Automating fixture design—from imitating practice to understanding principles

Abstract The paper discusses search, combination and conflict-resolution strategies applied to the computer-aided generation of modular fixtures. Starting with a purely declarative view of design, the paper deals with depth-first search based on wired-in decisions, with strategies of combining several functional parts designed independently, and with the improvement of imperfect fixtures by using a random conflict-resolution technique. An AND/OR tree representation of the modules is introduced. Finally, the practical use of an analogy between the design of modular structures and the growth of crystals is discussed in greater detail.

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