Conceptual Design Method Research Articles

A Conceptual Design Method Based on Concept–Knowledge Theory and Large Language Models

Abstract To obtain innovative concepts in the design, designers often need to retrieve and use interdisciplinary knowledge. Concept–knowledge (C–K) theory emphasizes the role of knowledge and introduces the knowledge (K) space and concept (C) space, employing operators to transform the contents between these spaces. Some studies, based on this theory, have successfully provided designers with different forms of knowledge to stimulate concept generation. However, the amount of knowledge provided in these studies is limited, and they fail to offer convenient methods for knowledge retrieval and reasoning, making it challenging to meet the needs of conceptual design across different fields. This paper proposes an enhanced C–K method leveraging large language models (LLMs) to help designers retrieve knowledge and uncover potentially new concepts. Our method redefines the C space and K space within the context of LLMs, dividing the properties of concept into function, appearance, and technology, and requiring the knowledge to correspond to these properties, thereby facilitating a structured connection between concepts and knowledge. Based on this definition, we achieved flexible knowledge retrieval and concept ideation leveraging LLMs. We also conducted a case study on wearable devices to validate our method. The results showed that our method helped designers to retrieve professional knowledge and inspired them to create feasible and innovative concepts.

A tray-by-tray method for the conceptual design of dividing wall columns

Dividing wall columns (DWCs) are intensified units that may lower capital costs, generate energy savings, and reduce the environmental impact with respect to the use of conventional distillation systems. In this work, a tray-by-tray method to design DWCs is developed. Applications to three case studies dealing with the separation of aromatics, linear alkanes and alcohols mixtures are presented. The validation of the conceptual designs with rigorous simulations in Aspen Plus showed the effectiveness of the conceptual design method.

Conceptual Design Process of a Missile Model and Production Using Additive Manufacturing Method

This study focuses on air-to-ground missile systems, which are widely used in Turkey and around the world and are becoming increasingly important. The development of missile systems takes into account various requirements defined by the end user. It is important to identify a system and its subcomponents that fully meet the requirements. This study analyzes an air-to-ground missile system and its main subcomponents identified through the conceptual design method based on the systematic design approach proposed by Pahl and Beitz. The aim is to determine the feasibility of obtaining an optimal solution that meets the requirements set by the conceptual design method. The missile design’s optimal solution was modeled using SolidWorks software. A three-dimensional (3D) printer with FDM production technology was used to produce a prototype of the computer-modeled design. ABS and ABS-plastic blend filaments were preferred due to their material properties in the FDM production process. During the printing stage, the filament and output settings of the model were determined using the 3D printer’s interface program. The filaments were then extruded through a nozzle, following the cross-sectional geometry of the part. The resulting model was printed in pieces and assembled with a tolerance of 0.1mm. This process resulted in a 3D model of the missile, which was created to represent the system structure in different colours. The study demonstrates that the conceptual design method can be used to develop innovative and meaningful missile models.

Battery-electric powertrain system design for the HorizonUAM multirotor air taxi concept

AbstractThe work presented herein has been conducted within the DLR internal research project HorizonUAM, which encompasses research within numerous areas related to urban air mobility. One of the project goals was to develop a safe and certifiable onboard system concept. This paper aims to present the conceptual propulsion system architecture design for an all-electric battery-powered multirotor electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicle. Therefore, a conceptual design method was developed that provides a structured approach for designing the safe multirotor propulsion architecture. Based on the concept of operation the powertrain system was initially predefined, iteratively refined based on the safety assessment and validated through component sizing and simulations. The analysis was conducted within three system groups that were developed in parallel: the drivetrain, the energy supply and the thermal management system. The design process indicated that a pure quadcopter propulsion system can merely be designed reasonably for meeting the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) reliability specifications. By adding two push propellers and implementing numerous safety as well as passivation measures the reliability specifications defined by EASA could finally be fulfilled. The subsequent system simulations also verified that the system architecture is capable of meeting the requirements of the vehicle concept of operations. However, further work is required to extend the safety analysis to additional system components as the thermal management system or the battery management system and to reduce propulsion system weight.

