Abstract
Mereotopology is the branch of logic that treats the qualitative formalisation of parthood and connection relations between entities. Although it has apparently not yet found use in spatial reasoning for designed product modelling, the author proposes that it is well suited to the task. This paper introduces mereotopology and discusses some of the principles guiding the development of design mereotopology (DMT), a logic being developed by the author for product modelling. Typical MT logics cannot be applied directly to applications because they assume a common sense approach, whereas design requires a more strict engineering sense. DMT can provide a framework for improved understanding of product modelling knowledge and will lead to better computer-based aids to manipulate that knowledge.
Highlights
Mereotopology (MT) is the branch of logic dealing with the qualitative formalisation of two fundamental relationships between entities: parthood and connection
While trying to address these problems, the author came across mereotopology and therein found a new tool that the author believes is more compatible with design engineering and engineering sense
This is a straightforward application of design mereotopology (DMT), since all MT theories take as their basis a domain of physical space and the objects within it
Summary
Mereotopology (MT) is the branch of logic dealing with the qualitative formalisation of two fundamental relationships between entities: parthood (i.e. one entity being part of another) and connection. The author’s current research in MT is presented the goal of which is the development of a specific MT theory for product models and computer-based applications. This theory, called design mereotopology (DMT) will be a formal theory of reasoning that interprets the principles of MT from the point of view of what the author calls engineering sense (as distinct from common sense). Engineers require a perspective that is more structured, more based on scientifically acceptable views of reality, and less tolerant of contradiction and inconsistency, than does the “common” person They do not care about emotional states or belief systems of a non-technical nature. The net gain is that humans have more time to focus on aspects of product development and design for which the human mind is best – perhaps ideally – suited
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
