Concurrent Engineering Methodology Research Articles

A Concurrent Engineering Approach for Product Design Optimization

Concurrent engineering is a parallel approach that is intended to maximize quality, reduce lead time, and lower costs. In this work, the concurrent engineering methodology has been adopted to ensure design optimization of mechanical systems. Design optimization problems have been synthesized based on the nature of the relation between the parameters and the restrictions imposed by virtue of op erational conditions and the complexity of weighting the competitiveness of design objectives Solution methodologies have been developed for explicit and implicit relationships. Moreover, the concept of modeling has been used to develop a set of attnbutes that provides the best possible solution These approaches are devised to warrant optimum performance of mechanical components, subsystems, and systems. Examples pertaining to these solution methodologies are presented. These examples cover a wide range of applications in mechanical sys tems and would help clarify the overall framework of problem-solution schemes frequently encountered in the design of mechanical sys tems.

Defining a Product Development Methodology with Concurrent Engineering for Small Manufacturing Companies

SUMMARY Concurrent engineering is a design philosophy that has been accepted in large corporations, but generally is not used within small companies. This paper discusses the design approaches observed within four small to medium-sized companies. Based on these observations, a concurrent engineering methodology is proposed that is focused on the needs of small companies. This methodology is based on three design types: original, evolutionary and incremental. Using assessment criteria, the proposed design methodology can be tailored to fit a project. An example is used to show how this methodology is applied.

A concurrent engineering based method for developing a baby carriage

An integrated concurrent engineering methodology for developing a baby carriage is proposed. The development process is divided into three stages for considering the design, manufacture, and assembly problems. The product is first designed based on design criteria to ensure the best matching of needs and requirements. Then the parts and machine tools are coded using group technology (GT). The machine groups and the parts to be processed are given in matrix form using the production flow analysis (PFA) method. The machine cells are arranged based on the balance analysis of process time, and a flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is planned. Finally, the assembly line is planned based on the relationship of the parts. Some related parts are collected as a subassembly system. After the subassembly is decided, the work stations are arranged based on the required assembly time to obtain a high-performance assembly line. The results show that not only is the production cost of the product reduced, but also that the competitive properties are improved. This model can also be applied to develop other products.

A concurrent engineering methodology using analogies to Just-In-Time concepts

In this paper, a systematic methodology to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the product development process under a Concurrent Engineering (CE) environment is presented. The concepts adopted by this methodology are analogies to the total productivity enhancement concepts employed in Just-In-Time (JIT). The development processes are analysed by making distinctions between creative and routine operations, and value-added and non-value-added operations. Product development projects are classified by their types of development operations. The classification of development operations and projects facilitates the identification of possible improvement points by applying JIT analogy A concurrent engineering framework is developed to define how JIT analogy works. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is analysed through application to some actual mass-market oriented product development cases.

A Concurrent Engineering DemonstrationSystem For Use In Training Engineers AndManagers

This paper describes SNEAKERS, a Concurrent Engineering Demonstration System. The purpose of the system is to act as an educational tool to highlight the importance of the Concurrent Engineering methodology as a part of modern design philosophy, and to demonstrate the power of multiple single-function Expert Systems. The work was sponsored by Digital Equipment Corporation.