Enhancing product structure design for an automation mechanism, by involving axiomatic design theory

Abstract

The research presented in the paper is part of a larger approach concerning the enhancing of Product Development Sustainability by involving advanced design theories for effectiveness and efficiency of Product Design and CAD/CAE/CAM activities. The particular idea is to apply some principles from the Axiomatic Design theory within Concept Design and System Level Design stages, in order to enhance the Product Structure Design and to streamline the CAD activities and to study how a decomposition model obtained by applying AD theory affects the capture of Design Intent into a 3D CAD parametric product model structure. An applied project is exemplified as a case study, particularly referring to developing the Product Structure Design activities for the mechanical structure of an automated dimensional sorting system. Related discussions, conclusions and some further research directions are included.