Title: Chart-based techniques for representing designs at different levels of abstraction

Authors: S.Sivaloganathan, P.T.J. Andrews, N. Calder

Addresses: Engineering Design Group, Department of Systems Engineering, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, UK. Engineering Design Group, Department of Systems Engineering, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, UK. Engineering Design Group, Department of Systems Engineering, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, UK

Abstract: One of the acceptable sequences of the working stages of the design process contains: (a) specifications, (b) conceptual design, (c) embodiment design, and (d) detailed design as its working stages. Following the principle of deployment as used in quality function deployment, it can be said that specifications deploy customer requirements, conceptual design deploys specifications and embodiment design deploys conceptual design. Based on this deployment principle it is possible to establish three charts namely: (a) specification chart, (b) conceptual design chart, and (c) embodiment design chart to represent the designs at different levels of abstraction. The paper describes how these charts are constructed and used to store designs. It also shows how the charts can be developed to represent the design of a portable belt conveyor at different stages.

Keywords: chart-based design; conceptual design; design methodology; product design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2002.001326

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2002 Vol.17 No.8, pp.672-682

Published online: 02 Jul 2003 *

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