Implementation of Conceptual Design and Taguchi Optimization Method for the Construction of Multi-Resin 3D Printer

Implementation of Conceptual Design and Taguchi Optimization Method for the Construction of Multi-Resin 3D Printer

A knowledge graph-aided decision guidance method for product conceptual design

In the fast-paced world of product design, businesses seek a competitive edge by swiftly addressing user requirements and developing precise solutions. Depending on diverse knowledge, conceptual design makes enterprises invest significantly in knowledge management. Following the philosophy of decision-based design, a knowledge graph-aided decision guidance method is proposed to streamline and enhance knowledge utilisation in product conceptual design. Firstly, the decision-making process in product conceptual design is modelled using the Concept-Decision-Knowledge (CDK) model, yielding the meta-model of CDK (mCDK). A data-augmented BERT-BiLSTM-CRF model is adopted to extract information from diverse data sources, forming a CDK knowledge graph (CDK-KG). A decision case for employing problem-solving knowledge configuration is generated to resolve specific design decision problems when new requirements arise. Validation of the method is demonstrated through a case study on the launch vehicle conceptual design of the first and second-stage separation system. The results indicate that the proposed method can automatically extract information from data resources to construct a knowledge graph. Furthermore, it can provide decision cases for design requirements through knowledge configuration, supporting decision-making.

SOREN KIERKEGAARD'S EXISTENTIALISM: A STUDY ON HOW TO ENJOY LIFE DURING THE POST-TRUTH ERA

This study aims to explain the means of deriving enjoyment in life during the post-Truth era by drawing upon the existentialist values of Soren Kierkegaard. A qualitative approach is adopted with a conceptual design, utilizing exploratory, interpretative, and analytical methods. The results showed that individuals were able to derive enjoyment from life during the Post-Truth Era by embracing the following Soren Kierkegaard's existentialism values: Firstly, being oneself; living under the narrative of the heart and mind. Secondly, being moral and adhering to universal rules. Thirdly, living a religious life, having a direct connection with God, and being critical of religion. Previous studies had extensively explored Soren Kierkegaard's existentialism, but none specifically examined its concept as a means of enjoying life.

Conceptual Design and Materials Selection of the FDM Composites for Passenger Vehicle’s Spoiler

One of the additive manufacturing techniques available is Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), which offers advantages in design flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to produce intricate designs. Therefore, FDM for the 3D-printed vehicle’s car spoiler is a subject that can be explored. The FDM technology can significantly reduce time and cost before mass production, and the vehicle’s car spoiler was used as the case study in this research. The research investigates the mechanical properties of various commercial PLA composite filaments, addressing the lack of specifications provided by manufacturers. Testing four types of filaments—PLA/bamboo, PLA/coconut, PLA/wood, and PLA/metal. This research also emphasizes the conceptual design generation and selection for the passenger vehicle’s spoiler. Five design concepts were generated using the morphological chart for the passenger vehicle’s spoiler. The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method was used as the decision-making tool. As a result, PLA/metal, with 53.65 MPa and 70.23 MPa, showed the highest tensile and flexural strength values, respectively. Design concept 5 with the infill pattern of rib + I was the best from the finite element analysis (FEA) using SolidWorks simulation software. Finally, the TOPSIS technique revealed PLA/metal as the best PLA composite filament for car spoilers, scoring first in performance score with a value of 0.5774. This study demonstrates that by using a systematic approach, researchers may choose the best design concept and material choice by combining the conceptual design, experimental, simulation, and TOPSIS methods.

Converting laundry work of women in underdeveloped countries from risk of musculoskeletal disorders to a sustainable intervention: A design with holistic approach

