Abstract: Since the current mechanical conceptual design oriented knowledge databases lacked of
accurate definition of the function and efficient reusing of implicit knowledge, a conceptual design
oriented knowledge database based on domain ontology was built, which could provide data
operating functions such as self-service application and semantic retrieval. The logical structure and
modeling of design knowledge were proposed to build the domain ontology. Multi-dimensional
classification schemes of design knowledge were set up considering different granularities and
functions of design projects and knowledge managements. The issuing, maintaining, storage and
retrieval of design knowledge were realized by conversions of extensible markup languages. With the
powerful knowledge management system, designers could reuse and share implicit knowledge
efficiently in design activities, which facilitated the innovation of mechanical conceptual design.

Key words: conceptual design, knowledge management, functional semantic, ontology