Integrated Function Modelling: Comparing the IFM Framework With SysML

in Proceedings of the International Conference on Engineering Design 2015 (2015, August)

This paper presents a comparison between the Integrated Function Modelling framework and SysML with the aim of deriving specific potentials for cross-fertilisation and further improvement regarding their ... [more ▼]

This paper presents a comparison between the Integrated Function Modelling framework and SysML with the aim of deriving specific potentials for cross-fertilisation and further improvement regarding their application for function modelling in interdisciplinary design. The presented comparison comprises literature reviews as well as the practical application of both the IFM framework and SysML for modelling the functionality of an exemplary mechatronic system. The research leads to the identification of advantages and shortcomings in both approaches. Based on these insights, the paper further presents a conceptual adaptation of the IFM framework with the intention to improve its practical applicability and reducing modelling efforts. [less ▲]

SUPPORTING INTERDISCIPLINARY SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT THROUGH INTEGRATED FUNCTION MODELLING

Doctoral thesis (2014)

Industry is confronted with ever-changing and increasing demand of customers on global markets for integration of diverse functions into newly developed products and systems. As a consequence, companies ... [more ▼]

Industry is confronted with ever-changing and increasing demand of customers on global markets for integration of diverse functions into newly developed products and systems. As a consequence, companies increasingly often combine different engineering technologies into their products necessitating close collaboration of experts from various disciplines. New types of products, such as Product-Service Systems (PSS), which have become increasingly important in the recent past and combine (multi-disciplinary) products with associated services, extend interdisciplinary system development by including further disciplines. Problems in the (cross-disciplinary) exchange of information between the involved designers are considered one of the central risks posed to the success of interdisciplinary system development. Function modelling is expected to provide suitable means for the integration of different disciplines, as it addresses solution finding early in the design process and results in a first abstract representation of the system under consideration. However, a large variety of different and often incompatible function models can be found in the different disciplines, which hampers shared, cross-disciplinary function modelling. The research project presented in this thesis provides comprehensive insights into central barriers and enablers for cross-disciplinary function modelling in the development of mechatronic systems and PSS. Conducted research comprises comprehensive literature reviews of diverse function models and function modelling approaches proposed in disciplinary and interdisciplinary design approaches. The derived insights are complemented by empirical studies in ten companies active in diverse market areas, such as machine design, automotive, aerospace, and consumer product development. The empirical studies provide compelling insights into the actual application of function modelling in different disciplines and design departments, as well as into specific needs and preferences of practicing designers from different disciplines. A central contribution resulting from this research is the ”Integrated Function Modelling framework”, which is intended to address the identified needs and provide practicing designers with a flexible and generic modelling approach supporting interdisciplinary conceptual design. The project is concluded with an initial evaluation of the developed framework in industry and academia. [less ▲]

Management of product characteristics uncertainty based on Formal Logic and Characteristics Properties Model

in CIRP Annals - Manufacturing Technology (2013), 62(1),

Uncertainty in product characteristics is ubiquitous in any engineering system at all the stages of product life-cycle. Considering uncertainty from different sources during the product design phase is ... [more ▼]

Uncertainty in product characteristics is ubiquitous in any engineering system at all the stages of product life-cycle. Considering uncertainty from different sources during the product design phase is critical to its reliable performance. This paper presents a framework integrating the uncertainty propagation through different product characteristics and its effect on product properties. The framework consists of three main parts: a descriptive model based on formal logic and characteristics properties model; a mathematical implementation through set theory and probabilistic approach; and an algorithm for design space evaluation and tolerancing. The application of framework is demonstrated through an industrial case study. [less ▲]

Potentials for Realising a Consistent Transition Between Function Modelling with the IFM Framework and Early System Simulation

in Proceedings of 19th International Conference on Engineering Design (2013)

Conceptual design is considered one of the most demanding design tasks requiring a joint effort of the involved designers, particularly in interdisciplinary design. Sound decision-making across ... [more ▼]

Conceptual design is considered one of the most demanding design tasks requiring a joint effort of the involved designers, particularly in interdisciplinary design. Sound decision-making across disciplines on alternative solution concepts may be considerably facilitated through early system simulation. A consistent transition of the available information in function modelling to early system simulation may thus support designers in this task. The IFM framework intends to support cross-disciplinary collaboration of involved designers by providing an integrated function modelling approach. In the paper it is analysed in how far a consistent transition from the IFM framework to established modelling techniques for simulation may be realised. The paper compares the information required for early system simulation in an interdisciplinary design context to the specific information conveyed in the different views of the IFM framework. The analysis identifies specific potentials and barriers for a consistent transition between them. Finally, the implications of the derived insights are discussed. [less ▲]

Design Automation With the Characteristics Properties Model and Property Driven Design for Redesign

in Abramovici, Michael, Stark, Rainer (Ed.) Smart Product Engineering (2013)

This paper presents a framework consisting of a mathematical model and an algorithm for representation, analysis and exploration of the design space in redesign problems. The framework develops and ... [more ▼]

This paper presents a framework consisting of a mathematical model and an algorithm for representation, analysis and exploration of the design space in redesign problems. The framework develops and extends the existing formalism of the Characteristics Properties Model (CPM) and Property Driven Design (PDD). A platform independent quantitative model based on formal log-ic is presented to map the characteristics and properties, as well as the relations and dependencies between them, along with the necessary conditions for solu-tion evaluation. The model is based on generalization of existing mathematical design models and is supported by the development of an algorithm enabling property driven design. The resulting framework offers a rich and flexible syn-tax and vocabulary along with a mathematical and computational tool applica-ble to mechanical product redesign. [less ▲]

Functional Modelling Perspectives Across Disciplines: A Literature Review

in Proceedings of the 12th International Design Conference - DESIGN 2012 (2012)

The research presented in this paper discusses the different understandings of function which hamper shared functional modelling. Function models proposed in literature from various disciplines are then ... [more ▼]

The research presented in this paper discusses the different understandings of function which hamper shared functional modelling. Function models proposed in literature from various disciplines are then analysed, in order to identify the different inherent functional modelling perspectives. The paper concludes that in order to support shared functional modelling and to support cross-disciplinary system development, these different functional modelling perspectives need to be linked. [less ▲]

Application of Design Models in Mechatronic Product Development and Building Design Reflection of Researchers and Practitioners

in Krause, Dieter, Paetzold, Kristin (Ed.) Beiträge zum 22. DfX-Symposium (2011)

Design models are an essential means for abstract representation and visualisation of information in the design process. Comprehension of design models in interdisciplinary engineering design teams is ... [more ▼]

Design models are an essential means for abstract representation and visualisation of information in the design process. Comprehension of design models in interdisciplinary engineering design teams is often hindered by different terminology and different discipline-specific modelling approaches. This paper presents the results of an interview study conducted with practitioners and researchers from engineering design and building design. The study elaborates the different ways of collaboration and use of design models in building design as compared to engineering design, in order to derive the potentials for cross-fertilisation between both areas of product development. [less ▲]

Analysing Product Modelling Approaches Across Domains - Supporting Communication in Interdisciplinary Design Teams

Poster (2011)