Showing papers in "Journal of Engineering Design in 1994"
TL;DR: It is observed that sometimes it can be environmentally better to only partially recycle a product than to try and recycle every last nut and bolt, and a recovery analysis tool, ReStar, is described, which optimizes the recovery plan.
Abstract: Design for recovery is aimed at the development of products that are both environmentally compatible and commercially viable. We describe the trade-off between the amount of effort that is expended...
116 citations
TL;DR: The role of modelling in design and the many open questions needed to be answered (by design science) in order to develop better tools are shown.
Abstract: SUMMARY Modelling is the language by which the designer or product developer can elaborate, synthesize, evaluate and communicate. There exists a number of model types, supplementing each other and, all together, supporting the design procedure from initial recognition of a market need through until the product is sold. In European design methodology, the central problem has been to determine the set of design characteristies able to describe the design progress and to create models able to handle these characteristies. These models and their concepts may be seen as a design language. By accepting such a language developed by a design school and by using the design methodology, the designer can tell us about the usability of this school and the 'truth' of the theories. This article aims to show the role of modelling in design and the many open questions needed to be answered (by design science) in order to develop better tools. The article is rather an essay with personal, calaidoscopic consideration focus...
81 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a design system to support designers using the different "design for X" approaches is described and described in detail, which allows the engineer to work in an object-oriented fashion faster than before and to analyze components using a knowledge-based approach.
Abstract: SUMMARY A design system to support designers using the different ‘design for X’ approaches is discussed and described in detail. This system allows the engineer to work in an object-oriented fashion faster than before and to analyze components using a knowledge-based approach.
49 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a framework for the classification of modes of historical development of normal design and for tracing this development as products mature, based on a model in which design involves searching within a design space.
Abstract: SUMMARY This paper presents a framework for the classification of modes of historical development of normal design, and for tracing this development as products mature. Normal design involves the incremental development of an existing design principle. Designs are defined in terms of sets of explicit and implicit attributes, and the framework is based on a model in which design involves searching within a design space, subject to the requirements of a product design specification. Five modes of design change are identified: design parameter space exploration; improvement in understanding of design attribute relationships; change in product design specification; modification of the feasible design space; and adoption of a new design principle. These modes of change are illustrated by considering the development of automotive engine piston design.
46 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a pattern of tools based on the Workshop Design-Konstruktion school founded by V. Hubka, which can be used to describe the experience from practice and make a recommendation as to a resultoriented deployment of design methodology.
Abstract: SUMMARY Design methodology is a very powerful tool in practice, although not in the format in which it is presented either in literature in general or in the form in which it is taught in engineering schools. The strength of design methodology lies with the many tools into which it can be shaped. Together, these tools make up a complex pattern which can be offered to industry. Based on the activities of the consultancy company the Institute for Product Development (IPU) in Danish industry, we are able to paint a pattern of tools based on the so-called Workshop Design-Konstruktion school founded by V. Hubka. In Denmark, this particular school has been developed into a comprehensive set of models, methods and procedures which are widely recognized. On this basis, it is now possible to describe the experience from practice and make a recommendation as to a result-oriented deployment of design methodology.
26 citations
TL;DR: An eight-factor non-orthogonal taxonomy is suggested for the categorization of engineering design problems or situations, together with scaling in relation to these factors.
Abstract: SUMMARY An eight-factor non-orthogonal taxonomy is suggested for the categorization of engineering design problems or situations, together with scaling in relation to these factors. It is suggested that, in view of the broad scope of design activity, discussions on design require such a framework to avoid foundering on cross-purposes, and that such a categorization may allow correlations between problems and classes of likely solution methods. Discussion in this journal of the notions contained in this paper is strongly encouraged, so that refinements may occur and so that a broad background of usage of the taxonomy may start to accumulate.
25 citations
18 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the goals, fundamentals, historical development and future role of design science are outlined, and a survey of the current state of the art in design science is presented.
Abstract: SUMMARY The goals, fundamentals, historical development and future role of design science are outlined.
18 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a structural analysis of action, more in particular of engineering action, raises a great number of questions of an ethical nature, many of them pertaining to environmental problems.
Abstract: SUMMARY The pre-eminent problem that engineers are confronted with is engineering design. Engineering design is intended as a preparation towards action; more specifically, technological action. Technological action is just like any other kind of action, ultimately aiming at the realization of mental entities: the generation of values. Because of this intrinsic connection of engineering design with values, the engineer as designer shall not only be answerable for his/her engineering capabilities, but also and always for his/her ethical conceptions and behaviour as a moral person. A structural analysis of action, more in particular of engineering action, raises a great number of questions of an ethical nature, many of them pertaining to environmental problems. The engineer should not evade these questions, but face them. In his/her moral considerations the engineer should reject the doubtful behavioural conduct expressed by 'the ends justify the means'. Instead of this, the engineer should adhere to the ru...
