Showing papers on "Product design specification published in 1999"

Controlling Design Variants: Modular Product Platforms

Abstract: An increasing number of successful manufacturing companies use the notion of modules and product platforms. But, what is a module and how can modular product platforms increase company efficiency while reducing time to market? This book describes modular design, the driving forces behind it and how it can help companies shorten developmental lead times, manage a high degree of customization, and reinforce product identity. This book also presents a systematic method for incorporating modular design principles into product development. Actual case studies from Volvo, Atlas Copco Controls, VBG, and Sepson illustrate how the method achieves increased company efficiency while reducing time to market. Co-published by SME and ASME.

A methodology of developing product family architecture for mass customization

Abstract: Mass customization, aiming at delivering an increasing product variety that best serves customer needs while keeping mass production efficiency, has recently received numerous attention and popularity in industry and academia alike. This paper presents a methodology of developing product family architecture (PFA) to rationalize product development for mass customization. Systematic steps are developed to formulate a PFA in terms of functional, technical and physical views. The diverse needs of customers are matched with the capabilities of a firm through systematic planning of modularity in three consecutive views. The development of a PFA provides a unifying integration platform to synchronize market positioning, commonality employment and manufacturing scale of economy across the entire product realization process. A case study in an electronics company is reported to illustrate the potential and the feasibility of PFA methodology.

Multicriteria optimization in product platform design

Abstract: A product platform is a set of common components, modules or parts from which a stream of derivative products can be created. Product platform design requires selection of the shared parts and assessment of the potential sacrifices in individual product performance that result from parts sharing. A multicriteria optimization problem can be formulated to study such decisions in a quantitative manner at the product performance level. Studying the Pareto sets that correspond to various derivative products leads to a systematic methodology for design decision making. Design of a nail gun platform is used to illustrate the concepts presented.

Functional Interdependence and Product Similarity Based on Customer Needs

Abstract: In this paper, related product functions are determined for a group of approximately 70 consumer products. Using customer need data, a new matrix approach is introduced to identify these relationships. Techniques are then created for determining product similarity. These techniques are clarified and validated through three case studies, including beverage brewers and material-removal products. The results of these case studies are argued to have significant impact on design-by-analogy procedures, bench- marking methods, mass customization strategies and modular design. The paper concludes with a discussion of applications and related procedures for product development.

Green building materials : a guide to product selection and specification

Abstract: Why Use Green Building Materials? What are Green Building Materials? How Does the Product Selection Process Work? How Does the Product Specification Process Work? How Does the Construction Process Work? Conclusion. Appendices. Glossary. Index.

A Mathematical Framework for the Key Characteristic Process

Abstract: To maximize product quality, a product design team selects concepts and dimensions to minimize a product’s sensitivity to variation. However, even for the most robust products, it is rarely possible to transition a product into production without encountering any variation-related problems. In a complex product, it is not economically or logistically feasible to control and/or monitor the thousands of tolerances specified in a product’s drawing set. To address this problem, many organizations are using Key Characteristic (KCs) methods to identify where excess variation will most significantly affect product quality, and what product features and tolerances require special attention from manufacturing. As simple as this principle seems, most companies struggle to effectively implement KC methods because no quantitative methods to prioritize KCs exist. This paper develops a mathematical definition of a KC based on a variation propagation model. In addition, it develops a quantitative effectiveness measure used to prioritize where verification, variation reduction, and on-going monitoring should be applied. The effectiveness measure incorporates the cost of control, the benefit of control, and the expected change in process capability. The methods are illustrated using an automotive door assembly.

A system partitioning and optimization approach to target cascading

Abstract: This article presents a rigorous but practical methodology for addressing the target cascading process Under this concept, product design can be viewed as a four-step process: (i) specify overall product targets; (ii) propagate product targets to system, subsystem and component “sub-targets”; (iii) design system, subsystems and components to achieve their respective subtargets; and (iv) verify that the resulting product meets overall product targets The goal of the target cascading process is that systems, subsystems and components operate together in the desired way (ie, they are compatible and consistent) A mathematically rigorous decisionmaking methodology that takes advantage of hierarchical system partitioning and coordination and analytical models can be a valuable tool for both engineers and managers The main benefits of target cascading are reduction in product design-cycle time, avoidance of design iterations late in the development process, and increased likelihood that physical prototypes will be closer to production quality Target setting also allows outsourcing the design of a particular subsystem or component after providing the supplier with the corresponding set of targets

A Model-Based Approach for Planning and Developing a Family of Technology-Based Products

