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Application of design compatibility analysis to simultaneous engineering

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2009

Kosuke Ishii
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 4320
Richard Adler
Affiliation:
Design Division, Department of Mechanical Engineering Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, U.S.A.
Philip Barkan
Affiliation:
Design Division, Department of Mechanical Engineering Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, U.S.A.

Abstract

This paper develops a general framework for knowledge-based computer tools that promote simultaneous engineering in mechanical design. Design compatibility analysis (DCA) serves as the underlying concept for these knowledge-based systems. DCA focuses on the compatibility between the design requirements (specification) and the proposed design, evaluates the design based on the compatibility knowledge of experts, gives justifications for the evaluation, and suggest improvements. DCA accommodates a product's various life-cycle issues (e.g. functionality, manufacturability, reliability) with a unified focus, i.e. compatibility, and thus helps designers to incorporate these issues at the early stages of design (simultaneous engineering). The resulting framework not only serve as the basis for various design expert systems but will also enhance our understanding of the life-cycle design issues. We illustrate the proposed method with two examples: system design of power generation plants and design for assembly (DFA) of mechanical products.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1988

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