Teaching Creative Mechanism Design by Integrating Synthesis Methodology and Physical Models

Due to a lack of essential knowledge to support functional reasoning from the design requirements of the kinematic compound mechanisms to their constituent mechanisms, the creative conceptual design of kinematic compound mechanisms based on functional synthesis approach is still a challenging task. Through introducing the dynamic partition-matching process between the function layer and the form layer to substitute for the direct function-structure matching in the FBS model, the function-structure matching problem corresponding to deficient functional reasoning knowledge for kinematic compound mechanisms is solved by the authors. The following challenge is how to cluster the divided subset of basic operation actions generated in the form layer during the partition-matching process into a well-organized and complete kinematic behavior that can be matched by the sub-function in the function layer and implemented by a structure in the database. The adopted strategies in this paper are: through defining the correlation indexes between basic operation actions, the basic operation action and its realized function behavior, and its embodied structure, as well as its dynamic behavior characteristics, the clustering possibility for a group of basic operation actions is determined. With the aid of the compatibility conditions between basic operation actions in the form layer and the consistency of the order relations between basic operation actions in the function layer and the form layer respectively, the consistency of the order relations among basic operation actions between the sub-functions in the function layer and the sub-behaviors in the form layer are guaranteed. Then, the optimal matching structures corresponding to the sub-functions in the function layer are determined based on the maximum matching coefficients of basic operation actions. In this way, the subsets of basic operation actions in the form layer are clustered into a number of complete behaviors that can be realized by mechanisms in the structure database and matched by the sub-functions in the function layer. Since multiple functional behaviors of each constituent basic mechanism take part in matching, some novel schemes of compound mechanisms with fewer and simpler constituent mechanisms to implement the overall function may be dug out.

Knowledge-based CAD systems limit designers’ creativity by constraining them to work with the prototypes provided by the systems’ knowledge bases. We investigate knowledge-based CAD systems capable of supporting creative designs in the example domain of elementary mechanisms. We present a technique based on qualitative explanations which allows a designer to extend the knowledge base by demonstrating a structure which implements a function in a creative way. Structure is defined as the geometry of the parts, and function using a general logical language based on qualitative physics. We argue that the technique can accommodate any creative design in the example domain, and we demonstrate the technique using an example of a creative design. The use of qualitative physics as a tool for extensible knowledge-based systems points out a new and promising application area for qualitative physics.

PurposeThe generic design environment for a flexible printed‐circuit board assemblies (PCBA) remanufacturing cell contains four interrelated complex design domains. Mechanical design domains are really complex and the use of well‐proven mechanical product design methodologies does not help the designer. Hence, this paper aims to develop a generic systematic design methodology for a flexible PCBA remanufacturing cell.Design/methodology/approachThe study investigates the use of conventional mechanical product design techniques for the design of a flexible PCBA rework (remanufacturing) cell. It indicates problems and the weaknesses when conventional product design techniques are used for the development of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS). It then provides a new systematic mechanical design methodology for designing a flexible PCBA rework (remanufacturing) cell. The design methodology is intended to be generic in order to apply successfully to any FMS design.FindingsConventional product design methodology cannot be used directly for the design of a flexible PCBA remanufacturing cell. Hence, two design methodologies were developed: the generic FMS mechanical design methodology and a specific FMS design methodology for a PCBA rework cell. The first one was developed based on the tasks of the conventional product design process integrated with new design tools. The generic design methodology was then extended to obtain the second methodology for a PCBA rework cell design. Both of the methodologies were applied to a flexible PCBA rework cell design problem. Both design methodologies eliminated unusable design solutions at the early design stages of the conceptual design process and made the design process easier.Practical implicationsThe generic and specific design methodologies provide a better design environment, even for less specialized FMS designers.Originality/valueThe design methodologies may help for the commercialization of a flexible PCBA remanufacturing cell that may be used for SM rework and assembly.

The Mechanical Engineering Cooperation Agency (BKS-TM Indonesia) has established the International Symposium on Advances and Innovation in Mechanical Engineering (ISAIME) as an annual scientific forum for academics, researchers, and practitioners in mechanical engineering. The 6 th ISAIME was convened on 9 October 2025, organized by the Mechanical Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department, Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia, with the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability in Mechanical Engineering: Smart Solution for a Greener Future.” This symposium served as a platform to present and discuss recent advances, research findings, and innovations across a wide range of topics, including mechanical application design, energy conversion, manufacturing processes, materials engineering, and mechanical engineering education. Distinguished experts delivered a total of two keynote lectures from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and the Université Laval, Canada, while 112 papers were presented and grouped into four thematic areas: mechanical application design, energy conversion, manufacturing processes, and materials engineering. These contributions reflect the growing role of mechanical engineering in advancing technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and human resource development within Industry 4.0. The Organizing Committee gratefully acknowledges the sponsorship and support of various companies and partner institutions, as well as the commitment of all speakers, authors, and participants who contributed to the success of this event. The knowledge and insights shared during the 6 th ISAIME are expected to foster academic collaboration, strengthen networks between academia and industry, and advance science and technology in mechanical engineering.

