Linking design process to customer satisfaction through virtual design of experiments

This work seeks to better understand how design processes affect design outcomes. Design process data were collected from journals kept as a part of mechanical engineering capstone design projects at Montana State University. Student processes were characterized by time coding journal entries using a 3 × 4 matrix of process variables. The data were modeled using a principal components artificial neural network, and the model used in a virtual designed experiment to obtain estimates for design process factors that significantly affect client satisfaction. Results indicate that greater client satisfaction is achieved through: greater problem definition (PD) activity and idea generation at conceptual design levels, and PD and engineering analysis activities at the system design level. Whereas, design activity at the detailed level associates with lower client satisfaction. These results support some aspects of existing models of “good” design process, and suggest adaptations of the models for novice designers.     

A critical framework for methodological research in architecture

This paper reviews a cross-section of methodological studies undertaken in architecture since the Second World War. Despite a variety of orientations, technically, conceptually and philosophically, most studies reflect an understanding of people and objects as discrete entities interacting in an passive and unilateral manner. This dominant dualist understanding is concluded to be the essential cause of the ‘implementation gap' between architectural research and practice. For the gap to close, the development and institution of a critical framework is needed which encourages researchers to acknowledge explicitly the ontological and epistomological issues associated with architectural practice, education and research. Underlying this recommendation is a dialectic appreciation of person-world interaction; one which accepts as a holistic theme for inquiry, the experiential and interpretative quality of human thinking, feeling and action.     

A smart manufacturing adoption framework for SMEs

Smart Manufacturing (SM) a revolutionary paradigm that aims to improve production systems’ performance in terms of quality, time, cost, and flexibility, as well as human and machine decision-making capabilities. Most large enterprises have already taken first steps towards adopting SM. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) on the other hand, are struggling with developing a SM adoption roadmap. Our research builds on the real and perceived needs and challenges faced by manufacturing SMEs and advances the field by developing and evaluating an SME-specific ‘SM adoption framework’. We have employed a multiple case study approach to acknowledge the lessons learned by selected early-adopter SMEs that have recently implemented and deployed SM tools and practices. We propose an SM adoption framework with five vital steps that SMEs interested in SM should follow: (i) identify manufacturing data available within the SME, (ii) readiness assessment of the SME data-hierarchy steps, (iii) developing SM awareness of SME leadership and staff, (iv) develop a SM tailored vision for the SMEs, and (v) identify appropriate SM tools and practices necessary to realise the tailored SM vision. Moreover, the results of the case study analysis enabled us to formulate many generalisations.     

A new methodological framework for design for additive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) offers numerous benefits for innovative design solutions. However, engineers are currently not supported in identifying and incorporating these potentials systematically in their design solutions. In this paper, previous Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) approaches are first reviewed comprehensively and classified into distinct categories according to their main purpose and application. They are then analysed further by being related to conventional design methodologies like VDI 2221. Since previous DfAM approaches only provide selective assistance at single steps in the product development process, a new framework for DfAM is proposed. Existing methods and tools, both from DfAM and from general design methodologies, are integrated into the modular framework structure. A concept for using the framework is presented to provide design engineers with continuous support in all product development phases, thereby fostering the complete exploitation of AM potentials and the development of AM-conformal designs.     

浅析价值工程在环保项目设计阶段成本控制中的应用

当前国内环保项目的成本管理力度不足,有经验的项目管理人才紧缺,提高成本管理的意识与技能就显得迫切与必要。本文运用价值工程的基本理论与方法,对总承包环保项目的设计阶段成本控制进行研究,提出价值工程在环保项目设计阶段的项目成本控制中的通用模式。     

A conceptual framework for combining artificial intelligence and optimization in engineering design

Research in artificial intelligence and optimization (OR) has had significant impact on the formulation and solution of computational methods in engineering design. This paper presents a conceptual framework for understanding a more powerful technology that is evolving from a combination of these approaches. The paper first proposes generalized representations of engineering design models that involve quantitative and qualitative aspects. Second, it presents a general classification of AI and OR models in terms of model attributes, in order to establish mappings with generic solution techniques. Third, the requirements of solution methods are discussed, as well as several schemes for the integration of AI and optimization to identify future research directions. Several specific approaches are included to illustrate various ways in which AI and optimization can be combined for tackling computational design models.     