AbstractMore than half of the population in impoverished areas around the world, which lack sufficient energy and water, do not have washing machines. Due to a lack of resources and economic reasons, the mechanical task of modern washing machines requiring electrical energy can only be done through hand washing. Additionally, water fetching and laundry work are predominately assigned to women due to socio‐cultural dynamics in disadvantaged areas. The repetitive motions involved in washing over extended periods of time, coupled with awkward body positions, often lead to musculoskeletal disorders in women. This study aims to improve women's work safety and living conditions through a product design for laundry washing. First, the ergonomic risk associated with women's body postures while washing clothes on the floor was evaluated to better understand the impact of the intervention and rapid upper extremity assessment (RULA) method was used for this purpose. Subsequently, the design process for a manual washing product, which operates without electricity, can handle bulk laundry and facilitates easier and more ergonomic work instead of directly scrubbing clothes, was initiated as a remedial intervention. Recognizing that laundry work is a multidimensional experience in women's lives beyond its ergonomic aspects, a holistic design methodology was adopted, incorporating various design approaches to create concepts that better integrate with the lives of woman users. Insights gained from these design approaches were then combined with the conceptual design method to generate design proposals. At the end of the study, the developed manual washing machine design performed improved RULA analysis scores and biomechanical loading outcomes compared to hand washing.

Anthraquinone-Induced asymmetric antimony coordination center for selective O2 photoreduction to H2O2

Achieving O2 photoreduction to H2O2 with high selectivity control and durability while using easily accessible catalyst requires new synthesis strategies. Herein, we propose an asymmteric Sb coordination active center strategy of introducing anthraquinone (AQ) and heptazine to form local N3 − Sb − O coordination by a rapid and simple explosive crystallization approach, resulting in a mesoporous conjugated heptazine-amide-AQ polymer coordinated Sb (HAAQ-Sb). It is demonstrated that the N3 − Sb − O coordination effectively suppresses the charge recombination and acts as the highly active site for O2 adsorption. Moreover, as-introduced AQ units initiate low-barrier hydrogen transfer through a reversible redox process that triggers highly-efficient H2O2 production. A superior apparent quantum yield of 20.2 % at 400 nm and a remarkable solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of 0.71 % are achieved on the optimal HAAQ-Sb, which is the highest among C3N4-based photocatalysts at present. This asymmetric coordination concept and material design method provide new perspectives for the research of novel catalysts toward artificial photosynthesis.

Impact of Operational Configuration Onboard a Drillship on Main Generator Engine Subcomponents Interval and Maintenance Strategies

Maintenance intervals and approaches for marine equipment have been the subject of numerous studies, focusing on previous failure patterns and associated risks. However, in vessels like drillships, operating under high reliability requirements and possessing significant redundancy, maintenance strategies have a critical impact on overall performance. This study investigates the influence of operational configurations on maintenance intervals and approaches for generator engine subcomponents onboard a drillship. Using data on injector failures onboard drillships, we employ the maintenance concept adjustment and design (MA-CAD) method to analyse and determine maintenance intervals across various operational configurations. Initially, we analyse the failure pattern of fuel injectors and propose a reduction in maintenance intervals through Weibull probability distribution fitting. Additionally, a risk analysis is conducted to assess the impact of operational configurations on risk indices related to fuel injector reliability and safety consequences. Our findings reveal that different operational configurations of the power generation plant can lead to changes in risk indices, shifting injector reliability status from unacceptable to undesirable limits. Consequently, maintenance intervals need to be adjusted as well to ensure optimal performance and safety. Furthermore, considering various engine subcomponents and their reliability under different operational configurations suggests the need for tailored maintenance approaches. This research provides insights into optimising maintenance strategies for drillship, ensuring reliability and safety across diverse operational scenarios.

Novel Electric Propulsion System Analysis Method for Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Aircraft Conceptual Design

This paper proposes novel enhancements to the electric propulsion system analysis method for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft conceptual design by considering the electrical characteristics of each electrical device in a more accurate manner. To this end, three modules for motor, inverter, and battery analysis are constructed using equivalent circuits and semi-empirical models. First, the motor analysis module is developed using equivalent circuit analysis with the operation control strategy for a permanent-magnet synchronous motor. Second, the inverter analysis module is built using average loss models for the switching and conduction losses. Third, the battery analysis module is improved using the near-linear discharge model to consider the voltage drop during operation. Moreover, additional modules, such as those for calculating the battery stack in series and parallel, as well as regression models for the motor and inverter performance parameters and consideration of the drive system type (direct or indirect, including a reduction gear), are implemented. A comparative study is presented from an analysis and design perspective while changing the drive system type (direct or indirect) and gear ratio, which highlights the importance of modeling electrical characteristics during eVTOL aircraft conceptual design.

