Ideation-Based Conceptual Design of a Materials Handling and Transfer (MHT) System

Summary

An ideation tool is employed to create a conceptual design for a materials handling and transfer system. This is done in two stages, out. First, a set of attributes describing the MHT domain is developed — some defining the environment in which the system is to operate, and some defining the system components. These attributes are evolved via an ideation approach, based upon inferential design theory, using design knowledge transmutations to stimulate ideas. Second, a knowledge-based decision support tool is created to decide on specific MHT system characteristics for a given design case or scenario. A knowledge base is built whose input (scenario) and output (decision) attributes are derived from the first stage; and which utilizes an inference mechanism to obtain case data and synthesize an appropriate system.