Knowledge representation is a key to the success of conceptual design where much implicit knowledge is left by different designers involved in the design. The traditional methods of knowledge representation lack explicit expressions for knowledge sharing. This paper presents a framework of functional knowledge based on ontology which can provide a good inference mechanism, in order to represent knowledge formally and explicitly in the conceptual design. The framework consists of three-level ontology constrained by semantic and syntax. In addition, a function structure meta-model (FSFM, Function-Solution-Findings-Model) is proposed for the innovative design in the conceptual design phase according to the knowledge framework. The knowledge ontology layers are defined in the meta-model and their relationship in the meta-model is discussed as well. Ontology modeling language OWL is applied to describe function ontology. Finally, an example is proposed to illustrate the process of the solving model.
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