17,992 research outputs found
Automated Retrieval of Non-Engineering Domain Solutions to Engineering Problems
Organised by: Cranfield UniversityBiological inspiration for engineering design has occurred through a variety of techniques such as creation
and use of databases, keyword searches of biological information in natural-language format, prior
knowledge of biology, and chance observations of nature. This research focuses on utilizing the reconciled
Functional Basis function and flow terms to identify suitable biological inspiration for function based design.
The organized search provides two levels of results: (1) associated with verb function only and (2) narrowed
results associated with verb-noun (function-flow). A set of heuristics has been complied to promote efficient
searching using this technique. An example for creating smart flooring is also presented and discussed.Mori Seiki â The Machine Tool Compan
Computer-Aided Conceptual Design Through TRIZ-based Manipulation of Topological Optimizations
Organised by: Cranfield UniversityIn a recent project the authors proposed the adoption of Optimization Systems [1] as a bridging element
between Computer-Aided Innovation (CAI) and PLM to identify geometrical contradictions [2], a particular
case of the TRIZ physical contradiction [3].
A further development of the research has revealed that the solutions obtained from several topological
optimizations can be considered as elementary customized modeling features for a specific design task. The
topology overcoming the arising geometrical contradiction can be obtained through a manipulation of the
density distributions constituting the conflicting pair. Already two strategies of density combination have been
identified as capable to solve geometrical contradictions.Mori Seiki â The Machine Tool Compan
Set-based design of mechanical systems with design robustness integrated
This paper presents a method for parameter design of mechanical products based on a set-based approach. Set-based concurrent engineering emphasises on designing in a multi-stakeholder environment with concurrent involvement of the stakeholders in the design process. It also encourages flexibility in design through communication in terms of ranges instead of fixed point values and subsequent alternative solutions resulting from intersection of these ranges. These alternative solutions can then be refined and selected according to the designersâ preferences and clientsâ needs. This paper presents a model and tools for integrated flexible design that take into account the manufacturing variations as well as the design objectives for finding inherently robust solutions using QCSP transformation through interval analysis. In order to demonstrate the approach, an example of design of rigid flange coupling with a variable number of bolts and a choice of bolts from ISO M standard has been resolved and demonstrated
Development of an automated aircraft subsystem architecture generation and analysis tool
Purpose â The purpose of this paper is to present a new computational framework to address future
preliminary design needs for aircraft subsystems. The ability to investigate multiple candidate
technologies forming subsystem architectures is enabled with the provision of automated architecture
generation, analysis and optimization. Main focus lies with a demonstration of the frameworks
workings, as well as the optimizers performance with a typical form of application problem.
Design/methodology/approach â The core aspects involve a functional decomposition, coupled
with a synergistic mission performance analysis on the aircraft, architecture and component levels.
This may be followed by a complete enumeration of architectures, combined with a user defined
technology filtering and concept ranking procedure. In addition, a hybrid heuristic optimizer, based on
ant systems optimization and a genetic algorithm, is employed to produce optimal architectures in both
component composition and design parameters. The optimizer is tested on a generic architecture
design problem combined with modified Griewank and parabolic functions for the continuous space.
Findings â Insights from the generalized application problem show consistent rediscovery of the
optimal architectures with the optimizer, as compared to a full problem enumeration. In addition
multi-objective optimization reveals a Pareto front with differences in component composition as well
as continuous parameters.
Research limitations/implications â This paper demonstrates the frameworks application on a
generalized test problem only. Further publication will consider real engineering design problems.
Originality/value â The paper addresses the need for future conceptual design methods of complex
systems to consider a mixed concept space of both discrete and continuous nature via automated methods
Intelligent systems in manufacturing: current developments and future prospects
Global competition and rapidly changing customer requirements are demanding increasing changes in manufacturing environments. Enterprises are required to constantly redesign their products and continuously reconfigure their manufacturing systems. Traditional approaches to manufacturing systems do not fully satisfy this new situation. Many authors have proposed that artificial intelligence will bring the flexibility and efficiency needed by manufacturing systems. This paper is a review of artificial intelligence techniques used in manufacturing systems. The paper first defines the components of a simplified intelligent manufacturing systems (IMS), the different Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques to be considered and then shows how these AI techniques are used for the components of IMS
A new approach for specifying and solving layout problems
International audienceComponent and facility layout plays an important role in the design and usability of many engineering products and systems as mechanical design, process plan, management and architecture including ship compartment layout. Generally, layout problems are formulated and solved on a case by case basis and, as far as we know, there is no general method to specify the similarities and characteristics of each problem. Then, this paper proposes an innovative generic approach in order to describe, formulate and solve layout problems. This approach suggests in particular a new classification of layout components, introducing the concept of "virtual" component. Moreover, in order to propose to the designer an optimal spatial arrangement in a reasonable time, this paper presents an interactive optimization strategy for solving layout problems
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