Functional models represent a form independent blueprint of product. As with any or schematic, consistent language coding system is required to ensure others can read it. This paper introduces such design language, called functional basis, where product function characterized in verb-object (function-flow) format. The set functions and flows intended comprehensively describe the mechanical space. Clear definitions are provided for each flow. basis compared previous representations shown...

One of the hallmarks engineering design is synthesis phase where creativity designer most prominently comes into play as solutions are generated to meet underlying needs. Over past decades, methodologies for generating concepts and have matured point that computation-based provides a means explore wider variety take over more tedious tasks. This paper reviews advances in function-based, grammar-based, analogy-based approaches their contributions computational research last decade.

To succeed in the product development market today, firms must quickly and accurately satisfy customer needs while designing products that adequately accomplish their desired functions with a minimum number of failures. When failure analysis prevention are coupled product’s design from its conception, potentially shorter times fewer redesigns necessary to arrive at final design. In this article, we explore utility novel methodology allows modes effects (FMEA)-style be conducted during...

This paper describes the transformation of an existing set heterogeneous product knowledge into a coherent design repository that supports archival and web-based search, display, model tool generation. Guided by theory, information was analyzed compared against desired outputs to ascertain what management structure needed produce resources pertinent process. Several test products were catalogued determine essential without being redundant in representation. allowed for creation novel single...

Abstract Developing product architectures is a key phase in design and development processes. It encompasses the transformation of function to alternative layouts. In this paper, we describe new approach for identifying modules architectures. We begin by reviewing terminology motivation modular products. Following that discussion, three heuristic methods from formal functional decomposition are presented. To aid process, concept known as dependency introduced further arrange models with...

Abstract The natural world provides numerous cases for inspiration in engineering design. Biological organisms, phenomena, and strategies, which we refer to as biological systems, provide a rich set of analogies. These systems insight into sustainable adaptable design offer engineers billions years valuable experience, can be used inspire innovation. This research presents general method functionally representing through systematic techniques, leading the conceptualization biologically...

Risk assessments are necessary to anticipate and prevent accidents from occurring or repeating. Current probabilistic risk assessment methods require mature design proposals analyse. Since product safety reliability affected the most by decisions made during early phases, a that can be performed with less data these phases is needed. This study focuses specifically on relationship between function in presenting mathematical mapping used conceptual phase. An investigation of spacecraft...

Few computational tools exist to assist designers during the conceptual phase of design, and design success is often heavily weighted on personal experience innate ability. Many well-known methods (e.g. brainstorming, intrinsic extrinsic searches, morphological analysis) are designed stimulate a designer’s creativity, but ultimately still rely individual bias experience. Under premise that quality designs comes from experienced designers, in form knowledge extracted existing products stored...

The biological world provides numerous cases for analogy and inspiration. From simple such as hook latch attachments to articulated-wing flying vehicles, nature many sources ideas. Though systems provide a wealth of elegant ingenious approaches problem solving, there are challenges that prevent designers from leveraging the full insight into designed world. This paper describes how those can be overcome through functional analogy. Through creation function-based repository, find biomimetic...

Engineering design is considered a creative field that involves many activities with the end goal of new product fulfills purpose. Utilization systematic methods or tools aid in process recognized as standard practice industry and academia. The are used for number (i.e., idea generation, concept inspiration searches, functional modeling) can span across engineering disciplines, sciences biology, chemistry) non-engineering domain medicine), an overall focus encouraging designs. Engineers,...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview the wide range biomimetic sensor technology and innovations. Design/methodology/approach reader introduced sensors, their types, advantages how they are different from traditional sensors. Background information also provided regarding design, inspiration innovation. Findings There two approaches which lead diverse Classification sensors indicated natural senses underutilized by designers researchers. Originality/value provides...

This paper describes how a design repository can be used as concept generation tool by drawing upon archived function-based knowledge. Modern methodologies include several types of activities to formally generate concepts. Typical methods range from open-ended creative brainstorming quantitative function-component analysis. A combination two such methods—the chi-matrix and morphological matrix techniques—is the basis for this work. Building on existing functionality repository, desired...

Abstract All products and artifacts are designed for a purpose. There is some intended reason behind their existence: the product or artifact function. Functional modeling provides an abstract, yet direct, method understanding representing overall Function also strategy problem decomposition, physical modeling, architecting, concept generation, team organization. A formal function representation needed to support standardized set function-related terminology necessary achieve repeatable...

This paper presents the results of research attempts to substantiate repeatability and uniqueness claims a functional model derivation method following hypothesis generation testing procedure outlined in design literature. Three experiments are constructed carried out with participant pool that possesses range engineering skill levels. The test utility produce repeatable models for given product among different designers. In addition this, produced by participants is examined. Results...