Title: Structuring of embodiment design problem based on the product lifecycle

Authors: Dominique Scaravetti, Jean-Pierre Nadeau, Jerome Pailhes, Patrick Sebastian

Addresses: Trefle – Ensam, Esplanade des Arts et Metiers, Talence cedex 33405, France. ' Trefle – Ensam, Esplanade des Arts et Metiers, Talence cedex 33405, France. ' Trefle – Ensam, Esplanade des Arts et Metiers, Talence cedex 33405, France. ' Trefle – Ensam, Esplanade des Arts et Metiers, Talence cedex 33405, France

Abstract: Early stages of the design process are often based on designers| experience; assumptions and irreversible decisions restricting the solution space are taken. It is difficult to take into account simultaneously every requirement imposed by the different phases of the product life-cycle. In this paper, a method is proposed to perform the analysis of the embodiment design problem. It facilitates the search of the indispensable elements, suitable for structuring the preliminary design phase. Our approach is performed for the relevant life-cycle situations of the product. A four level analysis (need, functions, organic structure and physical behaviours) is proposed. The set of structuring elements allow the design problem definition as a Constraint Satisfaction Problem (CSP).

Keywords: embodiment design; structuring elements; design problem analysis; decision support systems; DSS; layout; product lifecycle requirements; CSP; constraint satisfaction problem; product lifecycle management; PLM; design process; product design; product development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPD.2005.006668

International Journal of Product Development, 2005 Vol.2 No.1/2, pp.47 - 70

Published online: 01 Apr 2005 *

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