Change Propagation Paths Research Articles

Research on Optimizing the Propagation Path Search of Individualized Products With Multi-Source Design Changes

Abstract The individualization and diversification of customer requirements are gradually affecting the product design and manufacturing process, and the production mode of enterprises is evolving toward customer-oriented mass individualized customization. The change in customer requirements is inevitable in the process of individualized product design, which is the key factor leading to the change in product design. This paper establishes the correlation matrix of individualized product parts and components by mining correlation rules and constructs a correlation network model of these parts based on complex network theory. By comprehensively considering the influence of part nodes and their association relationships within the complex network, the intensity of change propagation is calculated using node importance and the probability of change propagation. The search for multi-source design change propagation paths is conducted through an improved ant colony algorithm, and the impact of customer requirement changes is evaluated using the network change rate as an index. This approach helps enterprises make informed decisions regarding customer requirements.

Using reactive links to propagate changes across engineering models

AbstractCollaborative model-driven development is a de facto practice to create software-intensive systems in several domains (e.g., aerospace, automotive, and robotics). However, when multiple engineers work concurrently, keeping all model artifacts synchronized and consistent is difficult. This is even harder when the engineering process relies on a myriad of tools and domains (e.g., mechanic, electronic, and software). Existing work tries to solve this issue from different perspectives, such as using trace links between different artifacts or computing change propagation paths. However, these solutions mainly provide additional information to engineers, still requiring manual work for propagating changes. Yet, most modeling tools are limited regarding the traceability between different domains, while also lacking the efficiency and granularity required during the development of software-intensive systems. Motivated by these limitations, in this work, we present a solution based on what we call “reactive links”, which are highly granular trace links that propagate change between property values across models in different domains, managed in different tools. Differently from traditional “passive links”, reactive links automatically propagate changes when engineers modify models, assuring the synchronization and consistency of the artifacts. The feasibility, performance, and flexibility of our solution were evaluated in three practical scenarios, from two partner organizations. Our solution is able to resolve all cases in which change propagation among models were required. We observed a great improvement of efficiency when compared to the same propagation if done manually. The contribution of this work is to enhance the engineering of software-intensive systems by reducing the burden of manually keeping models synchronized and avoiding inconsistencies that potentially can originate from collaborative engineering in a variety of tool from different domains.

Digital twin-driven parameter change propagation path optimization for production line variant design

ABSTRACT Current mass individualization requires that production lines for processing products be able to quickly vary to adapt to product changes. The variation and propagation of parameters have a central role in the variation process of a flexible production line, which increases the complexity of the design due to the non-unique propagation path of the variation. Obtaining the optimal variant design scheme has become a major challenge for designers. This paper aims to develop a method to determine optimal paths of change propagation. The digital twin-driven framework of parameter correlation path instantiation is presented. The high-fidelity simulation capability of digital twinning will contribute to the fast variant design of flexible production lines at low cost of trial and error. Then, a parameter variation search algorithm based on multi-fork tree has been proposed. The optimal variation design scheme has been achieved for the optimal propagation path of parameter variation from the perspectives of cost, time and complexity. A prototype verification system of production line design based on digital twin is developed to support the instantiation design of parameter change propagation path. An example of mobile phone welding assembly lines was taken to verify the effectiveness of the method.

Complex product configuration updating oriented by changing customer requirements

Changes of customer requirements inevitably occur in the process of product design and manufacturing, which results in substantial costs in product development. Enterprises have to update product configuration schemes to meet new customer requirements and maintain competitiveness. Recent studies have attempted to solve this problem with the ‘two-stage’ model (optimisation of change propagation and update scheme). They have largely ignored the correlation between the two stages, which leads to extra costs in practice. Therefore, this paper proposes a master-slave coordinated optimisation model, in which the design of update scheme was the leader and the optimisation of change propagation path was the follower. The upper optimisation model was constructed to obtain a change propagation path with the minimum propagation range. And the lower optimisation model was constructed to obtain a product configuration update scheme with the highest satisfaction. Meanwhile, the diversity of the optimal update scheme from the lower model was fed back to the upper model, and the change propagation probability was adjusted. This causes further changes in the process of change propagation. Finally, cases of sanitation vehicles and motorbike engines were taken to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model.

