Expert system for selecting speed reduction components for a power transmission

This paper describes the development of an expert system that will allow fo r the concurrent consideration and analysis of the many facets of product c onstraints, particularly function and manufacturability, at the early stage s of power transmission development. The Power Transmission Design Assistan t methodology is based on the concept of directed refinement, where the pro duct and analysis methodology become less abstract as more information is g iven. This allows for analysis and guidance throughout the product developm ent process. The methodology has been demonstrated on a small-scale, semi-a utomatic tool. The tool was the foundation for a larger tool that incorpora tes expert rules to help optimize power transmission component design.