CONSEQUENCES OF DESIGN DECISIONS IN AXIOMATIC DESIGN

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Lindholm, D. | Tate, D. | Harutunian, V.

Affiliations: Dept. of Mechanical Engineering Linköping Institute of Technology LINKÖPING, Sweden | Dept. of Mechanical Engineering Massachusetts Instituteof Technology CAMBRIDGE, USA

Abstract: Design implies decision-making. One major advantage with axiomatic design is that decisions are formalized using a well-understood pattern. Functional Requirements (FRs) are first established. The design solutions, or Design Parameters (DPs), and finally Process Variables (PVs) are then determined. DPs and PVs may, in turn, have consequences and therefore have a need for supporting systems. For example, a combustion engine in a car needs, in terms of DPs, a cooling system, a starter, an ignition system, a muffler, and so forth. Consequences differ from constraints in that consequences can create constraints, FRs, and DPs where as constraints are used for limiting the solution space when selecting a DP or a PV. In the paper we discuss different classes of consequences, where they originate, and how they can be detected and dealt with in design work. If consequences are identified, then the decomposition process is easier and more manageable. We will, however, not discuss the decomposition process as such in this paper. Consequences of decisions made for design solutions as well as decisions made for manufacturing processes are discussed in this paper. These consequences are similar to each other and are therefore discussed in parallel. Also the consequences of the configuration of DPs into a system are discussed.

Journal: Journal of Integrated Design & Process Science, vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 1-12, 1999