scholarly journals That which is not form: The practical challenges in using functional concepts in design

2013 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 217-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Eckert
Keyword(s):  
Functional Model ◽  
Significant Part ◽  
Functional Modeling ◽  
Modeling Approaches ◽  
Design Methodologies

AbstractFunctional modeling is a very significant part of many different well-known design methodologies. This paper investigates the questions of what functional modeling approaches people use in industry and how they conceptualize functions. Using interviews and the findings from an experiment where 20 individual designers were asked to generate a functional model of a product, the paper highlights the different notions designers associate with the wordfunction. Difficulties associated with functional modeling arise from varied and inconsistent notions of functions as well as wider challenges associated with modeling and the introduction of methods in industry.

Exploring Innovation Opportunities in Energy Harvesting Using Functional Modeling Approaches

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason M. Weaver ◽  
Kristin L. Wood ◽  
Richard H. Crawford ◽  
Dan Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Functional Model ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Functional Modeling ◽  
Energy Harvesters ◽  
Modeling Approaches ◽  
Common Basis ◽  
System A ◽  
Energy Flows ◽  
Sample Set

Energy harvesting is a promising and evolving field of research capable of supplying power to systems in a broad range of applications. Energy harvesting encompasses many distinct technologies, including photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, kinetic motion harvesters, and thermal generators. Each technology utilizes different processes to transform energy from the environment into usable electrical energy. As such, there are many analogous functions and processes that are common or similar across the various domains. To leverage and understand these functions and processes, functional modeling approaches are needed to identify these similarities and functions ripe for innovation in new systems. This paper describes a method for modeling the functional architectures of a sample set of energy harvesters, using a functional common basis from the literature. Vector space analysis is used to identify patterns and correlations in the use of functions across different products and energy-harvesting domains in the sample set. The resulting analysis indicates that systems in the same domain usually have very similar function structures, differing only by the addition or removal of a few driving or supporting functions. Systems in different domains also typically have similar structures, with the substitution of different material and energy flows into the system. A generalized functional model for energy harvesting is described, along with possible design ramifications and key opportunities to innovate. Several recommendations are given for the continued development and improvement of the functional common basis and, more generally, functional modeling methodologies. These include improved standardization and explanation of abstract functions, such as blending with the environment, and of organizational conventions to improve consistency.

Experimental Studies Assessing the Repeatability of a Functional Modeling Derivation Method

2003 ◽  
Vol 125 (4) ◽  
pp. 682-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Kurfman ◽  
Michael E. Stock ◽  
Robert B. Stone ◽  
Jagan Rajan ◽  
Kristin L. Wood
Keyword(s):  
Design Research ◽  
Functional Model ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Testing Procedure ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Functional Modeling ◽  
Skill Levels ◽  
Functional Models ◽  
Model Derivation ◽  
Derivation Method

This paper presents the results of research attempts to substantiate repeatability and uniqueness claims of a functional model derivation method following a hypothesis generation and testing procedure outlined in design research literature. Three experiments are constructed and carried out with a participant pool that possesses a range of engineering design skill levels. The experiments test the utility of a functional model derivation method to produce repeatable functional models for a given product among different designers. In addition to this, uniqueness of the functional models produced by the participants is examined. Results indicate the method enhances repeatability and leads designers toward a unique functional model of a product. Shortcomings of the method and opportunities for improvement are also identified.

scholarly journals Function modeling combined with physics-based reasoning for assessing design options and supporting innovative ideation

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 476-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossein Mokhtarian ◽  
Eric Coatanéa ◽  
Henri Paris
Keyword(s):  
Functional Model ◽  
Mathematical Framework ◽  
Functional Modeling ◽  
Design Problems ◽  
Academic Communities ◽  
Functional Representations ◽  
Incremental Improvement ◽  
Design Options ◽  
Structural Blocks

AbstractFunctional modeling is an analytical approach to design problems that is widely taught in certain academic communities but not often used by practitioners. This approach can be applied in multiple ways to formalize the understanding of the systems, to support the synthesis of the design in the development of a new product, or to support the analysis and improvement of existing systems incrementally. The type of usage depends on the objectives that are targeted. The objectives can be categorized into two key groups: discovering a totally new solution, or improving an existing one. This article proposes to use the functional modeling approach to achieve three goals: to support the representation of physics-based reasoning, to use this physics-based reasoning to assess design options, and finally to support innovative ideation. The exemplification of the function-based approach is presented via a case study of a glue gun proposed for this Special Issue. A reverse engineering approach is applied, and the authors seek an incremental improvement of the solution. As the physics-based reasoning model presented in this article is heavily dependent on the quality of the functional model, the authors propose a general approach to limit the interpretability of the functional representations by mapping the functional vocabulary with elementary structural blocks derived from bond graph theory. The physics-based reasoning approach is supported by a mathematical framework that is summarized in the article. The physics-based reasoning model is used for discovering the limitations of solutions in the form of internal contradictions and guiding the design ideation effort.

