Title: Scalable product platform design based on design structure matrix and axiomatic design

Authors: Xianfu Cheng; Guangying Lan; Qihang Zhu

Addresses: School of Mechanical and Electronical Engineering, East China Jiaotong University, 330013 Nanchang, China ' School of Mechanical and Electronical Engineering, East China Jiaotong University, 330013 Nanchang, China ' School of Mechanical and Electronical Engineering, East China Jiaotong University, 330013 Nanchang, China

Abstract: Product platform design has been recognised as an effective means to establish and preserve competitive status in the market and to maintain the economies of scale and scope, while keeping production costs to a minimum. To this end, a new design method for scalable product platform is presented based on design structure matrix and axiomatic design. Initially in this process, the customer needs are analysed, and then the common and individual needs are identified. Second, the key functional requirement parameters are extracted and mapped. Next, a design matrix is established. The functional structure decomposition figure and the design matrix are combined for constructing a design structure matrix. Then, an extension clustering algorithm is utilised to cluster the elements, and then common variants and adjustable variants of product platform are recognised reasonable. Afterwards, a product platform design scheme based on a design structure matrix and axiomatic design is determined. Finally, a product platform on electro-hydraulic drum brakes is developed. The results demonstrate the effectiveness and practical value of the new design method.

Keywords: product platform design; design structure matrix; axiomatic design; electro-hydraulic drum brakes; scalable product platforms; extension clustering; product design; product development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPD.2015.068962

International Journal of Product Development, 2015 Vol.20 No.2, pp.91 - 106

Received: 11 Jul 2013
Accepted: 18 May 2014
Published online: 22 Apr 2015 *

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