Abstract: A collaborative product design decision-making method based on the sensitivity analysis and knowledge reasoning techniques is proposed. The decision making model and dependence among design tasks and parameters are described, and three sensitivity analysis scenarios for continuous design problems and knowledge reasoning and sensitivity analysis combined method for discrete design problems are detailed presented. The collaborative decision-making procedure is elaborated. An agent system that incorporates the working mechanism of expert system and realizes sensitivity analysis functions is put forward. The method and system are tested with the design of feed servo system of numerically controlled machine and coaxial gear reducer, which illustrates that the method is sensitive to detect and resolve the conflict among design parameters and tasks, reduce design iterations and improve design decision-making and collaboration efficiencies.

Key words: Collaborative decision-making agent, Design process, Knowledge reasoning, Sensitivity analysis, “Frame-Node” structure, stress analysis, tetrahedral mesh, the weakly balanced octree, weak-balance light-weighting filling