Abstract: In this paper, we address the product-family design problem of a firm in a market in which customers choose products based on some measure of product performance. By developing products as a family, the firm can reduce the cost of developing individual product variants due to the reuse of a common product platform. Such a platform, designed in an aggregate-planning phase that precedes the development of individual product variants, is itself expensive to develop. Hence, its costs must be weighted against the benefits of its reuse in a family. We offer a model for capturing costs of product development when the family consists of variants based on a common platform. It is shown that the model can be converted into a network-optimization problem, and the optimal product-family can be identified under fairly general conditions by determining the shortest path of its network formulation. We also analytically examine the effect of alternative product designs on product-family composition, and discuss the implications of investing in new-product technology. Finally, we illustrate our model and managerial insights with an application from the electronics industry.

Managing design of assembly sequences for product lines that delay product differentiation

Abstract: The integration of product design and operations could potentially enhance the ability of manufacturers to provide large variety in the product line while keeping their operations competitive. At the plant level, an improved assembly sequence can lead to superior operational response to customer demands. While this has been intuitively accepted, there is a scarcity of models that can adequately reflect the operational benefits of a costlier yet better design. In this paper, we present integrated models applicable at a plant level that can provide quantification of certain operational benefits. Further, through a computational study, we also provide qualitative insights on several issues such as the effect of : (i) features in the product line; (ii) variance of demand for the different features on the optimal assembly design; (iii) set-up times; and (iv) life cycle of the product line.

A geometrical product specification language based on a classification of symmetry groups

Abstract: A relatively old and deeply entrenched engineering “language” universally used by draughtsmen for specifying product geometry is undergoing renovation for the modern information age. Part of the renovation process is to find a set of firm mathematical principles that can support much of the edifice that has served industry well thus far. This search has turned up a set of surprisingly powerful results based on an elegant classification of continuous subgroups of rigid motion. Among them is a compact classification of surface features and lower order kinematic pairs, their reduction to simpler geometric elements that preserve the classification and serve as datums, and a rationale for parameterizing the relative positioning of geometric objects. These results are now being enthusiastically embraced by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as part of the basic principles to define the next generation of a product geometry specification language. The paper tells this story.

A science-based approach to product design theory Part II: formulation of design requirements and products

Abstract: The Design Process begins with design requirements and ends with product descriptions. The design requirements include both structural and performance aspects. The product descriptions deal with the structural aspect of the design requirements while the product performances describe the performance aspect of design requirements. In this part of the paper, a set theory-based representation scheme is proposed to represent design objects in the design process, including design requirements, product descriptions, and product performances. This representation scheme can represent the design objects that evolve in dynamic design processes. The entire mathematical scheme is defined based on structural and behavioral properties. Within one uniform scheme, the design objects are represented at different levels of complexity and abstraction. Several examples are included to explain the scheme and its mathematical formulations. The proposed scheme can be used for science-based studies of product design.

Product end-of-life strategy categorization design tool

Abstract: Prediction of end-of-life strategies early in design leads to improved eco-efficient product and processes. This paper describes the development of an internet-based tool, End-of-Life Design Advisor (ELDA), that guides product developers to specify appropriate end-of-life strategies. The study began with surveys of end-of-life strategies currently used in the electronics industry that identified key product characteristics that influence end-of-life strategies. The survey led to a scheme for identifying suitable product end-of-life strategies early in the design cycle of a broad range of products. The end-of-life strategy categorization in ELDA is a result of statistical analysis applied to 12 characteristics across 20 products. The tool aids product designers, recycling technology developers, and policy makers.

Cost-effective design for injection molding

Abstract: It is commonly agreed that a large proportion of the ultimate product cost is determined at product design stage. Therefore, a cost-effective design cannot be obtained unless all cost issues are resolved at early design stage. Therefore, instead of performing cost estimation after design, research presented in this paper aims to provide on-line cost evaluation and advisory to help product designers avoid cost-ineffective design. The objective can be obtained by (1) identifying factors that might affect product cost at each product design stage, (2) developing a design for cost effectiveness methodology that accommodates the concepts of concurrent engineering, and (3) developing a computer-based design for cost effectiveness system based on the proposed methodology. In this research, we focus on injection molding product design due to the advantages of injection molding process, such as high production rates, excellent quality and accuracy of the parts, and very long mold life. This paper first reviews and characterizes the conventional molding product development process with an emphasis on the identification of cost factors. Based on the results of process characterization, a cost model is developed, which depicts the relationships between cost factors and product development activities, as well as their relationships with product geometry. According to the product life cycle activities and the cost model, a design for cost effectiveness process is proposed. The process and the cost model are then employed for the development of a computer-based product design for cost effectiveness as one of the module of an integrated design for injection molding environment.