17 citations
TL;DR: A design method to automate the selection of an optimal set of components for a given layout and set of design specifications for complex, multi-energy domain systems which have transient performance design specifications is presented.
Abstract: SUMMARY This paper presents a design method to automate the selection of an optimal set of components for a given layout and set of design specifications The systems considered in this research are complex, multi-energy domain systems which have transient performance design specifications Selecting components for such systems requires a wide range of knowledge, including knowledge of system design, modelling, dynamic analysis, computer programming and optimization The component selection method developed in this work consists of a genetic algorithm and a generalized constraint handling procedure A genetic algorithm is a flexible, evolutionary, combinatorial optimization technique that lends itself well to problems with discrete solution spaces This component selection approach is compared with other approaches: a geometric simplex algorithm; an enumerative search; a discrete hill-climbing routine; and a random search The design of a hydraulic lift system was used as the test problem This method (th
13 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors studied various approaches to the development of environmentally oriented products, all of which can produce good results, but when these various approaches are studied, none seems to provide the complete answer.
Abstract: SUMMARY Due to increasing environmental awareness, it is becoming more and more important to develop products less damaging to the environment. There are various approaches to the development of environmentally oriented products, all of which can produce good results. However, when these various approaches are studied, none seems to provide the complete answer. Their success depends on the situation in which they are applied. It is concluded that, in order to obtain environmentally improved products, all the various approaches must be involved in the design process. Following the Dutch National Environmental Policy Plan, which is based on a sustainable development, we have to choose for higher quality and innovation first. Next, the least input of resources can be attained by closing the material cycle; reduction and selectivity of material use; preference for renewable and recycled material; saving of energy as much as possible. Finally, minimization of hazardous waste, especially of toxic emissions, has...
TL;DR: In this article, a brief characteristic of engineering design is given to define the scope of this survey and various theories of design are briefly introduced to show their relevance to engineering design and education.
Abstract: SUMMARY A brief characteristic of engineering design is given to define the scope of this survey. Various theories of design are briefly introduced to show their relevance to engineering design and education. Aspects of creativity are discussed and some consequences for teaching engineering design are derived. Contributions by Workshop Design-Konstruktion towards design teaching are outlined.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the results of a survey in 10 Swedish companies, regarding industry practices for the establishment of product design specifications and for conceptual design, and highlight the importance of an understanding of the early design phases, such as task clarification and conceptual design.
Abstract: In this article, we present the results of a survey in 10 Swedish companies, regarding industry practices for the establishment of product design specifications and for conceptual design. The basis of the survey is a series of interviews with design managers in the same companies, undertaken during the autumn of 1992, which revealed serious misunderstandings about design methodology. The results called for a deeper investigation of these matters, and the survey treated in this article was carried out during the autumn of 1993. In a semi-tutorial way, the author tries to highlight the importance of an understanding of the early design phases, such as task clarification and conceptual design; this is necessary to facilitate design for quality (DFQ). Since the engineering designer tries to solve an ill-defined problem, DFQ cannot be confined to a singular method or technique, such as design for assembly, quality functions, deployment, etc., but must be built on the findings of design science.
TL;DR: An intelligent support system for the design of injection moulds that integrates a commercial computer-aided design/computer- aided manufacture (CAD/ CAM) system, a relational database and an expert system is described.
Abstract: SUMMARY This article describes an intelligent support system for the design of injection moulds. It integrates a commercial computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture (CAD/ CAM) system, a relational database and an expert system. The rule-based approach makes it very easy to tailor the software to the specific design rules of a particular company. As well as knowledge (rules) to select various standard mould components, the system is able to support the design of non-standard components, such as slides and inserts. The system works in a very interactive way and its great flexibility makes it a powerful tool to create an initial design of a mould in a very short time. Using a neutral CAD programming interface, it can be integrated with a number of commercial CAD systems currently available on the market.
TL;DR: In this paper, a methodology for making trade-off decisions between environmental impacts, engineering performance and customer satisfaction is presented, and an example of material selection in the automotive industry is presented.
Abstract: SUMMARY Designing for the environment requires that trade-offs be made. In an ideal world, (green) products perform as well, are less expensive, more convenient and more aesthetically phasing than other products. Unfortunately, this is usually not the case, and trade-offs between environmental impacts, engineering performance and customer satisfaction are unavoidable. This paper presents a methodology for making these trade-off decisions. An example of material selection in the automotive industry is presented.
