Automatic design of mechanical assemblies using estimation of distribution algorithm

Abstract

A design engine implements a probabilistic approach to generating designs for computer-aided design (CAD) assemblies. The design engine initially generates a population of designs based on a problem definition associated with a design problem. Each design includes a randomly-generated set of design values assigned to various design variables. The design engine repairs any infeasible designs in the population of designs and then executes a dynamic simulation with the population of designs. The design engine selects the most performant designs and identifies, based on those performant designs, design variables that are dependent on one another. The design engine generates a probability model indicating conditional probabilities between design values associated with dependent design variables. The design engine then iteratively samples the probability model to generate a subsequent population of designs. In this manner, the design engine can automatically generate designs for mechanical assemblies significantly faster than possible with conventional algorithmic design techniques.