An intelligent environment for mechanical engineering design-application to gear transmissions

摘要

This paper presents a description of an Intelligent Design Environemtn (IDE) based on AI tools. Fundamentally an IDE is based on the coexistence of algorithmic procedures, ofcommon usage in Mechanical Engineering Design methods, and knowledge based systems where non algorithmic knowledge is dealt with. This synthesis leads to the development of a powerful design environment where the two types of knowledge mutually enhance their capabilities. Starting fro mthe resutls obtained during an EC funded research programme, aimed at the optimisation of gear transmissions using AI tools, the paper presents structures and particularities of an IDE that can be used in any domain of mechanical engineering design. The gear transmission design approach is then described in detail including the data acquisition mdule, the inference module, reasoning strategy and user interface. The system capabiities are critically discusse,d particularly by the controversial point of view of the utility of AI methods and tools in Mechanical Engineerign Design.