scholarly journals FUNCTIONAL MODELING OF CARBON SORBENTS SYNTHESIS CONTROL

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-46
Author(s):  
V. V. Burlyaev ◽  
E. V. Burlyaeva ◽  
A. I. Nikolaev ◽  
B. V. Peshnev
Keyword(s):  
Functional Model ◽  
Carbon Sorbent ◽  
Sorption Properties ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Synthesis Process ◽  
Phase Method ◽  
General Description ◽  
Functional Modeling ◽  
Technological Parameters ◽  
Carbon Sorbents

The formalized model of carbon sorbent synthesis control based on the methodology for functional modeling is constructed. The correlations between the directions of use and the properties of carbon sorbents are revealed. The characteristics that are essential regardless of the direction of use of the sorbent, in particular, sorption properties and strength are identified. The technologies based on the gas-phase method of obtaining carbon material are considered, the analysis of individual stages of the process of obtaining carbon sorbents is carried out. The analysis of the influence of the technological parameters of the synthesis on the properties of sorbents is carried out. On the basis of the established relationships, a functional model has been built that provides a hierarchically ordered, structured, visual description of the management of carbon sorbent synthesis. The simulation is performed “from top to bottom” from the most general description to the detail. The resulting model is a set of interrelated graphical diagrams. At the initial stage, the synthesis of carbon sorbent is considered as a single process, the input parameters of which are hydrocarbon gas, the activating agent and the material form factor, the output - carbon sorbent, and the control parameters are the requirements for strength and sorption properties. Then the synthesis process is decomposed. The control processes (analysis of raw material properties and matrix selection), technological processes (raw material preparation) and mixed processes are distinguished as a result of decomposition. The model includes a consistent description of the technological parameters selection (temperature, gas flow and time) for both stages of the synthesis process. The model is the base for information support providing for the production of carbon sorbents with the required properties.

scholarly journals On the use of the structural and functional modeling of a system analysis of the company financial statements

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 49-53
Author(s):  
Daria S Orlova ◽  
Andrey V Kutyshkin
Keyword(s):  
Economic Analysis ◽  
Data Model ◽  
System Analysis ◽  
Functional Model ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Functional Modeling ◽  
Semantic Data ◽  
Complex Models ◽  
Semantic Data Model ◽  
The Impact

The article discusses the construction of complex models consisting of a structural-functional model, information model and semantic data model, which is the basis for the design of soft-ware that implements the method of calculating the dynamic standard. Dynamic specification of linear and non-linear form is intended for financial and economic analysis of the performance of the enterprise. Dynamic standard to some extent reduces the impact on the results of financial and economic analysis of the experience and skills of the analyst conducting this analysis.

An analysis of functional modeling approaches across disciplines

2013 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 281-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boris Eisenbart ◽  
Kilian Gericke ◽  
Luciënne Blessing
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Conceptual Design ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Systematic Design ◽  
Functional Modeling ◽  
Modeling Approaches ◽  
Modeling Approach ◽  
Common Basis

AbstractAuthors across disciplines propose functional modeling as part of systematic design approaches, in order to support and guide designers during conceptual design. The presented research aims at contributing to a better understanding of the diverse functional modeling approaches proposed across disciplines. The article presents a literature review of 41 modeling approaches from a variety of disciplines. The analysis focuses on what is addressed by functional modeling at which point in the proposed conceptual design process (i.e., in which sequence). The gained insights lead to the identification of specific needs and opportunities, which could support the development of an integrated functional modeling approach. The findings suggest that there is no such shared sequence for functional modeling across disciplines. However, a shared functional modeling perspective has been identified across all reviewed disciplines, which could serve as a common basis for the development of an integrated functional modeling approach.

