A simple knowledge-based system has been developed to handle the conceptual problems encountered in earlier design stages of the planar four bar linkage mechanisms for path generation.
In order to endow the knowledge-based system with ability that can manage the earlier design stages of linkage mechanism design, the following techniques are employed: Pascal programs for numerical calculation, characteristic discretization and repetition to surmount domain continuity, and graphic animation to inform user how the mechanism operates.
The knowledges are extracted mostly from literatures but not much from design expert. Several examples are demonstrated yielding acceptable results from the knowledge-based system developed.