A Procedure for Building Product Models

Abstract: This article presents a procedure for building product models to support the specification processes dealing with sales, design of product variants and production preparation. The procedure includes, as the first phase, an analysis and redesign of the business processes, which are to be supported with product models. The next phase includes an analysis of the product assortment, and the set up of a so-called product master. Finally the product model is designed and implemented using object oriented modelling. The procedure is developed in order to ensure that the product models constructed are fit for the business processes they support, and properly structured and documented, in order to facilitate that the systems can be maintained continually and further developed. The research has been carried out at the Centre for Industrialisation of Engineering, Department of Manufacturing Engineering, Technical University of Denmark.

The essence of the process specification language

Abstract: In all types of communication, the ability to share information is often hindered because the meaning of that information can be affected drastically by the context in which it is viewed and interpreted. This is especially true among manufacturing simulation systems because of the growing complexity of manufacturing information and the increasing need to exchange this information not only among different simulation systems but also between simulation systems and systems that perform different functions (e.g., process planning, scheduling, etc.). Different manufacturing functions may use different terms to mean the exact same concept or use the exact same term to mean very different concepts. Often, the loosely defined natural language definitions associated with the terms contain much ambiguity that doesn't make these differences evident and/or do not provide enough information to resolve the differences. A solution to this problem is the development of a taxonomy, or ontology, of manufacturing concepts and terms along with their respective formal and unambiguous definitions. The Process Specification Language (PSL) (Version 1.0) developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology identifies, formally defines, and structures the semantic concepts intrinsic to the capture and exchange of discrete manufacturing process information. As the use of information technology in manufacturing operations has matured, the capability of software applications to interoperate has become increasingly important. Initially, translation programs were written to enable communication from one specific application to another, although not necessarily both ways. As the number of applications has increased and the information has become more complex, it has become much more difficult for software developers to provide translators between every pair of applications that need to exchange information. Standards-based translation mechanisms have simplified integration for some manufacturing software developers by requiring only a single translator to be developed between their respective software product and the interchange standard. By only developing this single translator, the application can interoperate with a wide variety of other applications that have a similar translator between that standard and their application. This challenge of interoperability is especially apparent with respect to manufacturing process information. Many manufacturing engineering and business software applications use process information, including manufacturing simulation, production scheduling, manufacturing process planning, workflow, business process reengineering, product realization process modeling, and project management. Each of these applications utilizes process information in a different way, so it is not surprising that these applications' representations of process information are different as well. Traditional approaches to …

A Framework for Design Process Specifications Management

Abstract: Major conflicts in design process management seem to stem from specification conflicts among the constituent coupled design tasks. Coupled tasks represent conflicts in the flow of information of a design process. Resolving these specification conflicts early on in the development process tends to reduce product development lead times and cost. In this paper, we attempt to explain the coupling or interdependency in design tasks by the specifications imposed on these tasks. Then, we formulate the fundamental equations necessary for engineering specification management and devise a graphical tool for design process improvement. The major hypothesis investigated is that any two coupled tasks can be de-coupled if the specification of one task can be designed to absorb a certain percentage of any possible variation in the output of the other task.

An Information Modeling Framework for Product Families to Support Mass Customization Manufacturing

Abstract: Developing product families has been recognized as an effective means to support Mass Customization Manufacturing (MCM). A Product Family Architecture (PFA) resembles the underpinning logic of assisting customers to converge to what a firm can deliver in terms of its capabilities and capacities. The representation of a PFA is essential for managing variety effectively across the entire product realization process encompassing sales, marketing, design, and manufacturing. This paper proposes a generic PFA representation in terms of representing multiple views of product families in a single context, using one generic variety representation structure for different views to minimize data redundancy, and generating specifications of individual product variants for different business functions coherently. Accordingly, an information modeling framework for product families is developed based on a combination of elements of semantic relationships with the object-oriented data model. An application of the proposed framework is demonstrated for power supply products. Also reported is a prototypical implementation using KAPPA-PC®.

Multi-lifecycle product recovery for electronic products

Abstract: Sustainable industrial development seeks to meet current needs of society without compromising the ability of future generations to satisfy their own needs. In order to be able to sustain further the growth and development, we have to become more environmentally conscious in the development, manufacturing, use, and post-life treatment of products. Based on the concept of design for environment and multi-lifecycle engineering, this paper introduces a multi-lifecycle product recovery model, optimal retirement planning, and design selection methods. Two electronic products are used to illustrate the proposed concepts and methods. The results are useful in helping designers take into account the environmental impact into their product and process design activities.