TL;DR: An approach to programming computers to expand their use within the design function, using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques is discussed, along with the type of problems encountered and the attributes required of the designer for the solution of such problems.
Abstract: SUMMARY This paper discusses an approach to programming computers to expand their use within the design function, using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. The design process is discussed, along with the type of problems encountered and the attributes required of the designer for the solution of such problems. AI programming techniques are introduced as an extension to the field of computer-aided design (CAD) and the case for automatic design is presented. The design process is considered in terms of the theoretical model which is used as a basis for programming automatic design systems. A simple demonstration of the approach is given in the form of the selection of a solution principle for a pump problem and the development of that solution into a functional unit by design rules. A central theme of the method is the iterative use of the model, illustrating the concept at all levels of design decision-making.
TL;DR: The GAPT model describes the application of design tools such as design for assembly (DFA), failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA), and quality function deployment (QFD).
Abstract: SUMMARY The GAPT model describes the application of design tools such as design for assembly (DFA), failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) and quality function deployment (QFD). According to the GAPT model, design tools can be used on four different levels: guidelines; analysis of product features; product reviewing; and team-building. These four levels result—in the order given—in increasingly extensive consequences for the product development work. The implementation of the DFA method has been followed in three product development projects for two years. Designers, production engineers and project leaders were interviewed before, during and after the implementation. The findings demonstrate that the DFA method can be used for four different purposes, corresponding to the levels of the GAPT model. On the team-building level, the application of the method contributed to more cooperation between designers and production engineers, and better communication. Conditions and outcomes when using the DFA method...
TL;DR: In this article, a number of environmentally oriented design tools are presented and discussed, and the tools are placed in the framework of product development procedures which anchors the tools in the development projects.
Abstract: SUMMARY A number of environmentally oriented design tools are presented and discussed. The tools are placed in the framework of product development procedures which anchors the tools in the development projects. The overall aim is to incorporate environmentally oriented questions into existing professional design tools and methods, thus avoiding the appearance of new environmentally oriented design tools which do not fit into the structure of existing design tools.
TL;DR: In this paper, a cross-disciplinary approach to leaching the principles of engineering design is described, showing how synergisms have been developed between the disciplines of marketing, engineering design and manufacturing as well as the artistic dimension.
Abstract: SUMMARY The paper describes a cross-disciplinary approach to leaching the principles of engineering design. It shows how synergisms have been developed between the disciplines of marketing, engineering design and manufacturing as well as the artistic dimension. The artistic dimension is used to provide an integrating medium to achieve good communications within the design process; to transmit cerebral images throughout the design process; and to stimulate creativity and innovation. Industry-led projects have been used to consolidate the learning process, formally initiated by a series of lectures on the principles of design. Two principle approaches are examined through experiences gained by running several projects: first, a top-down sequential approach to design, starting from marketing, leading through design and manufacture to product launch; and, secondly, approaches in which the same steps are undertaken concurrently to differing degrees. It is shown how the second approach has increased the student...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore machine design systems by means of functional shape matching from a functional point of view, which is much like a structure comprising a series of components which are presented by functional descriptions.
Abstract: SUMMARY This paper attempts to explore machine design systems by means of functional shape matching. From a functional point of view, machine design system is much like a structure comprising a series of components which are presented by functional descriptions. The notion of structuralism implies that functional shape matching is to machine design what grammar is to language; thus, functional descriptions give synthesized shapes new meanings. Through functional shape synthesis, many diverse machine design patterns can be generated, which may constitute a breakthrough in conventional machine design.
TL;DR: In this article, a case study centres on a company established to manufacture accessories for the UK market leader for garden tractors, which was faced with a reduction in turnover from more than £2 million to less than £0.7 million.
Abstract: SUMMARY INHALTSANGABE This case study centres on a company established to manufacture accessories for the UK market leader for garden tractors. Although the company grew in reputation and established other aspects to the business, the original basis of its work still occupied 70% of prodction. When the market leader was taken over and announced almost complete withdrawal of this work, the company was faced with a reduction in turnover from more than £2 million to less than £0.7 million. The management of the company responded positively and dynamically to this seemingly terminal blow, and designed, developed and marketed their own tractor which is now, within 3 years, recognized as the UK market leader and has 5% of the European market. Links between this achievement and design theory are not immediately apparent but, on closer examination, it is possible to find them. Diese Fallstudie konzentrien sich auf ein Unternehmen, das gegrundet wurde, um fur den Marktfuhrer im britischen Gartentraktomarkt Zubehor...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe a methodology in which environment and business-economical aspects can be combined during product planning and product development, and some tools and instruments which support the process of design for environment will be described.
