Variant design for mechanical artifacts: A state-of-the-art survey

Variant design refers to the technique of adapting existing design specifications to satisfy new design goals and constraints. Specific support of valiant design techniques in current computer aided design systems would help to realize a rapid response manufacturing environment. 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 also identified. Barriers to variant design in current systems are identified and ideas are presented for augmentation of current systems to support variant design.