Functional semantic retrieval for effects knowledge base

Effects, which are knowledge of scientific principles, can be used to transform inputs to outputs and achieve corresponding functions. To resolve a technical problem in innovative design, designers usually try to find the appropriate effects relevant to the required function. So it is very important to retrieve effect in terms of its function. This paper explores ontology-based functional semantic retrieval for effects knowledge base. To enhance the reasoning ability, the functional semantics of effects is represented as <;input flow list, action verb, output flow list>; in this paper. And functional ontology is used to expand the functional keywords in order to provide a variety of retrieval cues and trigger design inspiration. Using the functional semantic retrieval, designers obtain the lists of effects and/or chains of effects relevant to the required function, which greatly widen the solution space and increase opportunities for product innovation.