A Computational Model for Conceptual Design Based on Function Logic

Abstract

Function logic and function block diagrams have been successfully employed in preliminary and conceptual design processes for several decades. This paper describes a computational model of this process with extensions of the manual approach. It provides for a systematic identification and definition of form and function variables and identifies a three-level function/allocation/component information structure to represent the state of the design. We outline the inputs, outputs and operations on the form and function variables as a key step prior to the synthesis process. We also illustrate by example how to transfer functional designs across specialist domains.