Function - and Graph-Based Product Principle Structure Modeling and Optimization Method for Conceptual Design

Product principle structure model (PPSM) is generally used to represent functional requirement formally in conceptual design process. The construction and optimization of PPSM is an important task in product conceptual design phase. In this paper, a new function- and graph-based product principle structure modeling and optimization method for conceptual design is proposed. According to the principle of function decomposition, IDEF0 method is utilized to construct PPSM. After that, a graph-based approach is introduced to represent and optimize the PPSM. An edge represents a product component. The vertices depict joints that allow the flow of energy between components. Through the optimization of PPSM, components of a product that are redundant or cause of loss of functionality can be determined or deleted at early design stage. At least, a case study is presented to validate the proposed method.