Package for data management of a telecommunication device in a monitoring system

In order to identify the role of data storage in the monitoring system of a telecommunications device, a conceptual design method was used, which was based on the basic principles of the Telecommunication Management Network concept, which is a network management system for telecommunication operators. Based on this concept, it was possible to design a data storage model in the monitoring system of a telecommunications device, which clearly reflects the separation of databases involved in the telecommunications network at different levels of the concept. A description of the differences between the databases assigned to each specific level from each other and an explanation of the functional features of each of the databases under consideration, as well as a description of the data circulation process over the network, is presented. The work focuses on describing the contents of the database of a specific telecommunications device, which is the object of control in the communication network, with the possibility of developing an interface to this database, which makes it convenient to search, view and modify stored data. To designate the information stored in the database of a telecommunications device, a fragment of the database was developed containing a set of attributes characterizing the device, their values and parameters of attribute values. The role of the database interface is to enable the user to quickly and easily access the information contained in the database.

Knowledge collection in aircraft passenger seat assembly: insight for a conceptual design method development

In the field of aircraft system engineering, this research work aims to bridge the gap between conceptual design and quantitative analysis, with a specific focus on the installation of aircraft passenger seats. To achieve this objective, a comprehensive analysis of seat installation process for commercial aircraft was carried out to identify and describe criticalities associated with this manufacturing phase. Different means were used to gather information, starting from the analysis of technical documents, and conducting interviews with industry experts. The research methodology employs a unique translation mechanism, harnessing the power of scoring matrices which are based on a graduated scale ranging from 1 (best option) to 5 (worst option). The scoring matrix serves as a tool for quantifying and translating the qualitative data gathered from the experts into quantitative analysis reflecting the installation process workload. By quantifying the qualitative information provided by the experts, this approach enables a systematic evaluation of seat installation and aids in decision-making within the aircraft assembly domain. In essence, this research contributes a structured and rigorous framework for assessing the ease of installing aircraft components, with a specific emphasis on seats, resulting in an improved assembly process of aircraft.

Optical Design of an LCoS-Based 1 × 10 WSS with High Coupling Efficiency and Compact Light Paths

In the field of communication, the utilization of Liquid Crystal On Silicon (LCoS) in Wavelength Selective Switch (WSS) systems holds great promise. However, the lack of research on the optical path design of LCoS-based WSS makes it challenging to realize high-port-count and perfect performance with a compact structure. In this paper, the conceptual optical path design method of a compact LCoS-based 1 × 10 WSS system working in C-band (1529 nm–1568 nm) is proposed, where there exists 1 input port and 10 output ports in the same array. The optical powers in both the wavelength and deflection directions have been meticulously considered separately, while the polarization-independent structure has been designed novelty, which boost system compactness and lowers manufacturing costs. Finally, a high fiber-to-fiber coupling efficiency of an idealized system ranging from 95.07 to 99.18% with only five components is achieved. Furthermore, a brief tolerance analysis to demonstrate the instrumentation feasibility is also conducted and the additional losses that will be introduced by real experiments are discussed. Our work is pioneering in providing a more straightforward methodology and conceptual model for WSS system design and offering reference significant for high-port-count systems.

Conceptual design and control method for a non-contact annular electromagnetic stabilized satellite platform

Disturbance-Free Payload (DFP) spacecraft can meet the requirements of ultra-high attitude pointing accuracy and stability for future space missions. However, as the main control actuators of DFP spacecraft, Linear Non-Contact Lorentz Actuators (LNCLAs) have control output problems with six-degree-of-freedom coupling and nonlinear effects, which will affect the attitude control performance of DFP spacecraft. To solve this problem, a novel concept for Non-Contact Annular Electromagnetic Stabilized Satellite Platform (NCAESSP) is proposed in this study. The concept is centered on replacing the LNCLAs with a non-contact annular electromagnetic actuator to solve the two problems mentioned above. Furthermore, for the different control requirements of the payload module and the support module of the NCAESSP, a high-precision attitude controller based on the robust model matching method and a dual quaternion-based adaptive sliding mode controller are proposed. Additionally, the simulation results verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Synergetic control mechanism for enhancing energy-absorption of 3D-printed lattice structures

