A Framework for Function Knowledge Processing in Complex System Design

For complex system, the integration of function knowledge from external design resources is the key to the integrity and reliability of the function design. However, the form and structure of unprocessed function knowledge are often hard to be directly applied to the integration and validation stages of function design. Due to the differentiated function cognition and disciplinary differences between fields, few complete function knowledge processing (FKP) methods have been developed so far. This paper proposes a FKP framework for complex system to support the efficient flow of function knowledge in design. The framework is applied to a design case of flight control system (FCS) to demonstrate the specific process of extraction, representation, integration and validation of function knowledge during the design process.