An automated system for product specification and design Available to Purchase

This study proposes a design automation system that integrates traditional segmental design processes into a solid unified system composed of need assessment, computer aided design, computer aided engineering and rapid prototyping. The system utilizes the computer network in conjunction with the quality function deployment technique coupled with a well designed expert system to precisely transform customers’ needs into producible product specification. The product is then displayed using a three‐dimensional representation and simulated through numerical analysis using a finite element method. The resulting feasible design alternative is finally linked to the rapid prototyper to produce the sample object. The use of the system is believed to greatly reduce R&D cost and significantly shorten the product design cycle, while closely meeting the customer’s needs.