Decision Matrix Reduction in Preliminary Design
Matrix methods such as the house of quality (HOQ) are useful as a first step in organizing the information relating product attributes to engineering design parameters. However, they frequently result in a large number of elements, making it very difficult to focus attention on elements that bring maximum benefits. This paper presents a method for reducing a large set of engineering parameters to a more efficient subset. This subset offers the greatest potential for cost control, and is where product development, experimental, and optimization efforts should be focused. An example of a new air pollution control system illustrates the method. The most efficient set of engineering parameters are identified, and are then defined as decision variables in a cost minimization model. The optimal design identified by the method significantly reduces cost.