A model of the mechanical design process based on empirical data

1988 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
David G. Ullman ◽  
Thomas G. Dietterich ◽  
Larry A. Stauffer
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Detailed Analysis ◽  
Conceptual Design ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Mechanical Design ◽  
Level Of Detail ◽  
Cad Tools ◽  
Design Alternatives ◽  
Key Features

This paper describes the task/episode accumulation model (TEA model) of non-routine mechanical design, which was developed after detailed analysis of the audio and video protocols of five mechanical designers. The model is able to explain the behavior of designers at a much finer level of detail than previous models. The key features of the model are (a) the design is constructed by incrementally refining and patching an initial conceptual design, (b) design alternatives are not considered outside the boundaries of design episodes (which are short stretches of problem solving aimed at specific goals), (c) the design process is controlled locally, primarily at the level of individual episodes. Among the implications of the model are the following: (a) CAD tools should be extended to represent the state of the design at more abstract levels, (b) CAD tools should help the designer manage constraints, and (c) CAD tools should be designed to give cognitive support to the designer.

Functional Analysis Diagrams With the Representation of Movement Transitions

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Szu-Hung Lee ◽  
Pingfei Jiang ◽  
Peter R. N. Childs ◽  
Keith Gilroy
Keyword(s):  
Functional Analysis ◽  
Conceptual Design ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Mechanical Design ◽  
Functional Requirements ◽  
Design Structure ◽  
Machine Elements ◽  
Physical Elements ◽  
Types Of Information

A study on utilising a graphical interface to represent movement transmission within products has been conducted to support a creative conceptual design process that separates the consideration of functional requirements and motion requirements. In engineering design, many representations of product structure have been proposed to assist in understanding how a design is constituted. However, most of these representations demonstrate only functions and are not able to demonstrate design structure. Functional Analysis Diagrams (FAD) provides a solution for this. An FAD shows not only functions but also physical elements by the network of blocks and arrows and thus it is capable of demonstrating various types of information and the design scheme. This characteristic gives FADs an advantage for designers to combine different types of information including useful and harmful interactions to gain an overview of the design task. This study focuses on using circles instead of arrows to represent movement attributes of mechanisms and machine elements in a Kinematic Functional Analysis Diagram (KFAD) and explores methods of utilising it in mechanical design. A commercial case study of medical equipment design conducted with the assistance of KFADs and a component database, mechanism and machine elements taxonomy (MMET), is described to illustrate the process. The design outcome shows that it is feasible to follow the proposed conceptual design process. With the help of KFADs and the machine elements taxonomy to enable consideration of movements, diverse considerations and design solutions are possible.

Formalization of Reconfigurable Mechanisms in Task Based Conceptual Design Method

2013 ◽  
Vol 572 ◽  
pp. 111-114
Author(s):  
Hrayr Darbinyan
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Design ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Mechanical Design ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Concept Design ◽  
Mechanism Synthesis ◽  
Design Models ◽  
Reconfigurable Mechanisms ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
And Function

Recent studies [1, 2] were devoted to author's efforts in formalization of conceptual design process based on vast data in mechanical design accumulated over years. The suggested novel method of conceptual design is implying direct dependence of function and a mechanism intending to implement the challenged function, considering a wider interpretation for both categories of mechanism and function. Main aspects of this method relate to formalization of both mechanism and function, formatting of design pages for tracking the concept design process, formalization of synthesis and analyze tools and formation of design models serving different design targets. Effectiveness of those formalization tasks is based on development and usage of specific graph and matrix based mathematical engine, enabling compact presentation of various aspects of conceptual design method. The current study is aiming to disclose the specific conditions of formalization for reconfigurable as categories widely used in mechanism synthesis and analyzes. Formalization of reconfigurable mechanisms will categories is contribute a lot in effectiveness of organization of concept design. An example from design experience is considered to confirm the validity of suggested formalization approach for the case of reconfigurable mechanisms.

scholarly journals Ranking of Bridge Design Alternatives: A TOPSIS-FADR Method

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehdi Keshavarz-Ghorabaee ◽  
Maghsoud Amiri ◽  
Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas ◽  
Zenonas Turskis ◽  
Jurgita Antuchevičienė
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Conceptual Design ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Solution Method ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Multi Criteria Decision Making ◽  
Ideal Solution ◽  
Bridge Design ◽  
Design Alternatives ◽  
Two Stages

