A Form Verification System for the Conceptual Design of Complex Mechanical Systems

Author(s):  
Jonathan S. Colton ◽  
Mark P. Ouellette

Abstract This paper presents a summary of research into the development and implementation of a domain independent, computer-based model for the conceptual design of complex mechanical systems (Ouellette, 1992). The creation of such a design model includes the integration of four major concepts: (1) The use of a graphical display for visualizing the conceptual design attributes; (2) The proper representation of the complex data and diverse knowledge required to design the system; (3) The integration of quality design methods into the conceptual design; and (4) The modeling of the conceptual design process as a mapping between functions and forms. Using the design of an automobile as a case study, a design environment was created which consisted of a distributed problem solving paradigm and a parametric graphical display. The requirements of the design problem with respect to data representation and design processing were evaluated and a process model was specified. The resulting vehicle design system consists of a tight integration between a blackboard system and a parametric design system. The completed system allows a designer to view graphical representations of the candidate conceptual designs that the blackboard system generates.

Author(s):  
Yoshiki Shimomura ◽  
Hideaki Takeda ◽  
Masaharu Yoshioka ◽  
Yasushi Umeda ◽  
Tetsuo Tomiyama

Abstract One of the crucial issues for developing computer aided conceptual design system is representation of functions which represent designers’ intention. Representing functions is also crucial not only for representing design objects but also for describing conceptual design processes, in which designers operate mainly functional concepts. Namely, function is a key concept to integrate object modeling and process modeling in design. In this paper, first we extend the FBS (Function-Behavior-State) diagram, which we have already proposed, by introducing three additional concepts for representing a function; namely, function body that represents designers’ intention directly, function modifier that qualifies a function body, and objective entity on which the function body occurs. This extended FBS diagram, called FBS/m (modifier) diagram, enables us to represent designers’ intention more precisely than the original FBS diagram. Then, we propose an FEP (Functional Evolution Process) model to represent design processes. In the FEP model, the FBS model of a design object is evolved through three steps, i.e., functional actualization, functional evaluation and functional operation. Functional actualization depicts a process to obtain physical descriptions from functional description. Functional evaluation is a process to measure realizability of functions of the design object. Functional operation is a process to operate functions to improve the design. Based on the FEP model, we analyze some actual design processes, and show that the FEP model is suitable for representing designers’ intention along with design processes.


2011 ◽  
Vol 291-294 ◽  
pp. 2296-2301
Author(s):  
Kang Liu ◽  
Yan Li ◽  
Wu Zhao ◽  
Wen Qiang Li

A process model FPBS for conceptual design is put forward. The function and behavior etc about the model are defined and analyzed, and the expressions are analyzed too. The relationships of elements, the application of model are discussed and analyzed. The model can be effective used to guide conceptual design and applied to construct computer aided conceptual design system.


1998 ◽  
Vol 120 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Shimomura ◽  
M. Yoshioka ◽  
H. Takeda ◽  
Y. Umeda ◽  
T. Tomiyama

One of the crucial issues for developing computer aided conceptual design system is representation of functions which represent designers’ intention. Representing functions is also crucial not only for representing design objects but also for describing conceptual design processes, in which designers operate mainly functional concepts. Namely, function is a key concept to integrate object modeling and process modeling in design. In this paper, first we extend the FBS (Function-Behavior-State) diagram, which we have already proposed, by introducing three additional concepts for representing a function; namely, function body that represents designers’ intention directly, function modifier that qualifies a function body, and objective entity on which the function body occurs. This extended FBS diagram, called FBS/m (modifier) diagram, enables us to represent designers’ intention more precisely than the original FBS diagram. Then, we propose an FEP (Functional Evolution Process) model to represent design processes. In the FEP model, the FBS model of a design object is evolved through three steps, i.e., functional actualization, functional evaluation and functional operation. Functional actualization depicts a process to obtain physical descriptions from functional description. Functional evaluation is a process to measure realizability of functions of the design object. Functional operation is a process to operate functions to improve the design. Based on the FEP model, we analyze an actual design process, and show that the FEP model is suitable for representing designers’ intention along with design processes.


1949 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 283-288
Author(s):  
B. E. Quinn

Abstract Two types of problems are dealt with in the paper which are involved in the design of mechanisms required to have specified dynamic characteristics: (1) Determination of applied forces required to produce specified dynamic characteristics. (2) Determination of the dynamic characteristics which will result from the application of known forces. While graphical methods may be used in the solution of type (1) problems involving more or less complex mechanical systems, they do not afford a direct approach to type (2) problems. The energy method which will be outlined can be applied in either case, although this paper will be primarily concerned with the determination of the dynamic characteristics which result when a known force is applied to a given mechanism.


Author(s):  
Kikuo Fujita ◽  
Shinsuke Akagi

Abstract A Framework of computational design method and model is proposed for layout and geometry design of complicated mechanical systems, which is named “configuration network and its viewing control”. In the method, a design object is represented with a set of declarative relationships among various elements of a system, that is, configurations, which is gradually extended from schematic structure to exact layout and geometry through design process. Since a whole of such configurations forms a too complicated network to compute all together, how to view subparts is controlled based on levels of granularity and width of scope range. Such a configuration network is made to grow and refined through embodying geometry and layout corresponding to a focused subpart with a numerical optimization procedure. The framework has also an ability to flexibly integrate with engineering analysis. Moreover, a design system is implemented with an object-oriented programming technique, and it is applied to a design problem of air conditioner units in order to show the validity and effectiveness of the framework.


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