Modularization Method for Adaptable Products

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lieke Arts ◽  
Magdalena K. Chmarra ◽  
Tetsuo Tomiyama
Keyword(s):  
Complex Systems ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Design Structure Matrix ◽  
Modular Architecture ◽  
Complex Products ◽  
Design Structure ◽  
Standard Design ◽  
New States

Adaptable products are gaining interests. Those products are able to adapt themselves to new environments, new states or new user defined tasks. There is not yet a standard design methodology for designing those products. This paper focuses on making large complex products (e.g. printers) more adaptable. Large-scale complex systems need to have modular architecture to some extent in order for engineers to be able to clearly comprehend the product. Therefore, a method to cluster components of an adaptable system is developed based on Design Structure Matrix (DSM) which stores information about connections between components. For each scenario or action plan to perform adaptability, the importance of component interconnections is rated in a separate DSM structure. By combining the original DSM with the adaptability DSM the engineers can group components. Finally, an example of a coffee maker is illustrated.

Incorporating Constraints in System Modularization by Interactive Clustering of Design Structure Matrices

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roozbeh Sanaei ◽  
Kevin N. Otto ◽  
Katja Hölttä-Otto ◽  
Kristin L. Wood
Keyword(s):  
Complex Systems ◽  
Clustering Algorithm ◽  
Clustering Algorithms ◽  
Design Structure Matrix ◽  
Complex Products ◽  
Pressure Fields ◽  
Design Structure ◽  
Computational Capability ◽  
New Type ◽  
Interactive Clustering

Modularity is an approach to manage the design of complex systems by partitioning and assigning elements of a concept to simpler subsystems according to a planned architecture. Functional-flow heuristics suggest possible modules that have been demonstrated in past products, but using them still leaves it to the designer to choose which heuristics make sense in a certain architecture. This constitutes an opportunity for a designer to take other constraints and objectives into account. With large complex systems, the number of alternative groupings of elements into modular chunks becomes exponentially large and some form of automation would be beneficial to accomplish this task. Clustering algorithms using the design structure matrix (DSM) representation search the space of alternative relative positioning of elements and present one ideal outcome ordering which “optimizes” a modularity metric. Beyond the problems of lack of interactive exploration around the optimized result, such approaches also partition the elements in an unconstrained manner. Yet, typical complex products are subject to constraints which invalidate the unconstrained optimization. Such architectural partitioning constraints include those associated with external force fields including electric, magnetic, or pressure fields that constrain some functions to perform or not perform in different regions of the field. There are also supplier constraints where some components cannot be easily provided with others. Overall, it is difficult to simply embed all objectives of modular thinking into one metric to optimize. We develop a new type of interactive clustering algorithm approach considering multiple objectives and partitioning constraints. Partitioning options are offered to a designer interactively as a sequence of clustering choices between elements in the architecture. A designer can incorporate constraints that determine the compatibility or incompatibility of elements by choosing among alternative groupings progressively. Our aim is to combine computational capability of clustering algorithms with the flexibility of manual approaches. Through applying these algorithms to a MRI machine injector, we demonstrate the benefits of interactive cooperation between a designer and modularity algorithms, where constraints can be naturally considered.

scholarly journals DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW DESIGN METHODOLOGY FOR LARGE SIZE PRODUCTS BASED ON DSM AND DFMA

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 2315-2324
Author(s):  
B. Mora ◽  
I. Retolaza ◽  
M. A. Campos ◽  
A. Remirez ◽  
M. J. Cabello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Design ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Design For Manufacturing ◽  
Design Structure Matrix ◽  
Structure Matrix ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Design Structure ◽  
Long Life

AbstractA new design methodology for long life and large size (Ll-Ls) products called Design for Installation (DfI) is proposed. Ll-Ls products are usually made up of large parts that need to be assembled on field. The proposed methodology, based on adapted Design Structure Matrix (DSM) and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) methods, enables to optimize the design of a Ll-Ls product in order to reduce time and cost of the installation process. The new methodology works with a conceptual design of the product and the weight and size restrictions given by logistic factors as inputs.

Task Planning for Product Development by Strategic Scheduling of Design Reviews

1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshiki Mori ◽  
Kosuke Ishii ◽  
Koichi Kondo ◽  
Koichi Ohtomi
Keyword(s):  
Design Process ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Feedback Loops ◽  
Design Structure Matrix ◽  
Development Projects ◽  
Design Processes ◽  
Design Structure ◽  
Planning Methods ◽  
Complicated Task

Abstract This paper proposes a method for modeling and planning design processes. The method should apply to the early stages of development of which the design process is not yet concrete. A matrix-based process model that represents task dependencies provides the input for the optimization of the design process leading to a graph-based process model. The proposed approach uses graph theory for modeling and planning design processes as well as strategic scheduling of design reviews. The proposed algorithm is applicable to large-scale development projects involving numerous tasks and complicated task relationships. The paper further discusses the application of the planning method to the design of a major device in a satellite as well as the validity of the approach. The example reduced the number of feedback loops and design reviews compared to the solution obtained by conventional planning methods using the design structure matrix.

Towards a Decentralised Approach to Modelling Connectivity in Complex Products

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Owolabi Ariyo ◽  
Claudia M. Eckert ◽  
P. John Clarkson
Keyword(s):  
Model Building ◽  
Design Structure Matrix ◽  
Support Design ◽  
Structure Matrix ◽  
Complex Products ◽  
Distributed Approach ◽  
Design Structure ◽  
Connectivity Model ◽  
Vital Component ◽  
Effort Reduction

Connectivity models are useful aids to support design reviews but building the models is an extremely effort intensive process. Connectivity models help to minimise incidents of unexpected rework by drawing attention to vital component interfaces and dependencies. The uptake of connectivity models can be enhanced if effort burden associated model building is significantly reduced. This paper describes an investigation into the use of a distributed approach to building connectivity models as a means of effort reduction. The Design Structure Matrix is broken down into sub-sections which are L-shaped or cross-shaped. These sub-sections are referred to as modules of the connectivity model. The effort required for building a model is compartmentalised within the modules. In other words, the minimisation of model building effort is attained by distributing the modules such that each individual’s effort contribution is limited to within a single module.