Expert tutoring system for teaching mechanical engineering

This paper investigates application of several design techniques to stimulate student’s creativity in design of engineering products. The first technique is creative methods,such as brainstorming, synetics, enlarging the search space, while the second technique is rational methods such as objective

In the field of mechanical design, optimization techniques play a crucial role in improving performance, reducing costs, and enhancing the overall efficiency of mechanical systems. This paper explores the applications of three prominent optimization techniques: Genetic Algorithms (GA), Simulated Annealing (SA), and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). We delve into their fundamental principles, advantages, and applications in various mechanical design problems. Through numerical examples and case studies, we illustrate how these methods can be effectively applied to optimize mechanical systems. Graphs, tables, and equations are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of these techniques.

A systematic synthesis and design methodology to achieve process intensification in (bio) chemical processes

<span lang="EN-US">Creativity, a crucial skill in the fourth industrial revolution (IR4.0) is highly demanded in the workforce to drive innovation in product design. Therefore, it is important to cultivate creativity in product design through design and technology (D&T) education. However, many past studies encountered challenges regarding D&T teachers’ teaching creativity which might affect creativity cultivation among students. Thus, this article aims to identify the challenges faced by D&T teachers in cultivating student creativity within product design development. Utilizing the systematic literature review (SLR) method using reporting standards for systematic evidence syntheses (ROSES) in three databases, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Based on thematic analysis, this SLR leads to three themes: i) lack of pedagogical competence; ii) different thinking styles; and iii) lack of motivation. Addressing these challenges highlights the importance for educational institutions to align their curricula with current industry demands, ensuring students are well-prepared to tackle the complexities of contemporary product design. This effort requires collaboration among educators, industry leaders, and policymakers to update teaching methods, incorporate practical experiences, and enhance an environment that cultivates creativity.</span>

The main objective of our research is to understand the role of problem formulation in creative design ideation. To that end, we have used the web-based testbed of the Problem Map (P-map) computational framework which represents designers’ problem formulation in terms of a series of state models, where each state consists of six types of entities in addition to relations within and between different entity types. We gave two design problems to twenty five graduate students in an advanced product design course. We collected their problem formulation data in the P-map testbed and their ideation data through concept sketches. We conducted correlation analysis between variables extracted from the P-maps, and the ideation metrics. We also built regression models for each of the ideation metrics as the dependent variable, and the P-map variables as the independent variables. We used the data from the first problem to predict the ideation scores for the second problem. The predicted results were compared to the actual outcome reported by an independent panel of judges. Models of variety, average and max quality had more accurate predictions while average novelty, average and max quality had statistically more reliable models.

Creative Design and Design Review on Mechanical Design and Drawing

Using a library of machine modules, modular machine tools are being developed by many machine tool manufacturers to reduce design lead time. To accommodate frequent changes in product design in a timely and cost-effective manner, the next generation of machine tools should be reconfigurable to process a family of products. This enables reduction not only in machine design lead time but more significantly a reduction in machine set-up and ramp-up time. The essential characteristics of Reconfigurable Machine Tools (RMTs) include modularity, convertibility, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Currently there is no systematic method of designing modular machines, let alone reconfigurable machines. This paper presents a methodology for kinematic synthesis of machine tools using screw theory. The motion characteristics of a set of desired machining tasks as well as stored library of machine modules are captured in a common representation scheme. A simple design example to illustrate the application of this methodology for systematic selection and synthesis of reconfigurable machine tools is presented. The proposed methodology can be extended to include the dynamic characteristics and control schemes to enable integrated design of machines and controllers.

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The engineering design is a very comprehensive term and required a number of different disciplines work together. There are many examples of engineering design studies and design of mechanisms is one of them. The design of mechanisms is one of the focused areas by mechanical engineering field and it includes kinematic synthesis, kinematic analysis, kinetics, dynamics, force and optimization of the mechanisms. The mechanisms can be complex; hence, additional help is needed in solution process. At that point, artificial intelligence (AI) of computer science is a really helpful for the mechanical engineers. Artificial intelligence field was found in 1956 and it is applicable to significant parts of the mechanism design. However, mechanical engineers cannot really apply artificial intelligence principles to mechanism design and as a result, design of mechanisms via AI became an interdisciplinary engineering studies between mechanical engineering and computer engineering. In this chapter of the book, mechanism design with artificial intelligence is focused and some sample applications are shown.

Special Issue on Focused Areas and Future Trends of Bio-Inspired Robots “Analysis, Control, and Design for Bio-Inspired Robotics”