Complex Product Design Research Articles

Safety-based availability assessment at design stage

The availability of a system or equipment is one of the crucial characteristics that measures the customer satisfaction and strongly influences his final choice decision between concurrent products. The aim of this work is to provide an approach to improve the products availability assessment by taking into account the safety criteria by considering the use situations at design stage. Our work focuses on the routine design of complex products. The availability is often simply estimated considering reliability and maintainability. Basically, the intrinsic availability is the probability that it is operating satisfactorily at any point in time when used under conditions stated by design specifications. The time considered includes operating time and active repair time. Thus, intrinsic availability excludes from consideration all other times in the product lifecycle such as: accident management time, storage time, administrative time or logistic time. But many studies show that the loss of availability performance is also due to accidents that occur in different unforeseeable utilization situations. This engenders stops of the system to ensure the users safety according to standards recommendations. In this purpose, we consider the structural product architecture and the different use cases that correspond to the operational states and downtimes due to stop events that may happen during the utilization like failures, maintenance tasks and accidents. Then, we propose a product behavioral analysis including the use cases to describe interactions between the product and users or maintenance operators. We use Markov chains to model the use cases corresponding to operating time (OT), maintenance time (MT) and preparing time after accidents (RT). Then these three parameters are considered to specify a generic approach to improve the availability assessment. Such an approach provides the traceability of the product behavior along its lifecycle. In this way, the main causes of stop can be identified and this may guide the designer for improving the availability of the product future versions. To validate our approach, an application is presented considering a printing line. The comparison of our simulation considering an industrial case study shows a good agreement about the influence of safety on the availability.

Dynamic assembly simplification for virtual assembly process of complex product

Purpose – Virtual assembly process plays an important role in assembly design of complex product and is typically time- and resource-intensive. This paper aims to investigate a dynamic assembly simplification approach in order to demonstrate and interact with virtual assembly process of complex product in real time. Design/methodology/approach – The proposed approach regards the virtual assembly process of complex product as an incremental growth process of dynamic assembly. During the growth process, the current-assembled-state assembly model is simplified with appearance preserved by detecting and removing its invisible features, and the to-be-assembled components are simplified with assembly features preserved using conjugated subgraphs matching method based on an improved subgraph isomorphism algorithm. Findings – The dynamic assembly simplification approach is applied successfully to reduce the complexity of computer aided design models during the virtual assembly process and it is proved by several cases. Originality/value – A new assembly features definition is proposed based on the notion of “conjugation” to assist the assembly features recognition, which is a main step of the dynamic assembly simplification and has been translated into conjugated subgraphs matching problem. And an improved subgraph isomorphism algorithm is presented to address this problem.

An optimisation method for complex product design

Designing a complex product such as an aircraft usually requires both qualitative and quantitative data and reasoning. To assist the design process, a critical issue is how to represent qualitative data and utilise it in the optimisation. In this study, a new method is proposed for the optimal design of complex products: to make the full use of available data, information and knowledge, qualitative reasoning is integrated into the optimisation process. The transformation and fusion of qualitative and qualitative data are achieved via the fuzzy sets theory and a cloud model. To shorten the design process, parallel computing is implemented to solve the formulated optimisation problems. A parallel adaptive hybrid algorithm (PAHA) has been proposed. The performance of the new algorithm has been verified by a comparison with the results from PAHA and two other existing algorithms. Further, PAHA has been applied to determine the shape parameters of an aircraft model for aerodynamic optimisation purpose.