Bridges are considered as essential structures of the transport infrastructures, which play an essential role in any road network. Therefore, the process of planning and designing bridges needs to be made efficiently. The design of bridges usually consists of two stages: conceptual design and detailed design. Designers make decisions on the overall form of the structure in the conceptual design process. This process is defined as Multi-Criteria Decision-Making problems. In this study, a modified fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution method to deal with the conceptual design process under uncertainty is proposed. The proposed method uses an area-based deviation ratio to determine the degree of difference between alternatives and reference solutions of the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution method. Using this ratio incorporates the effects of the membership functions into the evaluation process. To illustrate the procedure of the proposed method, an example of multi-criteria assessment of bridge design including three Multi-Criteria Decision-Making problems with quantitative and qualitative criteria is used. For validation of the results of the modified fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution method, a comparative analysis is also made. The analysis shows that the results of the proposed method are consistent with the other method.

Customer Metrics for the Selection of Generic Forms at the Conceptual Stage of Mechanical Design

1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. F. Kirschman ◽  
G. M. Fadel
Keyword(s):  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Conceptual Design ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Utility Theory ◽  
Mechanical Design ◽  
Evaluation Methods ◽  
Selection Technique ◽  
Product Success ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Customer satisfaction is critical to product success. Yet evaluation methods that directly consider the customer’s wants and that are applicable at various stages of the design process are few. This paper proposes three metrics that provide the designer with a means to evaluate designs based on customer attributes: Pleasure, Protection, and Inverse Cost (Icost). These metrics are general enough to be used in conceptual design but broad enough to evaluate finished products. In addition to describing the metrics in detail, this work describes how they are used to provide a selection technique for choosing generic forms to fulfill functions at the conceptual stage of mechanical design. At this stage, there are often many alternatives to select from based on a large number of attributes. This technique uses the new metrics in combination with an adaptation of the utility theory to provide a means for the designer to organize the information and choose between alternatives while maintaining a customer viewpoint.

Research on Component Attributes in Domain Problem Solving

2011 ◽  
Vol 291-294 ◽  
pp. 2447-2451
Author(s):  
Chang Qing Gao ◽  
Huan Huan Su ◽  
Bo Yang ◽  
Bing Lv ◽  
Yu Zeng Wang
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Conceptual Design ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
View Point ◽  
Function Model ◽  
Specific Solution

Function analysis is a key step during conceptual design process for function reasoning, which is also useful for the confirmation of conflict. And resolving conflict is regarded as the essence of invention in view point of TRIZ. Component attributes are the necessary information for a function model. The classification of the available resource and the component attributes is the base for searching specific solution for the domain problem. The methodology and application of component attributes in conceptual design are discussed in this paper.

Application of Advanced Problem Solving Software in Conceptual Design

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zbigniew M. Bzymek ◽  
Yang Xu
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Conceptual Design ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Companion Paper ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Software Products ◽  
The Future ◽  
Teaching Research

This paper is devoted to the application and evaluation of the software supporting the problem solving in engineering conceptual design. This is a companion paper with IMECE 2012 [1]. Though the situation is slightly better now than in previous years, there is still no software suitable for a completely satisfactory automation of the engineering conceptual design process. However there are some program packages that could be the most helpful and would greatly influence the quality of the designed product, especially in cases of contradicting constraints. In this paper some results of research on the use and effectiveness of Invention Machine (IM™) software products are presented. As reported before such packages as Invention Machine V.2 for Windows, TechOptimizer V. 3.5, and TechOptimizer V.4 were used extensively giving excellent results in teaching, research and practical applications. In this paper some experience in use of Goldfire V. 6.5, Goldfire V.7 and Goldfire V.7.5, that was recently introduced is reported and evaluated. The content and effectiveness of the programs in teaching are discussed. Examples of applications are given, conclusions are derived, and the recommendations for the future use of the software are offered.

The design of modular oil tank: A new design process model

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Li ◽  
Xingsheng Jiang ◽  
Jingye Li ◽  
Yadong Zhao ◽  
Xuexing Li
Keyword(s):  
Product Design ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Mechanical Design ◽  
Computer Software ◽  
Reference Value ◽  
Fuel Tank ◽  
Design Quality ◽  
Design Time ◽  
Design Process Model

Background: In the whole design process of modular fuel tank, there are some unreasonable phenomena. As a result, there are some defects in the design of modular fuel tank, and the function does not meet the requirements in advance. This paper studies this problem. Objective: Through on-the-spot investigation of the factory, a mechanical design process model is designed. The model can provide reference for product design participants on product design time and design quality, and can effectively solve the problem of low product design quality caused by unreasonable product design time arrangement. Methods: After sorting out the data from the factory investigation, computer software is used to program, simulate the information input of mechanical design process, and the final reference value is got. Results: This mechanical design process model is used to guide the design and production of a new project, nearly 3 months ahead of the original project completion time. Conclusion: This mechanical design process model can effectively guide the product design process, which is of great significance to the whole mechanical design field.