Functional Modeling Experimental Studies

2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Kurfman ◽  
Robert B. Stone ◽  
Jagan R. Rajan ◽  
Kristin L. Wood
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Design ◽  
Functional Model ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Design Engineering ◽  
Functional Modeling ◽  
Skill Levels ◽  
Functional Models ◽  
New Methodologies ◽  
Model Derivation ◽  
Derivation Method

Abstract As more design methodologies are researched and developed, the question arises as to whether these new methodologies are actually advancing the field of engineering design or instead cluttering the field with more theories. There is a critical need to test new methodologies for their contribution to the field of design engineering. This paper presents the results of research attempts to substantiate repeatability claims of the functional model derivation method. Three experiments are constructed and carried out with a participant pool that possesses a range of engineering design skill levels. The experiments test the utility of the functional model derivation method to produce repeatable functional models for a given product among different designers. Results indicate the method is largely successful and identify its key strengths as well as opportunities for improvement.

Question-by-Question Interrater Analysis and Suggestions for Improvements of a Functional Model Scoring Rubric

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander R. Murphy ◽  
Jacob T. Nelson ◽  
Matt R. Bohm ◽  
Robert L. Nagel ◽  
Julie S. Linsey
Keyword(s):  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Functional Model ◽  
System Function ◽  
Functional Modeling ◽  
Component Structure ◽  
Functional Models ◽  
Ongoing Development ◽  
Evaluation Metric ◽  
Vague Language ◽  
Functional Components

Functional modeling is a tool used for system abstraction. By divorcing system function from component structure, functional modeling allows designers to more easily identify design opportunities and compartmentalize product functions, which can lead to innovation during the ideation process. In this paper, we examine the reliability of a rubric used to evaluate student-generated functional models by comparing interrater reliabilities on a question-by-question basis from a previous study where an examination of the reliability of each question was not assessed. We then suggest changes to the rubric in order to improve the rubric’s overall interrater reliability as well as its question-by-question interrater reliability. These rubric alterations include clarification of vague language, inclusion of examples and counter examples, and a procedure for handling nonexistent functional components as opposed to incorrect or “nonsensical” functional components. This work is in contribution to the ongoing development of this functional modeling rubric as an education instrument. As functional modeling becomes more widely accepted in the design community and in engineering curricula, it is important to have a validated evaluation metric with which to assess student-generated functional models.

A Theory for the Development of Conceptual Functional Models for Automation of Manual Processes

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Nagel ◽  
Robert B. Stone ◽  
Daniel A. McAdams
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Design ◽  
Functional Model ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Functional Modeling ◽  
Functional Basis ◽  
Functional Models ◽  
Electromechanical Products ◽  
The Creation

Conceptual design is a vital stage in the development of any product, and its importance only increases with the complexity of a design. Functional modeling with the Functional Basis provides a framework for the conceptual design of electromechanical products. This framework is just as applicable to the conceptual design of automated solutions where an engineered product with components spanning multiple engineering domains is designed to replace or aid a human and his or her tools in a human-centric process. This paper presents research toward the simplification of the generation of conceptual functional models for automation solutions. The presented methodology involves the creation of functional and process models to fully explore existing human operated tasks for potential automation. Generated functional and process models are strategically combined to create a new conceptual functional model for an automation solution to potentially automate the human-centric task. The presented methodology is applied to the generation of a functional model for a conceptual automation solution. Then conceptual automation solutions generated through the presented methodology are compared to existing automation solutions to demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented methodology.

A State-Behavior-Function Based Approach for Functional Modeling of Multi-State Systems and its Application

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Chen ◽  
Meng Zhao ◽  
Jian Huang
Keyword(s):  
Functional Model ◽  
The State ◽  
Technical System ◽  
Prototype System ◽  
Design Activity ◽  
System State ◽  
Functional Modeling ◽  
Active Object ◽  
State Behavior ◽  
Behavior Function

As a critical task of conceptual design, function modeling is regarded as a design activity aimed at establishing the functional model(s) of a technical system. Existing functional modeling approaches usually employ a static diagram to represent the functional structure of a technical system, which, on one hand, cannot allow a system engineer to explicitly represent a system that has multiple states, and on the other hand, cannot effectively support system state analysis. Therefore, this paper proposes a state-behavior-function-based approach for achieving the function modeling of multi-state systems to address the above issues. It first introduces the state-behavior-function-based models for representing an object (i.e., a component or a system). Hereby, a state of an object refers to the internal configuration of the object, a behavior represents the state (i.e., configuration) change of the objet, and a function denotes the intended action that the object exerts on one or multiple flows in the environment of the object. This research then proposes an object-based approach for simulating the functional processes in a multi-state system. With this approach, each component of a system is treated as an active object (rather than a static block node in the functional diagram), which can be in different states and can interact with other components or subsystems through the input and output flows. A prototype system is then developed, which cannot only be used for function modeling, but also can be employed for system state simulation. The function modeling of a washing machine and its system state simulation has been employed to illustrate the proposed approach.

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