A framework for the role of warehousing in Reverse Logistics

Reverse Logistics (RL) is the process of returning products from their consumer destination to capture their value or proper disposal. This paper considers and analyses the current state of literature in warehousing. Warehousing, which is an operational factor in RL, has been analysed and evaluated in terms of the specific subfactors associated with it. The research methodology used was exploratory case study research. The qualitative data were collected by use of two in-depth case studies chosen from two different industries. The analysis of the case studies resulted in the development of warehousing subfactors, propositions and insights regarding RL operations. Based on these, a framework for effective design and implementation of RL operations is provided. This framework determines the appropriate warehousing subfactors and how the return process of products/parts works. In conclusion, the managerial implications and future research directions are provided.     

A comprehensive preference-based optimization framework with application to high-lift aerodynamic design

An integral component of transport aircraft design is the high-lift configuration, which can provide significant benefits in aircraft payload-carrying capacity. However, aerodynamic optimization of a high-lift configuration is a computationally challenging undertaking, due to the complex flow-field. The use of a designer-interactive multiobjective optimization framework is proposed, which identifies and exploits preferred regions of the Pareto frontier. Visual data mining tools are introduced to statistically extract information from the design space and confirm the relative influence of both variables and objectives to the preferred interests of the designer. The framework is assisted by the construction of time-adaptive Kriging models, which are cooperatively used with a high-fidelity Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes solver. The successful integration of these design tools is facilitated through the specification of a reference point, which can ideally be based on an existing design configuration. The framework is demonstrated to perform efficiently for the present case-study within the imposed computational budget.     

A framework for affective customer needs in product design

A systematic framework is proposed to conceptualize customer needs in product design. Customer needs were derived for current and future electronic devices in automobiles. Subjects rated their preferences for 15 product attributes on 10-point semantic differential scales. Using factor analysis, three generic factors were extracted, namely holistic attributes, styling and functional design. Depending upon the familiarity of the device, there were clear differences among potential customers. Unknown devices such as a navigation map were assessed first hand by using holistic attributes. Familiar designs such as car radio and cell phone were assessed using styling and functionality attributes. Customer reactions and preferences may be caused by product design parameters that operate either through their perceptual attributes or from the experience they acquire in using the artifacts or interfaces. There are both functional and affective needs. Functional (or cognitive) customer needs can be derived top-down, using product design features. Affective customer needs are difficult to derive top-down—typically they are evaluated by looking at several design propositions.     

A heuristic-based approach to conceptual design

In the inherently large space of design, explicating all possible concept variants—to avoid leaving out potential concepts—is astronomically costly, if at all possible. A strategy that can assist designers in exploring and ascertaining design solutions within this vast space is therefore crucial. This work adapts a general best first heuristic algorithm for applications on conceptual design problems. The algorithm is tailored to operate on a model of conceptual design postulated in this paper. The propositions are established by an ordered series of formal definitions and mathematical assertions, which characterizes the complete theoretical model. Via a simple design case study, this product conceptualization approach is demonstrated to strategically guide designers in the exploration of design concepts.     

A framework for performance-based design

The international competitiveness of the US construction industry is linked to its strategic ability to design and build quality projects. This means delivering facilities that satisfy all the needs of the client. Correct decision-making during design and construction planning is the best means for assuring a quality project. Performance-based design is a framework that enables the project team to approach the project delivery process systematically and provides basic principles for evaluating and comparing alternative solutions. The principles of axiomatic design (as previously advanced by Suh) and the concept of an interface index are key elements of the framework. Axiomatic design provides an operational structure for the design process as well as a set of basic principles or axioms for guiding each decision-maker. The interface index complements the design axioms by quantifying the effort associated with integrating the contributions of multiple decision-makers into a total system. Elements of the framework are demonstrated through application to an actual facility.     

Two-level parallelization for finite-element based design optimization via case studies

Computing clusters created with commodity chips are gaining popularity owing to relative ease of assembly and maintenance compared to a supercomputer. Such clusters are able to solve much larger problems owing to increased memory and reduced compute time. The challenge, however, is to develop new algorithms and software that can exploit multiple processors. In this paper we discuss the parallel processing options and their implementations in a gradient-based design optimization software system. The main objectives are as follows—(a) implement a design optimization methodology for sizing, shape and topology optimization using two-level parallelism and (b) provide a benchmark in the area of FEA-based design optimization for studying speedups with increasing number of processors to speed development of effective parallel algorithms. The two-level parallelism is implemented using nested parallel gradient calculations in conjunction with parallel FEA, and parallel line search with parallel FEA. Two case studies involving topology and shape optimization are studied in detail and they include three-dimensional finite element meshes with about 160 000 hexahedral elements and about 175 000 nodes. Furthermore, the case studies have been implemented using a workbench where the topology and shape optimization have an interface with a commercial CAD package, permitting a solid model representation of both the initial and the final optimized part.     

