Enhanced function-means modeling supporting design space exploration. Issue 4 (11th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Müller, Jakob R.; Isaksson, Ola; Landahl, Jonas; Raja, Visakha; Panarotto, Massimo; Levandowski, Christoffer; Raudberget, Dag
• Editors: Biswas, Pradipta; Orero, Pilar; Sezgin, Metin
• Is Part Of: AI EDAM. Volume 33:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 502
• Page End: 516
• Publication Date: 2019-11-11
• Subjects: Concept design, -- design space exploration, -- DSM, -- enhanced function-means modeling, -- function modeling, -- radical innovation; Engineering design -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Artificial intelligence -- Periodicals; Expert systems (Computer science) -- Periodicals; 620.00420285
• DOI: 10.1017/S0890060419000271
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0890-0604

Abstract

Abstract: One problem in incremental product development is that geometric models are limited in their ability to explore radical alternative design variants. In this publication, a function modeling approach is suggested to increase the amount and variety of explored alternatives, since function models (FM) provide greater model flexibility. An enhanced function-means (EF-M) model capable of representing the constraints of the design space as well as alternative designs is created through a reverse engineering process. This model is then used as a basis for the development of a new product variant. This work describes the EF-M model's capabilities for representing the design space and integrating novel solutions into the existing product structure and explains how these capabilities support the exploration of alternative design variants. First-order analyses are executed, and the EF-M model is used to capture and represent already existing design information for further analyses. Based on these findings, a design space exploration approach is developed. It positions the FM as a connection between legacy and novel designs and, through this, allows for the exploration of more diverse product concepts. This approach is based on three steps – decomposition, design, and embodiment – and builds on the capabilities of EF-M to model alternative solutions for different requirements. While the embodiment step of creating the novel product's geometry is still a topic for future research, the design space exploration concept can be used to enable wider, more methodological, and potentially automated design space exploration.