Proactive Decision Support at the Conceptual Design Synthesis of a Product

1. Proactive Decision Support at the Conceptual Design Synthesis of a Product Fayyaz Rehman(PhD Student) Dr. Xiu-Tian Yan(Supervisor) CAD Centre, DMEM, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK

2. Presentation Plan Introduction • Conceptual Design • Functional Design • Review of Previous Work • Drawbacks • Research Aim • Design Context Knowledge • Description/Definitions • DCK based Mapping Model • Prototype System • Conclusions

3. Conceptual Design can be defined as the transition between four different information states A set of required functions A initial set of possible solutions/means to realize the function A set of behaviours that fulfil the function Final selected concept(s)/solution(s) that generate those behaviours Conceptual Design Conceptual Design

4. Functions, behaviour and form are major elements of information Conceptual Design • Function reveals Intentions of Artefact • Convert Motion • Transmit Torque • Form specifies what the artefact is composed of • Components, Assembly/Sub-Assemblies • Design, Geometrical and Manufacturing Features • Behaviour spells out how the structure of artefact achieves its function • Frictional Force between belt & pulley • Contact Force, Contact Pressure and Rotational Speed at shaft-bore interface Conceptual Design

5. Function Behaviour Form Conceptual DesignExample Conceptual Design

6. Each design decision cause consequences on the later life cycle phases (Manufacturing, Assembly, Use, Maintenance, Recycle/Dispose) of the product Decision Making in Conceptual Design Conceptual Design

7. Drawbacks of available Function-Means mapping methodologies and frameworks Most of the work has been done from the perspective of functional requirements only- Requires methodology to bring down stream product life cycle information for consideration at conceptual design stage. Emphasis was on the representation of energy flow, transformation & dissipation only – Less work has been done on other type of functions such as Assembly/Conveyance functions. Domain dependant – Methodology is valid only for the area selected for implementation- Difficult to scale up domain knowledge representation Review of Work in Function Means Mapping Previous Work In Function Means Mapping

8. Develop a computational framework to support decision making at the conceptual design synthesis of a product: Developing a methodology to incorporate the consideration of design solution consequences at conceptual design stage Establishing relationship between functional requirements of product and design context knowledge Research Aim Previous Work In Function Means Mapping

9. Design Context Knowledge • Definition of Context: • ‘Context’ is the set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation or event (Charlton & Wallace 2000) • Design Context is the information not necessary for the representation of the product itself, has an impact of the process of designing and subsequently on artefact (Brezillon and Cavalcanti 1997) • Design Context is “Related background information of the a design problem under consideration”. Design Context Knowledge • Design Context Information can include: • Life Cycle Issue(s), goal(s) or requirement(s) • User Information (Specific age group/gender/product preference) • Partial Solution Information in current working knowledge generated up till current stage of design process • The physical surroundings with which the product can interact

10. Identification of the Means to map the intended function Functional Requirements Initial Generated Function Means Identification of the context of design problem Reduced Means Design Context Knowledge based Function-Means mapping Function Reasoning using Design Context Knowledge Generation of Context Knowledge Consequences Designer’s preference (%age weighting) to selection criteria Decision Making theory (AHP) rules Design Context Knowledge Base Multi Perspective Product Current working model A Dictionary of proven function-Means association Selection of best alternative using decision theory Selection of best alternative as alternative solution Function Means Mapping Completed N Y END Design Context Knowledge Based Function Means Mapping Model Design Context Knowledge

11. Assembly of Base and Strip in Computer Power Unit Prototype System (PROCONDES) “PROVIDE ASSEMBLY FUNCTION Assemble Permanently Assemble Semi-Permanently (Slot-Fit) (Bolting) (Lance-Fit) (Wrapping) (Soldering) Case Study Prototype System

12. Prototype System (PROCONDES) Screen Shot 1 Prototype System

13. Prototype System (PROCONDES) Screen Shot 2 Prototype System

14. Prototype System (PROCONDES) Screen Shot 3 Prototype System

15. Prototype System (PROCONDES) Screen Shot 4 Prototype System

16. Prototype System (PROCONDES) Screen Shot 5 Prototype System

17. Conclusions • This research proposes a framework for proactively supporting decision making at conceptual design synthesis through the use of Design Context Knowledge. • Incorporating downstream Design Context Consequences information at conceptual/functional design stage could provide designer an opportunity to explore more design alternatives and avoid un-intended problematic consequences. • This approach would reduce the chances of re-design and subsequently time and cost which would be incurred in case of selecting a solution having un-intended problematic consequences. Conclusions

18. Thank-You & Any Questions? fayyaz@cad.strath.ac.uk