An Integration Matrix for Investigating the Impact of Design Changes in Mechatronic Products

In the design process, design changes are unavoidable due to the need to meet customers’ requirements and support future change through technology development. Although components are supposed to be renewed within existing designs, these changes can propagate into other parts due to their interfaces. Propagation makes it difficult for a designer to identify these changes. This study aimed to introduce the integration matrix (I-DSM), an approach to the design of mechatronic products that involves determining changes in existing products with an axiomatic design. Reverse zigzagging was used to break down the entire product to its lowest level. A design matrix (DM) was constructed and then transformed into a design structure matrix (DSM). The I-DSM consists of three layers: information technology, electrical technology, and mechanical technology. The breadth-first search (BFS) method was employed to ascertain the change propagation path in order to consider it. After this, the changing workload was analyzed, and the decision-making process was used to determine the best possible option. Finally, an automatic guided vehicle was used in a case study to demonstrate the use of this methodology by showing how changes in a product can affect it and how a designer can prioritize activities.

Design change propagation routing in the modular product

In product engineering, design changes are unavoidable because of the evolution of customer requirements and key technologies. Modularization has been extensively applied as an effective strategy for the development of complex products. In a modular product, although modules are supposed to be functionally independent, the design change in a module can still propagate to other modules because of the interfaces between modules. This propagation leads to numerous potential propagation paths and uncontrollable change in costs. Thus, it is valuable to consider the impact of the modular structure during the optimization of design change propagation. This research offers a glimpse into design change propagation routing in modular products to accelerate design change propagation within the modules. First, the relationships between components were determined to construct the product network model. Subsequently, an optimization model of the design change propagation path was established to minimize the change propagation intensity, which includes the importance of the components, change in cost, and path length. To decrease the number of modules that the design change propagates into, the correlation between the modules was explored as penalties, considering the dependencies of a module on the interface(s) that are defined from aspects of the topological characteristics, change in the propagation characteristics, and cost of design changes. A multiple-population genetic algorithm was developed to solve this model. Finally, a case study of the design change propagation routing of a potato lifter was implemented to expound on the utility and effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Engineering Change Risk Assessment: Quantitative and qualitative change characterization

Currently, computer-aided design (CAD) systems are very important for the design of any engineering products. CAD systems have undergone enormous progress. They are becoming more and more intelligent and automated. However, those systems still need improvement and still have flaws that need to be corrected in order to improve and develop the productivity and efficiency of the design process. Mechanical products are often complex and composed of multiple components so, consequently, an Engineering Change (EC) that affects a module or a single component will certainly influence the rest of the assembly. This phenomenon is called Change Propagation (CP). Therefore, in order to propagate a change that affects an assembly component easily, it is important to predict the Change Propagation Path and the impact of this modification on the rest of the assembly components. Hence, CP becomes an easy task. This paper focuses on the risk assessment of an engineering change, in order to enhance the predictive capacity of engineering change management methods. In fact, a full analysis must be made to measure the real impact of such modifications as well as their feasibility. To this end, the authors proposed a matrix-based approach, which results in a Risk Matrix. This is the product of the Relationships Matrix and the Influences Matrix which are constructed based on the data extracted at an early stage. In fact, the CAD assembly model contains a lot of important information that is extracted using Application Programming Interface (API).

A complex network-based response method for changes in customer requirements for design processes of complex mechanical products

The soaring demand, inevitable changes, and substantial change costs associated with complex mechanical products (CMPs) have accelerated the need to reasonably and accurately respond to changes in customer requirements during the product design process. However, current related studies cannot provide a simple and intuitive decision reference for decision-makers (DMs) to respond to these changes. In this work, a complex network theory-based methodology is proposed. First, a complex network model of CMPs is constructed; this model is processed unidirectionally through analysis of the constraint relation and affiliation among parts. Second, all nodes in this network are divided into levels, and all feasible change propagation paths are selected by breadth-first search. Furthermore, to quantify the change losses of paths, a novel “change workload” is proposed, which is a comprehensive indicator, and a distinct decision reference. The “change workload” is composed of “network change rate,” “change magnification node rate,” and “change magnification rate,” whose weights are evaluated by The Entropy Method and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution. Due to the independence of the “change workload” from expert experience, the proposed methodology is reasonable and capable of outputting a list of affected parts and a preferred ordering of propagation paths, which could provide clearer and more direct guidance for DMs. This presented method is fully proven through a real-world case study of a wind turbine.

