A knowledge-based prototype system to support Product Conceptual Design

A key step in conceptual design is to develop specifications for the required behaviors or functions and transforms the specifications into the description of component configuration. In this paper, a design synthetic approach is proposed and employed to guide the design process via behavioral reasoning and to obtain an iterative transforming process. Firstly, the functional representations and design parameters according to the design requirements of a product are presented and a behavioral matrix model by using the bond graph fundamental elements is established. Secondly, a knowledge modeling language is presented for behavioral reasoning. A design synthesis approach is described in detail in such a way to transform the matrix model for generating functional means tree and to obtain multi-solutions by artificial intelligence. A prototype system is then developed for computer-aided conceptual design. Finally, a design synthesis case of a fast clasping mechanism used in a machine center is presented to show its application.