Research on the propagation path of function change in product conceptual design

Abstract

Product design was a repetitive process. Given that product structure was closely related to functions, function change was vital to the final design and core of design change. The effect of predicting function change during conceptual design on the final product structure was important to improve the design quality. A model was proposed to predict the propagation path of function change during conceptual design. Based on function–behavior relationship and behavior–structure relationship, a function–behavior–structure model of product design history was established. The propagation scope of function change in the functional layer was determined by analyzing input/output streams of functions. Function change was mapped onto behavior structure. The propagation scope of behavior change in the behavior layer was determined by analyzing the input/output state consistency of behavior. The changed parts were identified through behavior–structure relationship. Finally, the propagation path of function change was represented completely. The proposed propagation model of function change can provide a reference for quick product design. The feasibility and validity of the proposed model were verified through a case study, particularly the function change of monocular ice crusher.