One of the major benefits of KBE is the ability to quickly optimize design based on logic and conditional rules allowing the designer to conduct additional trade studies and look at more options resulting in a more optimal design with reduced weight and complexity. Adding manufacturing rules into the system results in a design which is easier and cheaper to manufacture. KBE systems automatically generate parts lists and final stress notes used in FAA certification.
KBE is not only used in design but also in custom cabin configuration. All the rules for the dimensions and spacing of seats, aisles, lavatories and galleys are entered into the system allowing the airlines to quickly determine the maximum number of seats and locations of all the components for their chosen configuration. This process helps reduce the time required for configuration changes to about three days. As far as the passengers are concerned, what this means is that seat selection is important; same class seats on the same flight could possibly vary by one or two inches in legroom and seat width.
Originally developed by Shadd Shokralla
