determi
ning efficient loads of composite material parts to be cured in an aut
oclave. CLAVIER'S central purpose is to find the most appropriate grou
pings and configurations of parts (or loads) to maximize autoclave thr
oughput yet ensure that parts are properly cured. CLAVIER uses CBR to
match a list of parts that need to be cured against a library of previ
ously successful loads and suggest the most appropriate next load. CLA
VIER also uses a heuristic scheduler to generate a sequence of loads t
hat best meets production goals and satisfies operational constraints.
The system is being used daily on the shop floor and has virtually el
iminated the production of low-quality parts that must be scrapped, sa
ving thousands of dollars each month. As one of the first fielded CBR
systems, CLAVIER demonstrates that CBR is a practical technology that
can be used successfully in domains where more traditional approaches
are difficult to apply.