Chapter 9 - Methodology of Conceptual Design

Abstract

In this chapter, the process involved in conceptual design will be outlined using the design methodology of Pahl and Beitz, which is highly regarded in engineering design methodology, with a focus on mechanical design. First, a broad framework of design methodology will be provided, and then the stages involved in design, namely, clarification of the task, conceptual design, embodiment design, and detail design, will be explained in order. Next, it will also be explained that within these processes, conceptual design refers to the process of devising the overall structure and mechanism of a product. Then, the manner in which conceptual design follows a process of problem abstraction, establishing function structures, searching for solution principles, combining solution principles into concept variants, selection and confirmation of appropriate combinations, and the evaluation of the created concept variants, will be illustrated. Within this process, two methods for decomposing functions, which are conducted in the establishing of function structures, will be explained: the method of focusing on logical relationships among partial functions and the method of dividing flows related to energy, material, or signals. In terms of searching for solution principles, the method of focusing on physical effects will be introduced. Finally, the method for combining solution principles and the method for evaluating the created concept variants will be explained.