Life cycle design for inverse manufacturing

Abstract: For achieving feasible product performance throughout the whole life cycle of products, a new approach to product life cycle design, called inverse manufacturing, is proposed, where products are designed for their entire life cycle from product conception to final reuse/recycling or disposal. In this approach, it is important to set up an appropriate product life cycle according to the requirements by the customers. In order to facilitate product design, particularly in conceptual phase, four types of typical product life cycle are proposed in this paper: from simple and complete reuse of whole products to very long life products with heavy maintenance. For the same kinds of products, different product life cycle can be selected according to the difference of product requirements. Simulation of life cycle performance with respect to various environmental factors is performed for optimizing the selection of life cycle types for specific product design. Several preliminary case studies have been performed for further development of the design method.

Practical Experience with Viewpoint-Oriented Requirements Specification

Abstract: The notion of viewpoints as a means of eliciting and formulating requirements is now well known. However, there is little practical evidence that viewpoint-based requirements methods scale up to address real problems. This paper presents a detailed case study based on a medium-sized system, and illustrates how a viewpoint-based requirements method can be used to structure and specify system requirements. The case study is intended to serve two purposes: first, to demonstrate the scalability of viewpoint-based requirements methods; and second, to act as a shared example for other researchers in the field to test their techniques and methods. The case study is based on an electronic document delivery and interchange system (EDDIS). The requirements are presented as they appeared in the original user requirements document. The paper concludes by outlining the lessons learnt in applying VORD to EDDIS, and proposes a set of 10 comparators that other researchers can use to compare their approaches and techniques.

Environmentally Conscious Product Design: A Collaborative Internet‐based Modeling Approach

Abstract: Summary This paper proposes a computer-based method for providing product designers with real-time environmental impact assessment. In this concurrent modeling approach, environmental experts build life-cycle models, define their interfaces, and publish them as distributed objects on the Internet. Traditional designers integrating these objects into their design models have access to the impact assessment methods provided by the environmental expert. In this paradigm, the focus shifts from providing techniques that let non-expert designers perform life-cycle impact assessments to tools that facilitate timely communication and information transfer between designers and appropriate environmental experts. Establishing real-time communication between the product design models and the environmental life-cycle models is the primary focus of this paper. Methods for establishing and maintaining the interaction between life-cycle and product design models are described. A beverage container design example illustrates how this collaborative approach can use environmental and traditional design goals to determine effective tradeoffs between design alternatives.

Concurrent Design and Manufacturing for Mechanical Systems

Abstract: The conventional product development process employs a design-build-break philosophy. The sequentially executed product development process often results in a prolonged lead-time and an elevated product cost. The proposed concurrent design and manu facturing (CDM) paradigm employs physics-based computational methods together with computer graphics techniques for product de sign. This proposed approach employs Virtual Prototyping (VP) technology to support a cross-functional team in analyzing product per formance, reliability, and manufacturing cost early in the product development stage; and in conducting quantitative trade-off for design decision making. Physical prototypes of the product design are then produced using Rapid Prototyping (RP) technique primarily for de sign verification purposes. The proposed CDM approach holds potential for shortening the overall product development cycle, improving product quality, and reducing product cost. A software tool environment that supports CDM for mechanical s...

Information technology and product lifecycle management

Abstract: Information technology has the potential to address two key difficulties of product lifecycle management: product information loss and secondary market transaction costs. Applicable technologies include bar-code systems, radio-frequency identification (RFID), Internet-based secondary markets, and smart chips. In addition to enhancing manufacturers' product stewardship programs, product management systems could benefit consumers by maintaining product value and making re-sale easier. The concept of product self-management, in which a product manages its own transition into re-use or re-cycle markets, provides a new aspect for sustainable product design. Existing applications are discussed, including on-line secondary markets, RFID, and scanners for home use. The development of product self-management through links between web-based transaction systems and product-embedded information systems, such as bar codes, RFID, and smart chips, is explored.

Progress in dryer selection techniques

Abstract: This paper provides an industrially-orientated review of dryer selection methods. The subject has been neglected in the past because it is difficult and unclear; most rules are qualitative rather than quantitative. Nevertheless, there is a great need to make use of both theory and practical experience to allow the right dryer to be selected. An algorithm and expert system for selection are described, with emphasis on the developments in recent years. Particularly important are areas of product specification and quality, solids handling and feed and product modification. Experience in using the algorithm is summarised, together with a number of practical case studies.