Framework of an evolutionary design system incorporating design information and history
In this paper, we propose an integrated design system that incorporates the design history, information and intent to support an improved design. Current CAD systems are powerful in representing the shape of a product, but they do not carry the design information that has been used or created in designing the product. We propose an integrated design system to enable the storage and usage of design information in addition to shape manipulation. We define an entity called Element Object that could represent a mechanical element, a sub-assembly or an assembly by using object-oriented methodology together with the related design information. The Element Object can represent a variety of information such as design parameters, documents, catalogues, functions, and behaviors. A mailing system is constructed among Element Objects to assist a collaborative design. We also introduce an Evolutionary Design Method using a genetic algorithm. By using the proposed design system, we could manage design information and relation systematically This contributes to an improved design. It reduces design time and errors at both initial design and re-design. Its capability and efficacy is observed particularly during the re-design process. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
evolutionary design design information integrated design system element object