A Method for Evaluating Manufacturing Change in Engineering Design

Abstract

This paper details a method of change prediction that builds upon the traditional component-component design structure matrix by incorporating manufacturing costs and modeling higher orders of coupling. A coupling index is also created to assess the level of coupling between interfaced features. A BMW X5 headliner assembly and a Ryobi hand-held drill are analyzed using the proposed method to identify the features and components that offer the greatest ease of change. The analysis of the BMW X5 headliner shows that the rectangular slots on the bottom of the adapter plates are the feature that offers the greatest ease of change, while the handles are the component that offers the greatest ease of change. For the Ryobi drill, the battery is identified as the component that offers the greatest ease of change. The proposed method of change prediction proves to be an effective and efficient means of modeling change propagation and assessing change impact.