Object-oriented Knowledge Modelling for Conceptual Design of Mechanisms

Conceptual design is an early stage of the whole mechanical product development process, which is a problem-solving activity based on knowledge engineering. Designers often have difficulty in fulfilling complex product designs due to the lack of sufficient product design knowledge. This paper is devoted to presenting a systematic object-oriented knowledge modeling for conceptual design of mechanisms. After object-oriented knowledge representation strategy is introduced, the object-oriented inheritance relationship of mechanisms is discussed in detail, and then the design catalogue for conceptual design of mechanisms is also put forward. Knowledge modeling for conceptual design of mechanisms, including function knowledge modeling, mechanism unit knowledge modeling, mapping knowledge modeling, is discussed step by step. A computer aided mechanism conceptual design software system is developed, and the system implementation of above knowledge base is proposed. The pipe racking system for the oil drilling platform is given as an example, which demonstrates that the object-oriented knowledge modelling methodology is obviously helpful for mechanical product conceptual design of mechanisms.

Risk assessment model based on multi-agent systems for complex product design

Design of a complex product takes a long and intricate process, and mostly, it has the multidisciplinary nature. The design can become even challenging if the product to be designed is totally new ...

Multiple Disciplines Product Design Knowledge Representation Strategy Based on Ontology and Semantic Network

The complicated products design is a process of conflict resolution and integration decision for collaborative optimization involved in multiple disciplines including mechanical engineering, electronical engineering and control engineering, etc. It’s also a multi-disciplinary field of complex knowledge fusion process. The architecture of the product design knowledge is given by the description of the forms of knowledge in complex product design. The representation mechanism for multidisciplinary knowledge based on ontology and formal definition of the design knowledge ontology are put forward by using the theories and methods of ontology and semantic network. Finally, the multiple disciplines design knowledge expression strategy is proposed based on the above analysis and conclusions. This paper provides a new method and means for complicated product design knowledge representation involving the integration of multidisciplinary knowledge. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/telkomnika.v11i10.3467

Conceptual Product Design Methodology through Functional Analysis

Due to high competitive nature of todays product market, it is essential for conceptual design architecture solution to be derived faster while still maintaining a certain level of innovation to differentiate it from other competing products. This can be a handful task for the development of complex product designs with the current geometrical-based approaches due to plethora of possible physical alternatives to be considered. The search for product design architecture solutions from its functional requirements is more effective as the functional space is comparatively smaller than the physical search space. This allows the design and development effort to be more focused and saves time and resources. With this notion, there is a driving motivation to adapt the functional approach into the conceptual design process to exploit some of its benefits. In this paper, a methodology to derive the product architecture solution from functional approach is discussed and proposed.

Dynamic representation of fuzzy knowledge based on fuzzy petri net and genetic-particle swarm optimization

Information in some fields like complex product design is usually imprecise, vague and fuzzy. Therefore, it would be very useful to design knowledge representation model capable to be adjusted according to information dynamics. Aiming at this objective, a knowledge representation scheme is proposed, which is called DRFK (Dynamic Representation of Fuzzy Knowledge). This model has both the features of a fuzzy Petri net and the learning ability of evolutionary algorithms. An efficient Genetic Particle Swarm Optimization (GPSO) learning algorithm is developed to solving fuzzy knowledge representation parameters. Being trained, a DRFK model can be used for dynamic knowledge representation and inference. Finally, an example is included as an illustration.

Linked Lifecycle Data – Connecting Distributed Engineering Data and harvesting its inherent value

AbstractSystems engineers have many different ways to search, locate and analyze engineering data. However, just like in the days before the World Wide Web, this data is being stored, managed and represented in different proprietary formats and locations that make it hard to discover and analyze. In parallel, search engines and Internet style hyperlinks have been proven to be very powerful technologies that change the way we all find and consume information every day. We believe that adopting a similar technical approach can enable organizations to overcome the complexity inherent in modern product design. In this paper we will review this new approach, named Linked Lifecycle Data, and the new opportunities it presents for improving efficiency, quality and productivity in the design and development of complex products and systems.

