A knowledge-based electrical diagnostic system for mining machine maintenance

To investigate the applicability of expert systems in the area of control circuit diagnostics, the US Bureau of Mines has developed a knowledge-based system to diagnose component malfunctions in the electrical control circuit of a continuous mining machine. The system leads the user through the appropriate procedures required to quickly identify the faulty control-circuit component. Graphical displays are incorporated in the system to assist the user in locating the various components and test points. Once the faulty component has been isolated, the system is capable of accessing a database which can provide mine personnel with information concerning specific component part numbers and the availability and location of spare parts. The expert system development tool used to build the system, the structure and development of the knowledge base, and the software used to implement and graphical display and equipment database are discussed