The Algebraic Under Constraint Solver as a Design Tool

Hiroyuki Sawada
Mechanical Engineering Laboratory
Namiki 1-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8564, JAPAN
Tel: +81 298 58 7130
Fax: +81 298 58 7091
E-mail: sawada@mel.go.jp

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Abstract:

This paper describes an algebraic under constraint solver and its feasibility as a design tool. In general, a design problem is regarded as an under constrained problem that constraints are not enough to uniquely determine the solutions. In order to support solving such a design problem, the algebraic under constraint solver provides three facilities: 1) finding out constraints inconsistent with each other, 2) obtaining new constraints, 3) calculating numerical solutions as examples. Based on results of those constraint solving, a designer goes on the design work by relaxing constraints or determining parameter values. The algebraic under constraint solver omits the possibility of looking over an existing solution or wasting time to search a solution which does not actually exist, and decreases designer's work load and improves the working efficiency.