A knowledge-based heuristic approach to product conceptual design

A knowledge-based heuristic approach for automating the conceptual design of mechanical products is presented. Firstly, a conceptual modelling framework is developed to represent product information in terms of function, behavior and structure. The function and behavior are modelled with transformation between input and output and bond graphs respectively. Then a framework for knowledge acquisition in conceptual design is established, which includes two parts: knowledge elicitation and knowledge representation. To represent the design knowledge formally, a knowledge template is constructed and the modules are encapsulated with object-oriented technique. Furthermore, by defining the heuristic evaluation function as a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making, a A* algorithm-based heuristic solving strategy is developed to obtain the satisfied solution in a reasonable time. Finally, a design case of auto gate's driving system is given to demonstrate the proposed approach.