Case studies in concept exploration and selection with s-Pareto frontiers

Abstract

This paper investigates three design cases where the newly developed s-Pareto frontier-based concept selection paradigm is used to compare competing design concepts under a multi-objective optimisation framework. The new paradigm, which was recently introduced by the authors, is based on the Pareto optimality principle that defines an important class of optimal solutions to multi-objective optimisation problems. The set of Pareto optimal solutions comprises the Pareto frontier, a particularly useful frontier in engineering design because it characterises the tradeoffs between the design objectives. Under the newly developed paradigm, a so-called s-Pareto frontier is used to characterise the tradeoffs between conflicting design objectives and the tradeoffs between competing design concepts. As such, the s-Pareto frontier holds significant potential for the important activity of concept selection. The present paper takes a needed and notable step beyond the simple two- and three-bar truss examples provided by the authors in previous archival publications on s-Pareto. The first case study considers the design of a battery contact for a mobile phone, the second involves the design of a compliant bicycle derailleur and the third involves the design of a rigidified inflatable structure. Each case provides a unique perspective.