Variant Design for Mechanical Artifacts - A State of the Art Survey

Published

January 1, 1993

Author(s)

James E. Fowler

Abstract

Variant design refers to the techniques of adapting existing design specifications to satisfy new design goals and constraints. A survey of approaches supporting variant design is presented. Capabilities used in current commercial computer aided design systems are discussed along with approaches used in recent research efforts. Information standards applicable to variant design are identified as well. Barriers to variant design in current systems are identified and ideas are presented for augmentation of current systems to support variant design.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 5356

Report Number

5356

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.5356

Keywords

analogical reasoning, CAD, case-based design, computer aided design, design knowledge, design research, STEP

Citation

Fowler, J. (1993), Variant Design for Mechanical Artifacts - A State of the Art Survey, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.5356 (Accessed October 8, 2025)