Soft Computing in Engineering Design: A Fuzzy Neural Network for Virtual Product Design

This paper presents a fuzzy neural network approach to virtual product design. Contemporary design process requires the development of a new computational intelligent methodology that involves intelligent integration of design, analysis and evaluation, simulation and optimization in a virtual environment. In the paper, a soft-computing framework is developed for engineering design based on a hybrid intelligent system technique. First, a fuzzy neural network (FNN) model is proposed for supporting modeling, analysis and evaluation, and optimization tasks in the design process, which combines fuzzy logic with neural networks. The developed system provides a unified soft computing design framework with computational intelligence. The system has self-modifying and self-learning functions. Within the system, only one network is needed training for accomplishing the evaluation, rectification/modification and optimization tasks in the design process. The research results show that the fuzzy logic-neural network hybrid system outperforms the multiple regression models.