Advanced phase powertrain design attribute and technology value mapping. Issue 1 (7th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Georgiou, Aris; Haritos, George; Fowler, Moyra; Imani, Yasmin
• Is Part Of: Journal of engineering, design and technology. Volume 14:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 115
• Page End: 133
• Publication Date: 2016-03-07
• Subjects: Decision making -- Product design -- Management of technology -- Value engineering -- Design strategies -- System engineering; Engineering -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Industrial design -- Periodicals; Technology -- Periodicals; 620.005
• DOI: 10.1108/JEDT-05-2014-0031
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1726-0531

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: – The purpose of this paper is to focus on how the concept design stage of a powertrain system can be improved by using a purely objective driven approach in selecting a final concept design to progress further. This research investigation will examine the development of a novel test-bed to assist in the selection of powertrain technologies during the concept design phase at Ford Motor Company Ltd, serving as the main contribution to knowledge. Design/methodology/approach: – The objectives of this research were achieved by carrying out a literature review of external published work related to concept design evaluation methods within product development and value engineering techniques. Empirical studies were conducted with a supporting case study used to test the application of a new test-bed to improve the concept design decision process. Findings: – A quantitative new tool "Product Optimisation Value Engineering" (PROVEN) is presented to critically assess new and evolving powertrain technologies at the concept design phase. Research limitations/implications: – This research improves the concept design selection process, hence increasing the product value to the customer. Practical implications: – The new test-bed "PROVEN" incorporates a data-driven objective approach to assist in assessing concept design alternatives in providing the net value in terms of function and cost as perceived by the customer. Originality/value: – A mathematical new test-bed that incorporates a highly adaptable, data-driven and multi-attribute value approach to product specification and conceptual design is developed, novel to the automotive concept design process. This will create a substantially optimised product offering to the market, reducing overall development costs while achieving customer satisfaction. The new tool has the ability to define a technology value map to assess multiple technical options as a function of its attributes, whose precise values can be determined at a given cost.