AI System Support for Conceptual Design, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1996 Proceedings of the 1995 Lancaster International Workshop on Engineering Design, 27–29 March 1995

It is well-known that some 85% of the resources necessary to design and bring to market a product are committed by decisions taken in the first 10% of the design activity. This together with the wish to reduce further the time-to-market of high quality innovative products has increased the need for computer support at the conceptual design stage of the engineering design process life-style. This proceedings firmly focuses on the continuing research into new uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) during the conceptual design process. It shows how novel applications of AI may be integrated with aspects of solid modelling, simulation optimisation and multiple criterion decision- making. A particular emphasis is placed on the use of AI methods in the overall design of products from major Civil Engineering structures to Consumer Electronics.

Adaptive Search and Optimisation.- 1. An Adaptive Machine Learning System for Computer Supported Conceptual Engineering Design.- 2. The Application of Genetic Algorithms to Conceptual Design.- 3. Solution Clustering with Genetic Algorithms and DFA: An Experimental Approach.- Handling of Geometric Data and Knowledge.- 4. Handling of Positional Information in a System for Supporting Early Geometric Design.- 5. An Architecture for the Intelligent Support of Knitwear Design.- Knowledge Based Reasoning.- 6. Representing Conceptual Design Knowledge with Multi-Layered Logic.- 7. A Synthetic Reasoning Method Based on a Physical Phenomenon Knowledge Base.- 8. Design Model: Towards an Integrated Representation for Design Semantics & Syntax.- Integrated Intelligent Support for Conceptual Design.- 9. Égide: A Design Support System for Conceptual Chemical Process Design.- 10. Development of an Integrated AI System for Conceptual Design Support.- 11. Integrated Platform for AI Support of Complex Design (Part I): Rapid Development of Schemes from First Principles.- 12. Integrated Platform for AI Support of Complex Design (Part II): Supporting the Embodiment Process.- 13. A Computerized Tool to Create Concept Variants from Function Structures.- Interactive Knowledge Support.- 14. Integrated Innovative Computer Systems for Decision Support in Bridge Design.- 15. ‘MODESSA’, A Computer Based Conceptual Design Support System.- 16. Interactive Knowledge Support to Conceptual Design.- 17. A Support System for Building Design-Experiences and Convictions from the Fabel Project.- Intelligent Management of Design Procedures.- 18. Conflict Management in an Interdisciplinary Design Environment.- 19. A Fuzzy Thesaurus for Semantic Integration of Design Schemes.- 20. Managing Design andManufacturing Constraints in a Distributed Industrial Environment: The Creation of a Managed Environment for Engineering Design.- 21. Computer Support for Design Team Decisions.- AI Support of Detail Design.- 22. Use of Visualisation and Qualitative Reasoning in Configuring Mechanical Fasteners.- 23. Conceptual Design of Polymer Composite Assemblies.- 24. Conceptual Design for Mechatronics.- 25. Reasoning and Truth Maintenance of Casual Structures in Interdisciplinary Product Modelling and Simulation.