The method for uncoupling design with the aid of systematic inventive thinking

Abstract

The independence axiom in axiomatic design (AD) states that the smaller functional dependency, the better system performance. This paper aims to develop an effective and widely applicable method for uncoupling design. First, the relationships, compatibilities, and possibility of integration between AD and systematic inventive thinking (SIT) are analysed. According to the analysis, a new uncoupling method based on SIT is proposed. Next, the detailed uncoupling steps of this method are explained and a strategy to upgrade an old system or develop new systems based on an existing one is proposed in terms of this uncoupling method. Then, an example of solving vibration and noise problem of flushing facility is used to illuminate this method. Finally, a discussion of the proposed uncoupling method and the possible extension of this method with theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) are presented. This proposed uncoupling method is different from the conventional approaches, which avoids measuring functional dependency, harmonizing parameters, or searching substitutable technological ideas.