A method for the automatic deduction of priority lists of entities and tasks from the design knowledge

Abstract

This paper presents a method for the automatic deduction of priority lists of input information as well as for the extraction of task relations from the available design knowledge. The method is based on multiple extensive searches of the design space and produces a final priority list for the instantiation of the primary design entities. If followed, this list ensures the generation of the most decisive design information at the very beginning of the design process. Additionally, the method can produce a priority list of design tasks, which represents the order of completion of these tasks. Finally, it offers a representation platform for tracking the evolution of the design process. First, a brief overview of the current literature is presented, after which the method is presented in detail. Entities, descriptors, and tasks are used for the representation of the design knowledge. They are linked in order to form multiple design relations, formally represented by digraphs. Simple set relations and graph theories are used as mathematical background to the method. Design experience is also taken into account through a weighting process of the primary design entities. Finally, an example of a belt conveyor design is presented, followed by a discussion of the results and some general conclusions. The method may be considered as a design-assisting tool that dynamically processes pieces of design knowledge and suggests corresponding design paths. Additionally, it relates the design tasks in a ordered form. Its extension—currently under elaboration—is expected to treat systematically the problem of identifying and handling the design knowledge inconsistencies.