Research on Social-Technical System for Project Oriented Collaborative Product Design

Collaborative design of project oriented product involves not only the multidisciplinary knowledge synergy technology and cooperative managing technology of multiple design processes, but also the organization that puts the collaborative design into practice. Collaborative design is a complicate social-technology system which reflects product cognition process and the social relations of design teams. Based on the theory of systems engineering, a three dimensional description system of collaborative design is presented in this paper: disciplinary dimension, design process dimension and organization dimension. A spiral model of collaborative design process is proposed to express the reciprocity between disciplinary dimension and design process dimension. Design organization is viewed as the core of the social-technology system of collaborative design. The organization is depicted with class diagram. Researching collaborative design from the view point of socio-technical system, research field of design methodology is extended and it is beneficial to design methodologys guidance for complex product design, which also lays a solid foundation for further study on knowledge management in collaborative design.

Multidisciplinary Integrated Knowledge Modeling of Complex Product Design

Based on analysis of application characteristics of product design knowledge, the design process of complex product was presented. A framework structure of product integrated design knowledge model for supporting multi-disciplinary design was proposed, the fusion method of product integrated design knowledge was also explored, and design knowledge acquisition of multidisciplinary design along with evaluating satisfaction degree in process and method of objection were analyzed. Associated with the methodology of multidisciplinary design optimization, a prototype system supporting multidisciplinary design was developed based on ideal framework of product integrated design knowledge model with the software development tool Genexus.

The Complex Product Design Modeling Based on Spatial Sequence Colored Petri-nets

Functional modeling is the mainly option in current conceptual design, which relies on the designers’ subjective experience and lacks of intelligence. We choose behavior flow modeling which is more intelligent for conceptual design and express the behavior flow by establish the semantic network and Petri nets in this paper. At the end, we illustrate the expression of spatial sequence in behavior flow by the instance of auto engine design.

A Simulation Model Design Method for Cloud-Based Simulation Environment

Simulation technologies provide necessary validation tools for the conceptual design of complex products involving multiple disciplines. A variety of simulation models are developed in specific organizations or enterprises to verify the design plan, while they are hard to be shared and to be reused. Based on the analysis of several typical solutions to share and reuse different kinds of resources, a simulation model design method is proposed to provide a simple implementation of simulation model reuse for cloud-based simulation environment. This paper firstly creates the simulation models' metamodel and ontology for their universal description. Secondly, four rules are proposed to design/reprogram a simulation model into service-oriented form for its interoperability, and the ontology of service-oriented simulation model is established. Thirdly, the way to call one simulation model and the way to compose several simulation models into a simulation process are elaborated. Finally, a simple case of using this method to design an aircraft dynamic model is elaborated, and a prototype simulation system is constructed, and then a simple simulation process is composed to verify the practicability of the method. The result shows that the new design/reprogram method has big advantages on the compatibility, expansibility, and reusability despite the decreasing efficiency.

A Design Method with Knowledge Modeling for Complex Product Based on Ontology

Innovation design for complex products is a difficult issue in the military manufacturing industry. Ontology may provide a feasible way to rebuild the design process for complex products via sharing and reusing of design knowledge. In this paper, a design method used in the innovation design process of the complex products with knowledge modeling is proposed. Knowledge modeling is realized through ontology construction by combining the cycling evolutional theory of constructing ontology and OWL (Ontology Web Language)-based knowledge representation. As a case study, the satellite is selected as one of the complex products. The application domain of the satellite ontology is analyzed. According to the analysis result, the knowledge structure of satellite ontology is put forward based on OWL. The application of satellite product design shows that the method can effectively organize and reuse the knowledge resources in the innovation design of complex product and help companies to create more competitive products based on the existing knowledge and experience.

Conceptual Framework for Non-hierarchical Business Networks for Complex Products Design and Manufacturing

The effective creation and management of business networks is more and more an important contribution for the competitiveness and sustainability of European SMEs. In Non-hierarchical networks SMEs join their competencies and resources to grab profitable business opportunities. In these networks SMEs take the leading role and control the business instead of being subcontracted by large companies and traditional supply chains. This paper presents a conceptual framework, including methodological approach, best practices and reference processes aiming at supporting SMEs in creating and managing non-hierarchical networks for complex products design and manufacturing. The framework high level structure and the most specific processes are presented, including: capacity management, collaborative operations planning, risk and event management and performance management. The framework was validated in three pilot networks, from the textile, footwear and machine tools industries.

