Representing Functionality to Support Reuse: Conceptual and Supporting Functions

Abstract

In order to accurately produce computer generated design tools, methods of incorporating non-conventional functional representations of artifacts need to be incorporated and standardized. Without formalized representations of artifact attributes such as manufacturing, feature specific and form specific details, comprehensive design models and tools cannot be generated. This paper describes a user-need driven approach of addressing shortcomings in product representations by comparing standard hand generated design tools to computer-generated tools. By pinpointing discrepancies between the two sets of models, additional artifact functional representations are identified and defined. The additional functional representations, dubbed as supporting functions, are then used to complete the existing artifact functional representations. As a test for the newly found supporting functions, their representations are cataloged along side standard functional representations within a design repository. The results are computer-generated design tools that identically match their human-generated counterparts.