A genetics-based approach for the principle conceptual design of mechanical products

This paper presents a genetics-based approach for solving conceptual design problems in dealing with functional relation changes. A functional representation model based on verb-attributes is proposed to supply computers with sufficient functional information needed in principle conceptual design. Using bio-genetics as a blueprint, a concept of product gene is proposed, which is employed to index principle solutions (PSs), and therefore bridges the gap between relation change-based functions (RCFs) and their corresponding PSs. A knowledge base is built by extracting product genes from existing PSs by means of reverse transcription and translation. An illustrative design example has been provided to show the capability and effectiveness of the developed, genetics-based principle conceptual design platform (GPCDP).