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.