It is difficult for controlling the failure mechanisms to improve the mechanical properties of lattice structures in a specified way. To this end, inspired by biological tissue/alloy microstructure, a novel synergetic control mechanism with gradient- and Orowan-strengthening is proposed to enhance energy-absorption (EA) of lattice. Gradient, Orowan and Grad-Oro lattices with different Reinforcement Phase (RP) spacing are designed and manufactured by 3D-printing with little defect. By experiments, simulations and theoretical analysis, compressive behaviors and failure modes of designed lattices are studied to explore the effects of synergetic control mechanism on mechanical properties. Results show that a 31.0%∼35.1% higher SEA than Matrix lattice is identified for Grad-Oro lattices which also surpass Orowan or Gradient lattices. Then, the transitional failure mechanisms of lattices are revealed to explain the improvement. It is illustrated that Zigzag shear-path induced by the Gradient-Orowan synergism can dissipate more energy than any single mechanism (bypassing shear-path or progressive collapse). It is finally found that closer RP spacing brings about stronger interactions between RP boundaries to affect failure modes like the grain boundary strengthening. This novel concept and structural design method greatly contribute to controllable mechanical design of lattice.

Conceptual design of long-endurance small solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle with multiple tilts and hovers

This paper presents an overall scheme of a long-endurance small solar-powered convertible unmanned aerial vehicle (CUAV) that operates tilt-rotor for multiple hover tasks. First, a solar/battery hybrid energy strategy was proposed to comprehensively meet the requirements of CUAVs with long endurance and multiple hovers. The particular ability of the solar-powered fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), pure battery-powered CUAV, and the proposed long-endurance solar-powered CUAV with multiple cruises and hovers were comparatively analyzed from an energy standpoint. Second, a suitable conceptual design method and process for small solar-powered CUAV was given, and the robustness of the designed CUAV was using three performance metrics under nominal conditions. The approach was then applied to design a 6.5 kg CUAV, which was initially tested in flight. Finally, the performance and application potential of the designed CUAV was evaluated with operating conditions, mission requirements, energy input, and perpetual flight capability.

Multi-agent collaborative conceptual design method for robotic manufacturing systems in small- and mid-sized enterprises

Robotic manufacturing systems are essential in the post-pandemic world owing to their high level of flexibility and automation during a labor crisis. However, designing a suitable robotic manufacturing system for small- and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) is challenging, considering both their financial burdens and the current supply chain disruptions of component suppliers. To address these challenges, this study proposes a distributed multi-agent collaborative conceptual design method involving designers and suppliers to assist SMEs in implementing robotic manufacturing systems. First, we propose a common data model that enables knowledge interaction between different agents during collaborative conceptual design. Subsequently, based on the proposed data model, the agent-based collaborative conceptual design process is developed, which enables different agents to communicate, interact, and negotiate with each other according to their experiences and knowledge. Third, an integrative algorithm based on 2-additive fuzzy measures, Choquet integral, and stochastic multi-criteria acceptability analysis is implemented to support the multi-agent decision-making process to robustly select architecture alternatives. As a case study, a real industrial design project of a robotic manufacturing system required by our industrial partner, is adopted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Low-carbon design based on conceptual design methods for mechanical and electrical products

This paper presents a conceptual product design method that considers the carbon emission factors of mechanical and electrical products. This method aims to consider low carbon issues prior to product design. Based on a comprehensive analysis of conventional product design procedures, the study extracts design information related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, itemizes and quantifies the information, and ultimately uncovers the relationship among carbon emissions, function, and economic factors of newly designed products. This study explains the proposed concepts of carbon efficiency (CE) and carbon factor and combines them with the product design process to present a low-carbon design process of mechanical and electrical products. Furthermore, this paper presents a low-carbon design method of mechanical and electrical products, drawing on the product family design idea, with GHG efficiency and cost constraint. In particular, GHG efficiency pays attention to product function realization efficiency and economic factors. The potential value of the method is demonstrated in a case study of a tomato picking robot.