Computer Support System for Conceptual Design

Every new engineering design task involves several stages, including conceptualization, synthesis, evaluation, embodiment, and detailed design followed by prototyping and redesign. Recognizing that new design ideas often arise by reusing and adapting prior design ideas through direct recall and analogy, we will undertake research aimed at developing representation and indexing schemes for large casebases of designs. Using synthesis algorithms, the system will help the designer examine design alternatives. Through cross-links to component catalogs, the system will also help the designer find appropriate products that can fulfill the required functions. The system will finally allow the user to order the products directly through on-line catalogs.