Using Context Knowledge Based Reasoning To Support Functional Design

This paper describes an approach to support function based conceptual design of a mechanical artefact based component. The approach defines a broad concept of design context knowledge as the related background knowledge of design problem under consideration. Having generated the initial concepts/solutions based on the function requirements, the approach supports the conceptual design through background reasoning of functional requirements as well as generated solutions using the design context knowledge. The reasoning mechanism facilitates a designer to explore rapidly different design consequences that are likely to occur at different stages of product life cycle generated due to selection of different design alternatives. This early awareness of potential problems due to design decisions supports designer in selecting those solutions, which are less likely to cause problems at later life cycle stages.