A strategic framework for the design and implementation of remanufacturing operations in reverse logistics

Reverse logistics (RL) is a systematic process that manages the flow of products/parts from the point of consumption back to the point of manufacturing for possible recycling, remanufacturing, or disposal. Although the concept of RL is well-known in logistics and supply chain management, the available holistic literature and theory of RL are scarce. This paper surveys current RL literature and identifies the present state of theory in RL by formulating the propositions for strategic factors. The approach used is grounded theory development. The strategic factors are in turn delineated and evaluated in terms of specific sub-factors associated with each factor by the use of interview protocol and within the context of an in-depth analysis of two companies in different industries that are engaged in remanufacturing/recycling operations within RL systems. The analysis of these case studies, using the grounded theory approach, resulted in insights regarding their RL practices. Based on these insights and strategic factors and sub-factors, a framework for effective design and implementation of remanufacturing/recycling operations in RL is provided. This framework allows for the determination of the viability of returned products/parts in the RL system. The findings outline how our RL theory is enhanced and how our understanding of RL practices with respect to remanufacturing/recycling operations is improved. In conclusion, managerial implications and future research directions are presented.     

A comprehensive conceptual framework for road safety strategies

Road safety strategies (generally called Strategic Highway Safety Plans in the USA) provide essential guidance for actions to improve road safety, but often lack a conceptual framework that is comprehensive, systems theory based, and underpinned by evidence from research and practice. This paper aims to incorporate all components, policy tools by which they are changed, and the general interactions between them. A framework of nine mutually interacting components that contribute to crashes and ten generic policy tools which can be applied to reduce the outcomes of these crashes was developed and used to assess 58 road safety strategies from 22 countries across 15 years. The work identifies the policy tools that are most and least widely applied to components, highlighting the potential for improvements to any individual road safety strategy, and the potential strengths and weaknesses of road safety strategies in general. The framework also provides guidance for the development of new road safety strategies, identifying potential consequences of policy tool based measures with regard to exposure and risk, useful for both mobility and safety objectives.     

A framework for dynamic rescheduling problems

Academic scheduling problems usually assume deterministic and known in advance data. However, this situation is not often met in practice, since data may be subject to uncertainty and it may change over time. In this paper, we introduce a general rescheduling framework to address such dynamic scheduling problems. The framework consists mainly of a controller that makes use of a solver. The solver can assume deterministic and static data, whereas the controller deals with the uncertain and dynamic aspects of the problem and it is in charge of triggering the solver when needed and when possible. Extensive tests are carried out for the job shop problem, and we demonstrate that the framework can be used to ascertain the benefit of using rescheduling over static methods, decide between rescheduling policies, and finally we show that it can be applied in real-life applications due to a low time overhead. The framework is general enough to be applied to any scheduling environment where a fast enough deterministic solver exists.     

An object-oriented framework for versatile discrete objects simulation using design patterns

This paper proposes a framework for versatile discrete objects simulation. The framework, named VEDO, is developed using object-oriented technology with design patterns. VEDO is capable of handling simultaneously discrete objects of various shapes and various mechanisms of interactions between discrete objects. It also has great flexibility in facilitating additions of new discrete object shapes and solution algorithms for discrete object interactions. Based on the proposed framework, a discrete objects simulation system, named Knight&Anne, has been implemented in C++ in this study. In addition, some application examples are given to demonstrate the capability and flexibility of the framework.The support from the National Science Council of Republic of China under Grant No. NSC91-2211-E-002-097 and NSC91-2211-E-399-001 is greatly appreciated. In addition, the authors would like to thank Prof. Chuin-Shan Chen of National Taiwan University for his review and suggestions on the design and implementation of the proposed framework as well as Mr. Li-Shin Lin and Mr. Jenn-Feng Li for their help on example studies.     

A network approach to parametric design integration

This article presents a method for the integration of multiple computing processes used in design and design assessment for a parametric design problem. The method is based on a representation in which the processes are regarded as performing transformations between model states representing attributes of the designed artefact. A classification of attributes and of transformations is presented. The sequences of transformations and model states are modelled using Petri nets, and these models are used as a basis for the development of a computer-based controller that manages the interprocess interaction. The controller directs the concurrent and sequential operation of a number of computing processes operating on different workstations in a network. These processes include geometric modelling and a variety of design analysis actions that exchange data with each other in the optimum design of parametric parts. The example of an automotive crankshaft design is given.