Metrics for Assessing Coupling Density and Modularity in Complex Products and Systems

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katja Ho¨ltta¨-Otto ◽  
Olivier de Weck
Keyword(s):  
Singular Value ◽  
Equal Size ◽  
Design Structure Matrix ◽  
Structure Matrix ◽  
Complex Products ◽  
Design Structure ◽  
Yield Values ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Modularity Index

The central role of modularity is becoming more and more apparent in design of complex products and systems. The question frequently arises how modularity can be measured. To better understand the degree of modularity, we developed two metrics based on a design structure matrix (DSM). The non-zero fraction (NZF) captures the coupling density of interconnections between components, while the singular value modularity index (SMI) measures the degree of modularity. Both metrics yield values between 0 and 1. These metrics are applied to 15 systems and products. We show that real products typically have NZF values between 0.05 and 0.4 and an SMI between 0.05 (very integral) and 0.95 (very modular). A randomly generated DSM population of equal size and density exhibits SMI values that are bounded in the range from 0.25 to 0.45. We conclude that neither a high degree of modularity nor strong integrality occurs accidentally; but are the result of deliberate design. In particular, we show a more integral design will emerge if a functionally-equivalent product is designed to be portable. The main advantage of SMI is that it enables analysis of the degree of modularity of any product or system independent of subjective module choices.

scholarly journals A Case Study of Complex Policy Design: The Systems Engineering Approach

Complexity ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
Shqipe Buzuku ◽  
Javier Farfan ◽  
Kari Harmaa ◽  
Andrzej Kraslawski ◽  
Tuomo Kässi
Keyword(s):  
Complex Systems ◽  
Systems Engineering ◽  
Morphological Analysis ◽  
Systematic Approach ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Design Structure Matrix ◽  
Structure Matrix ◽  
Analysis And Design ◽  
Design Structure

Design, structure, modelling, and analysis of complex systems can significantly benefit from a systematic approach. One way to address a complex system using a systematic approach is to combine creative and analytical methods, such as general morphological analysis and design structure matrix. The aim is to propose a framework to address complex systems in two stages: first, formulation and generation of alternatives through general morphological analysis, and second, improvement and integration with design structure matrix for sequence optimization and cluster analysis. Moreover, general morphological analysis is further optimized through a novel sensitivity analysis approach reducing up to 80% the iteration time. The proposed approach is showcased in a case study of sustainable policy formulation for a wastewater treatment plant at a pulp and paper industry in Brazil. The results show that it is possible to generate a solution space that highlights the best possible combinations of the given alternatives while also providing an optimal sequence and grouping for an optimized implementation. The paper contributes to the field of conceptual modelling by offering a systematic approach to integrate sustainability.

scholarly journals Critical Chain Design Structure Matrix Method for Construction Project Scheduling under Rework Scenarios

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guofeng Ma ◽  
Keke Hao ◽  
Yu Xiao ◽  
Tiancheng Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Project Scheduling ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Design Structure Matrix ◽  
Structure Matrix ◽  
Project Completion ◽  
Promising Tool ◽  
Design Structure ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Critical Chain

Rework risks have been a major challenge in the construction industry that constantly affects project schedules and threatens on-time project completion. Traditional project scheduling methods are not capable of modeling rework relationships between activities and mitigating the impact of resulting uncertainties during the development of project schedules. To address this challenge, a critical chain design structure matrix (CCDSM) method is proposed in this paper. The CCDSM method aims to develop construction project schedules that are adaptive to rework scenarios and robust against rework risks. The CCDSM method models and displays large-scale rework relationships among activities and introduces a new rework buffer to quantitatively represent the impact of rework instances in project schedules. A max-plus algorithm is adopted in CCDSM to transform complex logic relationships into simple matrix operations, reducing computational load of schedule generation. A case study was conducted to demonstrate the implementation of the CCDSM method and assess its effectiveness in addressing rework risks. The results showed that the CCDSM is a promising tool to generate schedules, which could improve on-time project completion rate and reduce impacts of varying rework scenarios on project execution.

scholarly journals Exploration of the Use of Design Methods With the Design Structure Matrix for Integrating New Technologies Into Large Complex Systems

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iyad T. Alzaharnah ◽  
Warren P. Seering ◽  
Maria C. Yang
Keyword(s):  
Complex Systems ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Integrated Design ◽  
Design Methods ◽  
Design Structure Matrix ◽  
Structure Matrix ◽  
Large Complex ◽  
Technology Products ◽  
Design Structure

Integrating products of basic technology research and development efforts into Large Complex Systems (LCSs) requires systematic approaches. It has been observed that because of the complexity associated with LCSs, no single structured design method will suffice for integrating new technologies into an LCS. In this work, we explore through the literature how an integrated design approach involving the Design Structure Matrix (DSM) with several design methods (mainly those involving other matrix-based methods) might support the introduction of new technologies into large complex facilities. The survey presented in the paper could provide support for future investigations on how to align the outcomes of R&D processes with the requirements of introducing new technologies in target LCSs. Also it could help in developing future understandings about transitioning basic outcomes of R&D into technology products and services.

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