Implementing functional integration of products based on axiomatic design in the product concept phase

This paper proposes an approach based on the Axiomatic Design to implementing functional integration for product conception in the project early phase. At the concept stage, engineers must rely on their own experience and expertise to generate the realisable concepts and select the best one. However, the combination of products especially with complex functions is very difficult to avoid functional conflict. An approach based on the Axiomatic Design using a design matrix is proposed to formulate the functional integration process. The application process of this approach is illustrated by using exemplary three by three matrices. This interpreted design principle may work as the fundamental for the realisation of product design based on design matrices. In the case study, the proposed approach is applied in suspension conception of electric cars which combines electric motors into the longitudinal arms of twist beam axles.