Exploring design spaces in the search for embodiment design solutions and decision support

The design of an air-conditioning system for a commercial aircraft, which functions in various life cycle stages, proves difficult because atmospheric conditions differ greatly according to the flight phase. This paper proposes the use of constraint programming in the exploration of design spaces and the search for feasible embodiments. This approach produces the best design compromises between various design objectives, whatever the life cycle stage. The entire design space is explored for potential solutions and their performance assessed, thus allowing for decision support at the end of the embodiment design phase