Okkam - advanced morphological approach as method for computer aided innovation (CAI)

Abstract

This paper presents the use of Advanced Morphological Approach based for analysis, generation and synthesis of new engineering solutions as part CAI (computer-aided innovation). CAI is developing as a response to the higher demands of science and industry to the innovative level of new products. The developed approach and a software Okkam is to create a sequence of operations, comparison and selection of rational variants set by means of a series of successive procedures. The specifics of structural synthesis consist of the discreteness of variables, the presence of conditionally logical limitations and the need to work with multiple conflicting criteria. Key objective is to find a solution space with the potential to fulfil the top level engineering systems requirements. Usage of cluster analysis, set theory, set of rules allows to identify the clusters of innovative systems combining high performance potential with robustness regarding requirement changes and design uncertainties. Implementation of the approach is demonstrated by the example of the analysis and synthesis of communications devices. These studies verify the weighty potential of the pro-posed approach compared to present methods.