Requirement-driven engineering change management in product design

Product design change is often triggered by external factors. As product is composed of various components and complex relations among them, predicting change propagation of the upstream component and subsequent influence on product design change is a great challenge. In current researches, most of the methods for engineering change (EC) prediction are focused on a single index, e.g., cycle or workload. Besides, logical relations between product components are rarely considered in the product design change. In this paper, an evaluation model of change propagation incorporating multiple indices and logical relations is proposed to manage the ECs. The primary result of this work is the provision of a development support to efficiently acquire the optimal design change solution when a changed requirement is proposed. Requirement is regarded as the source of design change. Requirement-component relation is established, and component-component relation is constructed in terms of interface types between components. Logical relations (i.e., AND, OR, XOR) between downstream components are proposed and the interface types are applied to judge the logical relation. Requirement-component relation, logical relation between components are applied to generate the change propagation paths. Then ant colony optimization (ACO) is used to optimize the generated change propagation paths and the optimal design change solution is demonstrated to the designers automatically. Finally, a prototype software system is developed and a case study is detailed.

Identification of Influential Modules Considering Design Change Impacts Based on Parallel Breadth-First Search and Bat Algorithm.

Modular design is a widely used strategy that meets diverse customer requirements. Close relationships exist between parts inside a module and loose linkages between modules in the modular products. A change of one part or module may cause changes of other parts or modules, which in turn propagate through a product. This paper aims to present an approach to analyze the associations and change impacts between modules and identify influential modules in modular product design. The proposed framework explores all possible change propagation paths (CPPs), and measures change impact degrees between modules. In this article, a design structure matrix (DSM) is used to express dependence relationships between parts, and change propagation trees of affected parts within module are constructed. The influence of the affected part in the corresponding module is also analyzed, and a reachable matrix is employed to determine reachable parts of change propagation. The parallel breadth-first algorithm is used to search propagation paths. The influential modules are identified according to their comprehensive change impact degrees that are computed by the bat algorithm. Finally, a case study on the grab illustrates the impacts of design change in modular products.

Complex Network–Based Change Propagation Path Optimization in Mechanical Product Development

Change propagation is a process in which a change to one part or element of a developed mechanical product tends to induce additional changes to other elements of the product, and the changes can propagate further iteratively. Different change propagation paths yield different change fulfillment costs (development expenditures, lead times, quality losses, etc.). In this study, we seek an optimal change propagation path based on complex theories, and by using this approach the cost of the change can be minimized. In particular, we introduce a modified Dijkstra algorithm coupled with a complex network described based on two variables: change probability and change impact. The network depicting the components of a mechanical product and their dependencies is directional while considering both node weights and edge weights. The roles of the components such as change absorbers, carriers, and multipliers are identified. Moreover, the loop change propagation paths and “AND” logical relations between sibling components are investigated. The practical application of the proposed models and methods is assessed using an industrial case example of an elevator system, and satisfactory results are obtained. The proposed method can be employed for analyzing different change propagation paths and their optimization in terms of overall costs.

A dynamic model for engineering change propagations in multiple product development stages

Abstract To accurately predict propagation dynamics for single or multiple change propagations across different product development stages in a sequential or concurrent way is critical for decision-making of implementing change requests. In this paper, a change propagation dynamic model is built based on the compartmentalization of engineering entities into susceptible engineering entities and affected engineering entities (SA), the ordinary differential equations for describing the rate of affected entities with respect to the total ones and the duration for resolving all the changes for every moment are presented by combining the calculations of change impacts with different split and joint junctions. Considering the difficulty of finding analytical solutions to the differential equations, algorithms for sequential and concurrent simulations of change propagations across different development stages, and random and GA (Genetic Algorithm)-based optimal selections of feasible propagation paths are developed to obtain numerical solutions for single and multiple change requests. Simulation results show that change ripples and blossoms can be observed in both sequential and concurrent change propagations, and these propagation patterns are not sensitive to the initial change effect and the threshold value for propagations, while critical change propagation paths and the number of initiated changes have important effects on both concurrent and sequential change propagation process. It is also demonstrated that concurrent propagation strategy is advantageous for processing single or few of initiated changes since it can shorten product redevelopment time, sequential propagation strategy has an advantage of robustness for handling multiple initiated change requests.

