Function and Mechanism Formalization in Task Based Conceptual Design Method

Abstract

Mechanism and function formalization problem is touched in a novel task based conceptual mechanical design method. The general concept and a specific application of this method were reported in earlier publications. Direct dependence between the function and mechanism, identical synthesis tools for various stages of design and for various mechanical objects are the features making the suggested method advantageously different from existing concept design approaches. The core idea of suggested conceptual design method is the direct relation between challenged function and the mechanical entity which is in charge of implementing the requested function. The existing task based conceptual design methods are not satisfying the designer’s needs for scope of application, universality of design means, visualization and formalization of both mechanical and functional fields. Formalization of functions and mechanisms is an important design tool that will facilitate synthesis, analyzes, visualization and archiving (data base creating) processes of mechanical development. Further progress in unveiling the resources of the suggested design method is mostly based on development of formalization means for both categories of functions and mechanisms. The current study is unveiling newly developed function and mechanism description language that is helping to formalize both mechanical and functional categories facilitating their involvement in design process and making the description of a new product’s mechanical development easy and understandable. Function formalization in conjunction with mechanism formalization allows to formulate precisely the design task and concentrate the designer’s attention on solution of a single task strictly arranged in the hierarchical function tree of all involved tasks and functions.