Abstract
Engineering Design is a highly integrated and integrating process. This paper describes an integrated computer based platform for the development from first principles of design solutions to appropriately defined need, and the choice and quantification of the best forms of embodiment.
The first part concentrates on the use of Al techniques in the rigorous development of functions, means and embodiments able to meet the prescribed functional need within the defined context. Details are given of the structure of the underlying knowledge bases and the bond graph based ontology. Spatial reasoning is discussed as part of the Function Means development along with a description of the use of working principles in the development of conceptual designs.
The second part concentrates on the use of mathematical techniques based on sophisticated simulation and symbolic manipulation in the development and quantification of the conceptual schemes generated by the use of Artificial Intelligence. The methods of selecting the best embodiments of the required functions are described, together with the means of determining the best size of component. The use of function maps relating function to cost, weight, limits on strength, efficiency of operation etc., are shown. Finally, details are given of the use of automatically generated simulations of chosen embodied schemes. These simulations are used to confirm expected performance and as part of the procedure for optimising the design.
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Sharpe, J.E.E. (1996). Integrated Platform for AI Support of Complex Product Design. In: Tomiyama, T., Mäntylä, M., Finger, S. (eds) Knowledge Intensive CAD. KIC 1995. IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-34930-5_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-34930-5_6
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