Design change prediction based on social media sentiment analysis

AbstractThe use of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to uncover customer sentiment is not uncommon. However, the integration of sentiment analysis with research in design change prediction remains an untapped potential. This paper presents a method that uses social media sentiment analysis to identify opportunities for design change and the set of product components affected by the change. The method builds on natural language processing to determine change candidates from textual data and uses dependency modeling to reveal direct and indirect change propagation paths arising from the change candidates. The method was applied in a case example where 3665YouTubecomments on a diesel engine were analyzed. Based on the results, two engine components were recommended for design change with six others predicted as likely to be affected through change propagation. The findings suggest that the method can be used to aid decision quality in product planning through a better understanding of the change impact associated with the opportunities identified.

Conduction Transformation-Based Coordination Method for Conflict in Product Adaptive Design Driven by Functional Requirements

A conduction transformation-based coordination method for product structure optimization design was proposed for the conflict between satisfying product functional requirements and realizing adaptive modification. Customer functional requirements were analyzed hierarchically, the extension domains that indicated the matching degree between customer requirement and product function were delimited; and then a multi-layer function-behavior-structure (FBS) mapping model was established. Product function-structure correlation analysis was carried out in two dimensions, i.e., “structure-structure”, and “structure-function”; a product structure behavior function (SBF) reverse conduction model was constructed based on FBS decomposition model; thus, to realize reverse conduction from structure layer to function layer. For conflict coordination in structure modification, extension transformation operations were created, the conduction transformation trigger unit was extracted, and the trigger condition was also clarified; thus, the coordination strategy for the contradiction in adaptive design could be generated by conducting active and conduction transformations. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of this method were verified with the structure optimization design of a delivery system of cutting machine as an example; and the discussion section emphasized that this proposed method used conduction transformation to address design conflict, instead of generating the optimal change propagation path, and how to obtain innovation inspiration.

Product design change propagation in automotive supply chain considering product life cycle

Changes in a product are necessary to guarantee high quality product and to remain competitive in the market. Engineering Change Management process ensures planning and implementation of changes effectively. Product design changes may be required in each step of product life cycle from its design to decline phase. Different tools are developed to study change propagation impact. Product architecture and change propagation path selection are the main focus areas found in methodologies developed for change management in recent years. Still, the manufacturing industry is facing challenges to control changes in implementation phase. A case study is conducted in an automotive company to understand perceived effect of product design change in manufacturing environment. Results of case study draws attention towards concerns reported, starting from raw material planning to disposition of changed part and the need for prediction of change in implementation phase across the functions, as well as in complete supply chain of automotive industry. Change propagation tools can be, if needed, extended from design phase to manufacturing environment.

Correlation Based Analysis of Parameter Change Propagation in Variant Product Design

Analysis of parameter change propagation is essential to ensure the consistency of the product’s integrated content as well as to capture the contextual impacts of a change proposal in variant product design. In this regard, a correlation-based approach is presented in this paper. The propagation of parameter change from one component to another in a product as well as from one key structure to another inside a component are studied. Firstly, a data flow model for change propagation as well as the basic units in parameter change propagation is proposed to illustrate the hierarchy and logical correlations between parameters. Then, change propagation network from the perspective of assembly is constructed by introducing “and” operation into the process. Change propagation coefficient is used to describe the change cost, based on which the optimal propagation path between components is selected. Thirdly, matrices are used to describe the correlation between parameters in different components. By introducing inner product into those matrices, change propagation path between parameters in different components can be obtained. Fourthly, the changed components are taken as the studied objects. Parametric correlation graph as well as quantitative expressing method is used to illustrate the parameter linkage inside the components. A searching method for parameter change propagation path inside components based on component modeling process is developed. Finally, the effectiveness of this method is verified by an example of an injection molding machine. The result confirms that our method can provide accurate estimation for the transfer process of the initial parametric change from macro-parameter changes in product to micro-parameter changes in components.

