| Based on the perceived importance of relating the function of a mechanism to its structure, it behooves us to develop an approach for representing "intelligent" design concepts in a form suitable for computer representation and manipulation, in an attempt to automate the process of mechanism synthesis and design. The underlying mathematical theory applicable to the representation of structure in general, and in particular that of mechanisms, is graph theory. Graph theory provides a compact and complete mathematical medium for representing the structure of mechanisms. Its ability to retain functional information, on the other hand, requires additional work to expand its present limited applicability.; In developing knowledge-based approaches to mechanism design, two solution strategies have been elected for use. The first is based on forward-design reasoning, and the second is based on backward-design reasoning. Both approaches rely on searching through a tree or "space" of potential solution nodes or "states".; The primary advantage of forward design reasoning is its ability to enumerate, in a systematic and unbiased manner, the structures for all mechanisms having the potential to satisfy prespecified design requirements. The disadvantages of this approach are that it is not guaranteed to produce a solution, and it may require somewhat lengthy design times.; The primary advantage of backward design reasoning is its ability to guarantee a solution to a mechanism design problem provided the desired solution state has been previously introduced into the system. To be of sufficient use, this approach requires the development of a large knowledge base of information having the ability to describe mechanisms.; Knowledge-based approaches to mechanism design have the potential to advance existing design methodologies, such that more creative designs can be achieved in a systematic manner. This doctoral dissertation provides some insight into the use of "intelligent" or knowledge-based approaches to mechanism synthesis, analysis and design. The concepts conveyed and the prototype software developed in this thesis, it is believed, will establish the computational architectures for the next generation of CAD tools for mechanism design. |