Abstract: SUMMARY In business and industry, more attention is being paid to environmental issues. However, the attention very often consists of end-of-pipe solutions which can have high economical investments. A more efficient way is to prevent pollution and waste. With this, both ecological and economical benefits can be achieved. The best gains for environmental protection can be achieved in the design of the product which causes the pollution. In this article, we will describe a methodology in which environment and business-economical aspects can be combined during product planning and product development. Also, some tools and instruments which support the process of design for environment will be described. Furthermore, we will describe two pilot projects with industry in which environmental design was established.
TL;DR: The theory of technical systems represents a comprehensive systematization of the theory of processes and systems, which was significantly advanced towards a breakthrough by the work of V. Hubka.
Abstract: SUMMARY The theory of technical systems represents a comprehensive systematization of the theory of processes and systems, which was significantly advanced towards a breakthrough by the work of V. Hubka. The requirements placed on technical systems (i.e. technical products), the products themselves and the processes of manufacturing those products can be modelled with the help of goals systems, object systems and procedural () systems. The terminology of systems and the possibilities for abstracting make the planning, developing and designing of technical systems easier. These tasks are further supported by considering the product characteristics ( characteristics of constitution, function and relationships) and their interactions. Classifications of technical systems create a useful survey that demonstrates their wide variety. An analysis of the interdependency of subsystems considering the development process of systems allows the development process to be optimized with respect to expenditures and time...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors outline the place of design in the new degree course, and comments and discusses, with examples, the implications of running design-and-build projects.
Abstract: SUMMARY At the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, the mechanical engineering course has recently been revised to offer a more flexible degree structure based on a semester system and a package of teaching modules which can be combined to offer either specialist or general degrees. The course is strongly oriented towards design, which is seen as the integrating element which brings together engineering science subject material in the solving of design problems. Computer-aided engineering is used to aid this integration. Design-and-build tasks which appear in both design and final year projects offer an extra dimension to student learning, which is challenging to both students and staff supervisors. This paper outlines the place of design in the new degree course, and comments and discusses, with examples, the implications of running design-and-build projects.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present some on-going projects related to modelling of the plant delivery process, the management of design changes, and the metrology for process plants, as well as new research projects have been planned; they described estimation, simulation and optimization projects.
Abstract: SUMMARY Process plants form a major part of Finnish heavy metal industry production, accounting for annual sales of US $10 billion, while process plant deliveries represent over 50% of Finnish exports. A number of major companies of the Finnish metal industry have started a technology development programme to utilize the latest computer-integrated manufacture (CIM) technologies for the enhancement of process plant realization. In the programme, research and development is carried out in projects. This paper presents some on-going projects related to modelling of the plant delivery process, the management of design changes, and the metrology for process plants. As research proceeds, new research projects have been planned; we have described estimation, simulation and optimization projects. The use of artificial intelligence facilitates the application of new technology.
TL;DR: A graphical approach to the design of structural elements that integrates the selection of material and geometric form is discussed, and the advantages of implementing this design aid in the form of computer software are highlighted.
Abstract: SUMMARY A graphical approach to the design of structural elements that integrates the selection of material and geometric form is discussed. The concept is introduced with an example chart for optimizing a strong light beam. This is followed by a detailed derivation of the composite chart which models the more complex problem of compression struts. Examples of the procedures associated with this chart are given, and the advantages of implementing this design aid in the form of computer software are highlighted.
TL;DR: A kinematic analysis package that takes a boundary representation solid model of the mechanism as its sole input and uses feature recognition techniques to identify automatically individual joints and the overall structure of the linkage.
Abstract: SUMMARY Traditional mechanism analysis packages require the user to define laboriously a dyad representation in terms of joint types, coordinates and link lengths. The resulting simulation is often limited in its usefulness, because many of the physical restrictions on the movement of the linkage cannot be determined. In contrast, this paper describes a kinematic analysis package that takes a boundary representation solid model of the mechanism as its sole input. The system uses feature recognition techniques to identify automatically individual joints and the overall structure of the linkage. Once the form of the mechanism has been determined, a kinematic analysis is carried out, which results in the animation of the solid model. The system demonstrates how automation of the mechanism definition step in kinematic analysis could produce a significant reduction in the design cycle time.
TL;DR: In this article, a methodology designed specifically for manufacturing management systems and for use by both analysts and managers is presented, and some of the existing techniques to analyze them are discussed. But this methodology is not suitable for the analysis of complex manufacturing systems.
Abstract: SUMMARY Developing and refining complex manufacturing management systems is a difficult task, not least because of the many and varied human factors involved. This paper outlines the problems and some of the existing techniques to analyze them, and introduces a new methodology designed specifically for manufacturing management systems and for use by both analysts and managers.