Constrained FBS knowledge cell model, representation, and applications for conceptual design

Abstract

Conceptual design plays a pivotal role in generating creative design solutions and, in most cases, reuse of existing design knowledge is necessary. However, lack of a consistent design knowledge representation model and neglect of an integrated approach to support various formats of design knowledge reuse constrain conceptual design from transforming design requirements into practical promising design solutions. In order to solve these problems, this paper presents a constrained function-behavior-structure knowledge cell (CFBS) model to provide conceptual design process with a consistent knowledge representation model. CFBS-based integrated approach for design knowledge reuse is proposed, which includes three-level CFBS retrieval process to obtain most relevant CFBS expressed in various types, three-stage design synthesis process to produce suggested design solutions, and evaluation process to select the most feasible design solutions. The effectiveness of the proposed design process was illustrated with conceptual design of the micro-feed drive module of insulin pump based on the CFBS library.

An extended case-based reasoning method and corresponding product design process

“…4,25,30–32 Ma et al. 33 proposed a CFBS model to reuse existing design knowledge to facilitate conceptual design. However, these knowledge models of product case cannot meet the needs of this paper.…”

An Extended Functional Design Approach Based on Working Principle and Property and Its Application

“…Umeda et al (1990Umeda et al ( , 1996 [19,20] proposed the function-behavior-state model, where the functions are decomposed into sub-functions until they can be associated with physical features. Knowledge of the decomposition of functions and alternative solutions can also be retrieved from a knowledge base; Suh (2001) [6] proposed the axiomatic approach for functional design, where functional design is regarded as a zigzag mapping process between functional requirements and the design parameters of solution concepts; Kitamura et al (2004) [21] developed a knowledge-based function decomposition system called the "function way server", which provides various decomposition solutions to assist designers to decompose the function; Mhenni et al (2014) [22] proposed a systems modeling language (SysML)-based methodology for mechatronic system architectural design, which can assist designers to establish the requirements, identify candidate solutions, and select the final physical architecture of the system; Chen et al (2015) [23,24] established a new process model of conceptual design (the need-function-principle-system model, NFPS) based on the proposed conceptual foundation, which elaborates a conceptual design process with five major stages; Ma et al (2016) [25] presented a constrained function-behavior-structure knowledge cell (CFBS) model to provide a consistent knowledge representation model for the conceptual design process. Ma et al also proposed a CFBS-based integrated approach for design knowledge reuse, while Hu et al (2017) [26] introduced a function-behavior-structure knowledge cell as a unified consistent design knowledge representation model.…”