Functional design overview

Functional design is a knowledge content tool that represents the trend to move from geometrical descriptions to capturing knowledge.

Designers use functional design to analyze the function of their products and the design problems they are trying to solve, rather than spending time on the modeling operations necessary to create 3D representations.

Functional design is not only a set of functions. It supports design by function and adds mechanical content and intelligence. Using functional design, you can create mechanically correct components automatically by entering simple or complex mechanical attributes.

Functional design provides further advantages:

• The design and modification process is faster.
• There is a higher level of design quality and accuracy.
• It provides a more intuitive design environment.
• It eliminates the need for physical prototypes.

Within Autodesk Inventor, the following areas are part of Functional Design:

• Design Accelerator
• Frame Generator
• Studio
• AutoLimits
• Content Center