Design Assistance Tool Research Articles

Use of 1D mechanical and thermal models to predetermine the heat transferable by a thermal interface material layer in space applications

This paper proposes the use of 1D basic models to build a design assistance tool capable of evaluating the heat transfer between a third-level electronic packaging and its support, considering a conventional configuration where a thermal interface material is placed between these two parts. Using this kind of tool early in the design process may facilitate choices concerning geometry and material. The packaging is modelled by a stepped beam (the equipment) and the interface layer by a nonlinear elastic foundation (the thermal interface material). Considering that the electronic equipment bends under the effect of the forces exerted by the fasteners, the tool makes it possible to determine the contact zone remaining operative after deformation, and the pressure distribution at the interface. Mechanical results are then used to calculate the steady-state heat transfer between the equipment and its support, taking into account the diffusion within the equipment and the thermal interface material, and also the thermal contact resistances, the latter being dependent on the contact pressure. A detailed case study is used to illustrate the utility of the approach. The 1D models are exploited to illustrate the interest of the design assistance tool. The influence of different parameters on the thermal performance is studied and a new innovative proposal is analyzed, which could lead to a significant increase in thermal performance.

Developing a workstation design assistance tool for older knowledge workforce inclusion

The paper addresses two significant and growing trends: knowledge work and population ageing. The population pyramid inversion brings important changes for society as a whole. These changes are associated with the inclusion of older persons in the workforce for knowledge work, which represents a challenge for adapting the work environment to meet all workers’ needs. In order to approach a more universal design of the work environment system, industrial designers need support from user-sensitive inclusive design studies. Moreover, there are plenty of guidelines and tools containing relevant information. However, there is the need to develop more appropriate tools oriented to industrial designers and that cover the initial phase of the design process. A study about and with users and designers have driven the research outcomes and direction. Through an iterative process, various prototypes versions have been developed through research and designers’ feedback. A range of contents and a theoretical framework, namely UCAP, have been developed in order to implement them in this inclusive workstation design guidance tool. This study provides an overview of how knowledge work is affected by the ageing of the population, the role of designers in helping to create inclusive workstations, and the need for developing a new tool to aid designers in this endeavour. A theoretical framework intended for use in the development of the inclusive workstation design guidance tool is proposed and developed. As a result, this study provides one step towards the universal design of the products and environments found in knowledge work for the benefit of not only designers but consumers, makers and buyers of such products, all of whom can benefit from these outcomes.

Methodology to build an assistance tool dedicated to preliminary design: application to compression springs

This paper proposes a method to develop a design assistance tool dedicated to preliminary design. This tool increases interactivity and enables the design space to be explored. The user-friendly interface proposes to define design parameters with interval values. In addition, an objective has to be selected and the tool offers an optimum design. To take full advantage of all the exploration’s capabilities, it is suggested that all the potential optimization functions be considered as design parameters and that each design parameter be considered as a potential objective function. This method was applied to build a software mock-up dedicated to compression spring design. The industrialization process leading to the commercial software is detailed.

A method and advisor tool for multimedia user interface design

This paper describes a multimedia user interface design method and a design assistant tool which supports the method. The method covers specification of user requirements and information architecture, selection of appropriate media to represent the information content, design for directing attention to important information and interaction design to enhance user engagement. Guidelines for media selection and design for attractiveness, i.e. usability and user experience, are given. The method was evaluated in a case study design of a crowd control simulation training system, which demonstrated the method was usable and gave good solutions against an expert gold standard design. The tool provides advice on media selection and attention effects that match specification of the information content expressed as information types and communication goals. A usability evaluation was carried out to measure the usefulness and effectiveness of the tool in comparison to the method, and the results showed that the tool has a positive impact on multimedia design.

Evolutive design assistance tool for microwave circuits

This article deals with the development of a design assistance environment for microwave circuits and, especially, its first module dedicated to microwave power amplifiers. This tool does not intend to simulate nonlinear circuits, since CAD tools are already available and reliable. Our aim is to implement efficient and predictive design processes and design re-use capabilities based on specialized knowledge databases (devices, circuits, and methods). © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 13: 293–305, 2003.

Case-based instruction strategies in architecture

This paper is about case-based instruction (CBI) and not about computer-implemented case-based reasoning systems, as some readers tend to assume. CBI is a very old method of teaching, particularly in the studio setting. Usually it takes the form of precedent analysis. An empirical study was conducted in order to better understand how experienced designers use cases in the course of a brief design session. Based on this experience a computer-based case tool, electronic design assistance tool (EDAT), was developed and used in studio instruction. Finally, our experience with case-based instruction in non-design courses is described.

A mapping algorithm for computer-assisted exploration in the design of embedded systems

We present a technique for automatic exploration of architectural alternatives in the design of complex electronic embedded systems and systems-on-a-chip. The technique transforms the problem into a set of simple model-to-model operations and a mapping algorithm that becomes the core of the entire design process. The mapping algorithm is formulated as an assignment-type problem (ATP), which is, in turn, solved by a straightforward optimization method. The result is a design assistance tool, which is demonstrated through a telecommunication systems example.

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An electronic design assistance tool for case-based representation of designs

In precedent based design, solutions to problems are developed by drawing from an understanding of landmark designs. Many of the key design operations in this mode are similar to the functionalities present in case-based reasoning systems: case matching, case adapting, and case representation. It is clear that a rich case-base, encoding all major product types in a design domain would be the centerpiece of such an approach. EDAT (Electronic Design Assistance Tool) is intended to assist in precedent based design in the studio with the potential of expansion into the office setting. EDAT has been designed using object oriented system development methods. EDAT was used in a design studio at Carnegie Mellon University, during Spring 1996.

A Constraint-Based System for Product Design

Concurrent Engineering (CE) emphasizes the simultaneous consideration of downstream aspects of product design (e.g., production, maintenance, recycling, and disposal) at the design stage. Representing these considerations at the design stage is one of the principal problems of CE. This paper explores the use of constraint networks to modeling such information for effective use during the design process. A constraint- based system has been developed in which the functional requirements of a product and other concerns about its life cycle are modeled as con straints. The system includes an interactive user interface, a constraint management module for the propagation and checking of design deci sions, and a constraint pool which supports different types of constraints from multiple knowledge sources. This system is a core part of a larger design assistance tool which is capable of mapping design requirements to multiple design alternatives. Main elements of the constraint-based system are explained and a parametric design case study is provided to illustrate the performance of the system in a practical mechanical design problem. Advantages and limitations of using constraint networks for modeling design knowledge and future research directions are also briefly discussed.