A decomposition strategy for conceptual design

An approach to conceptual design based upon decomposition strategies has been proposed and investigated. This allows the conceptual requirements to be collected and defined as rules for resolution within a constraint modelling environment. Here, a parametric model is created against which the constr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of engineering design 2000-03, Vol.11 (1), p.3-16
Main Authors: Medland, A. J., Mullineux, G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Design engineering
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Summary:An approach to conceptual design based upon decomposition strategies has been proposed and investigated. This allows the conceptual requirements to be collected and defined as rules for resolution within a constraint modelling environment. Here, a parametric model is created against which the constraint rules are tested and resolved. Various strategies for the resolution of design problems have been proposed and initially investigated within a demonstration system. These strategies reflect both the practical constraints on the designer and the mathematical relationships determined by the problem complexity. Successful approaches will be further investigated and incorporated within a full designing environment. The strategies investigated (and demonstrated on a bicycle example) have included those of applying minimal change to a design to meet new requirements, designing with standard parts, and combining the 'best features'. These incorporate a combination of techniques using practical design constraint strategies and mathematical procedures for the selection and creation of subproblems within an overall truth maintenance system.
ISSN:0954-4828
1466-1837
DOI:10.1080/095448200261153