An ontology-based approach for using physical effects in inventive design

Su-Field analysis, as one of the inventive problem solving tools, can be used to analyze and improve the efficiency of a technical system. Generally, the process of using Su-Field models to solve a specific inventive problem includes building a Problem Model, mapping to a Generic Problem Model (the abstract Problem Model to describe the Problem Models with similar properties), finding a Generic Solution Model (the abstract Solution Model to represent the Solution Models with similar modifications) based on the corresponding inventive standard, and finally establishing and instantiating a Solution Model. As one of the most important phases of Su-Field analysis, the last step is normally implemented manually with the help of a knowledge base of physical effects, which link generic technical functions with specific applications and systems. The physical effects compatible with the context of the specific problem should be chosen to assist the users to instantiate the Solution Model. However, the physical effects and the specific problems are built at different levels of abstraction, and it is difficult for the users to choose. In order to facilitate the use of physical effects, this paper firstly proposes a new way of representing physical effects by making explicit a state change, that is, the couple of two states, before and after applying the physical effect. Then, knowledge about using physical effects is formalized in OWL (Ontology Web Language), and constraint knowledge, such as the preconditions to use each kind of physical effects, is formalized in SWRL (Semantic Web Rule Language). Finally, the reasoning process of using physical effects is performed with the support of the Jess (Java Expert System Shell) rule engine. The case of a “Diving Fin” is used to illustrate the whole process in detail.