Mereotopology for product modelling A new framework for product modeling based on logic

Mereotopology is the branch of logic that treats the qualitative formalisation of parthood and connection relations between entities. Although it has apparently not yet found use in spatial reasoning for designed product modelling, the author proposes that it is well suited to the task. This paper introduces mereotopology and discusses some of the principles guiding the development of design mereotopology (DMT), a logic being developed by the author for product modelling. Typical MT logics cannot be applied directly to engineering applications because they assume a “common sense” approach, whereas design requires a more strict “engineering sense.” DMT can provide a framework for improved understanding of product modelling knowledge and will lead to better computer-based aids to manipulate that knowledge.