Multivariable Correlative Model Decomposition for Complex Product Design Based on Clustering with Multiple Couplings

To raise the clustering degree after design decomposition,and then increase design efficiency of complex products,a design decomposition method based on clustering with multiple couplings is proposed.The matrix of synthetic coupling degrees(MSCD),which includes couplings between variables and functions,couplings among variables,and couplings among functions,is created based on sensitivity analysis and couplings characteristics analysis to reflect amounts of coupling degrees.Initial clustering of variables and functions are accomplished through dimensional reduction of MSCD and structure of coupling binary tree.Clustering of aggregations of variables and functions are accomplished through comparison of coupling degrees among branches of the binary tree.The design model is decomposed to reach the greatest clustering degrees.The packing and turbo expander in large scale air separation equipment are taken as examples to verify the effectiveness of the approach.

NURBS surface deformation design for complex products by transplanting the surface feature

This article addresses the problem of NURBS surface deformation design using surface feature transplantation. To represent the semantic surface feature, a new surface feature representation called normal feature membrane is proposed. In the proposed method, the base surfaces of the source surface with the feature that the designer is highly interested in and the target surface to be deformed are first constructed. This is followed by extracting the normal feature membrane of the source surface. The deformation design is then realized by transplanting the extracted normal feature membrane of the source surface to the base surface of the target surface through four main operations, which are normal feature membrane preprocessing, normal feature membrane transplanting, surface fairing, and boundary feature decaying, respectively. The proposed method provides an easy copy---paste operation of the semantic surface feature for surface deformation of complex product. The examples of the surface feature transplantation for the surface design of automobile bodies are given to verify the validity and feasibility of the proposed method.

Research on the Extended Product Design Knowledge Classification System within a Distributed Knowledge Resources Environment

Within a distributed knowledge resources environment, the product design activities usually are participated by design entity, resource units and design knowledge resource register center. The appropriate design knowledge classification system is the basis of the product design under this environment. The functional design is an especially important phase for designing the innovational products. In the phase, the main problems are not technical problems but are socio-technical problems. The functional design, most often, requires not only the natural science knowledge, but also social science knowledge. The functional design is completed by many more design experts not only from psychology and other natural science, but also from many social science areas, which increases the difficulty and complexity of product design and design knowledge search within a distributed resources environment. On the basis of analyzing the modern product design, especially the features of functional design, this paper proposes an extended six-dimension design knowledge classification system which mainly extends the discipline, product and application process dimension. Finally, this paper makes brief introduction about the application of this classification system.

Motion generation and virtual simulation in a digital environment

The growing complexity in product design and manufacturing processes has made virtual prototyping an important new approach that enhances products and process development. Considering the ergonomic issues evident in product lifecycles, digital human modelling (DHM) is adopted for virtual simulation and proactive evaluation. A motion generation from semantics (MGS) system is proposed in this research. The MGS system features include virtual prototyping, natural language instruction, a method time measurement (MTM) translator and motion generator. The system was implemented using product lifecycle management (PLM) software and validated in an automotive manufacturing company. The practice of intuitively generating manual operations and conducting virtual simulations enables the system planners to quickly respond to manufacturing process changes and recursively improve the tooling and process design flexibility and efficiency.

Study on Mix-Variable Collaborative Design Optimization

In order to deal with complex product design optimization problems with both discrete and continuous variables, mix-variable collaborative design optimization algorithm is put forward based on collaborative optimization, which is an efficient way to solve mix-variable design optimization problems. On the rule of “divide and rule”, the algorithm decouples the problem into some relatively simple subsystems. Then by using collaborative mechanism, the optimal solution is obtained. Finally, the result of a case shows the feasibility and effectiveness of the new algorithm.