scholarly journals Conceptual Design of Electromechanical Actuation Systems for Large-Sized Directional Control Valves

Actuators ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 133
Author(s):  
Tobias Vonderbank ◽  
Katharina Schmitz
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Design ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Function Structure ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Conceptual Designs ◽  
Actuation Systems ◽  
Electromechanical Actuation ◽  
Function Structures ◽  
Valve Actuation

Increasing performance in modern hydraulics is achieved by a close investigation of possible enhancements of its components. Prior research has pointed out that electromechanical actuators can form suitable alternatives to hydraulically piloted control systems. Since the requirements at these actuation systems depend on the operating conditions of the system, each actuator can be optimized to the respective hydraulic system. Considering that many different conceptual designs are suitable, the phase of conceptual design plays a decisive role during the design process. Therefore, this paper focuses on the process of developing new conceptual designs for electromechanical valve actuation systems using the method of function structures. Aiming to identify special design features, which need to be considered during the design process of electromechanical actuation systems, an exemplary actuator was designed based on the derived function structure. To highlight the potential of function structures for the development of new electromechanical valve actuation systems, two principal concepts, which allow the reduction of the necessary forces, have been developed by extending the function structure. These concepts have been experimentally investigated to identify their advantages and disadvantages.

scholarly journals Teaching digital models: secondary technology teachers’ experiences

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Brink ◽  
Nina Kilbrink ◽  
Niklas Gericke
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Digital Models ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Digital Competence ◽  
Technology Teachers ◽  
Teachers Experiences ◽  
Digital Modelling ◽  
Single Idea

AbstractIn secondary technology education, models of artifacts, systems and processes, visualized and simulated through digital tools (digital models) are a relatively new element. Technology teachers teach digital models to meet syllabus criteria of digital competence, applicable to for instance problem solving and documentation using digital tools. However, there is a lack of knowledge concerning how teachers use digital models in their teaching, what their intentions are, and what content they choose. It is known, though, that teachers’ experiences influence the teaching. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate teachers’ experiences of teaching digital models in compulsory school, to contribute to more knowledge of teaching in this area. This study takes a phenomenological lifeworld approach, and 12 semi-structured interviews with lower secondary technology teachers form the empirical data. The data were analyzed thematically and the results are four themes of experiencing the teaching of digital models, indicating that technology teachers teach with different aims and purposes; Enhancing and integrating other subjects, Visualizing technology to the pupils, Enabling digital modelling, and Preparing pupils for the future. Further, the results also indicate that the content and methods of teaching differ and that teachers did not experience digital models as one single idea but as an amalgam of multiple ideas. These findings can be used as a basis for further research and development of teaching concerning digital models.

scholarly journals Integrating Value Considerations in the Decision Making for the Design of Biorefineries

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 2927-2955
Author(s):  
Mar Palmeros Parada ◽  
Lotte Asveld ◽  
Patricia Osseweijer ◽  
John Alexander Posada
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Complex Systems ◽  
Research And Development ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Design Decision ◽  
Value Sensitive Design ◽  
Design Practice ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Design Alternatives ◽  
Biobased Production

AbstractBiobased production has been promoted as a sustainable alternative to fossil resources. However, controversies over its impact on sustainability highlight societal concerns, value tensions and uncertainties that have not been taken into account during its development. In this work, the consideration of stakeholders’ values in a biorefinery design project is investigated. Value sensitive design (VSD) is a promising approach to the design of technologies with consideration of stakeholders’ values, however, it is not directly applicable for complex systems like biorefineries. Therefore, some elements of VSD, such as the identification of relevant values and their connection to a technology’s features, are brought into biorefinery design practice. Midstream modulation (MM), an approach to promoting the consideration of societal aspects during research and development activities, is applied to promote reflection and value considerations during the design decision making. As result, it is shown that MM interventions during the design process led to new design alternatives in support of stakeholders' values, and allowed to recognize and respond to emerging value tensions within the scope of the project. In this way, the present work shows a novel approach for the technical investigation of VSD, especially for biorefineries. Also, based on this work it is argued that not only reflection, but also flexibility and openness are important for the application of VSD in the context of biorefinery design.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document