Product design change propagation on weak-tie structures

Abstract

A lack of systematic knowledge can cause change propagation due to forgetfulness and oversight.On the fundamental of function-structure mapping model,a concept of weak-tie structure was proposed and defined.It describes those structures that associate with each other indeed closely when changes propagating but have no direct physical connection in the visual performance,or that have direct connection but can be easily overlooked because of its implicit function.The formal expression of weak-tie structure was represented by weak-tie constraint primitive.Weak-tie relation graph(WtRG) was established by connecting constraint primitives,and realized the design change propagation on functional and systematic structures based on WtRG.A prototype system of product design change based on Solidworks platform was developed,and the functional constraint sets of elevator were estabilished,by which the design process of non-standard elevator types was constrained,which ensured the validity and integrity of design changes.