CADET: A software support tool for constraint processes in embodiment design

For the last two decades there has been an attempt to put more ''design'' in computer-aided design (CAD) through improving CAD for conceptual design, embodiment design, design for manufacturing, and design for environment. This article presents computational methods for supporting constraint specification and satisfaction in mechanical embodiment design. The methods were tested and their feasibility verified through the implementation of the prototype software support tool, CADET (computer-aided-design embodiment tool). CADET is capable of rapidly specifying and satisfying large sets of algebraic design constraints. This article describes the product model developed to maintain design information and describes the use of generic component libraries to automate the specification of design constraints. In addition, adaptive search algorithms to find feasible designs to satisfy the imposed constraints are presented.