Propagation path optimization of product attribute design changes based on Petri Net fusion ant colony algorithm

An effective and controlled design change in product attributes can improve product quality, promote product innovation, and meet customer demands. During design changes, the links among product attributes are intricate. A change in the design of one attribute may lead to a series of changes in other attributes, which result in the change propagation as well as the re-planning and re-design of the propagation path. Therefore, an Expanded Petri Net (EPN) model is constructed to describe the propagation relationship of product attribute design change in this paper. Firstly, the attribute change propagation rules are established based on change propagation impact values. Secondly, to optimize the dynamic scheme of change propagation path, the ant colony path optimization algorithm is integrated into the Extended Petri Net model (Expanded Petri Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm, EP-ACOA). In addition, the constraint test factor and the upper and lower limits of pheromone values are introduced into the algorithm to ensure the whole network traversal of the change propagation path and accelerate the solving speed of the model. Finally, taking the attribute design change of Langevin piezoelectric transducer in an ultrasonic knife as an example, the Petri Net fusion ant colony algorithm was verified to be able to quickly and effectively provide the optimal solution or approximate optimal solution to the propagation path problem of product attribute design changes.

Multi -source design change propagation path optimisation based on the multi-view complex network model

The evolution of customer requirements and key technologies makes design change unavoidable. Because of the functional and physical relations among parts and components, design change will propagate from one part to another. With the increase in product complexity, design change will always be derived from multiple sources, which is rarely studied, and monetary and time losses can be caused without effective control of multi-source changes. The ability to predict change propagation paths, and evaluate the impact early in the design process will enable engineers to make informed decisions regarding change implementation. This paper proposes a design change routing (DCR) approach based on a multi-view complex network model for the multi-source design change. First, single-view network models are built considering the functions and physical relations. A difference index between these single-view network models is defined and used in a weighted least square method to optimise the weights of each single-view network model to obtain the multi-view network model. Then, a multi-objective model is constructed to establish a DCR with multiple sources considering the cost, design change intensity, and path length. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) with a parallel search strategy is developed to solve the model.

A network-based four-phase routing approach of multisource design change propagation on complex products

Purpose The development of complex products and systems is a continuously iterative process from customer requirements to a mature design. Design changes derived from multisources occur frequently during the design process. Furthermore, change propagation will impose impacts on design costs and lead times. In view of this, how to predict and control the propagation of multisource design change to reduce the changes impact is an urgent issue in the development of complex product. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, a new four-phase routing approach based on weighted and directed complex networks is proposed for multisource design change propagation. Phase I: as the foundation of this research, a product network model is established to quantify describe the complex product. Phase II: the hub nodes are identified based on the LeaderRank algorithm, which can be regarded as multisource nodes of design changes. Phase III: a calculation method for change propagation intensity is proposed, which improves the systematicness and accuracy of the evaluation results. In this paper, change propagation intensity is defined by four assessment factors: importance degree of parts, execution time of design tasks, coupling strength between parts and propagation likelihood. Phase IV: a routing method of multisource design change propagation and ant colony optimization algorithm are proposed in this paper, which can solve the coupling conflicts among change propagation paths and improve the search efficiency by using the parallel search strategy. Findings The proposed method and another method are used to search the optimal propagation path of multisource design change of a motorcycle engine; the results indicate that this method designed in this study has a positive effect on reducing the change impact, market response time and product design costs when design change occurs in the products design process. Originality/value The authors find a new method (a network-based four-phase routing approach) to search the optimal propagation path of multisource design change in complex products design.

Tracing Paths and Connecting Multiple Design Domains: An Information Visualisation Approach to Product Architecture Modelling

AbstractVisual representation of product architecture models is crucial in complex engineering systems design. However, when the number of entities in a model is large and when multiple levels of hierarchies are included, visual representations currently in use need to be more intuitive. As such, improved visual representations that enable better system overview and better communication of essential product- related information among design participants are needed. This paper uses interactive information visualisation techniques – collapsible hierarchical tree, edge bundling and alluvial diagram – and provides the foundations of a computerised tool that improves the traceability of connections between design domains, including stakeholders, requirements, functions, behaviours and structure. The case of a cleaning robot is used as an illustrative example. The approach supports designers by providing an enhanced overview during the development of complex product architecture models, in particular in the communication with external stakeholders, in the identification of change propagation paths across several design domains, and in capturing the design rationale of previous design decisions.