Using 3D CAD Models for Value Visualization: An Approach with SIEMENS NX HD3D Visual Reporting

Abstract

Recent literature in Systems Engineering has suggested the use of "value" to drive decision-making activities during preliminary design, in particular when choosing technologies and components for a complex system. However, to correctly evaluate design trade-offs, a visual link has to be established between the results of the value model and a product shape/geometry. This paper proposes the use of color-coded 3D CAD models to support the visualization of value analysis results in a Stage-Gate® process. The approach has been developed and exemplified within a case study related to the design of an aero-engine component, and has been demonstrated using SIEMENS NX HD3D Visual Reporting. The results of verification activities conducted in a laboratory setting show that the use of color-coded 3D CAD models increases the decision makers' awareness of value-related information in a Stage-Gate process.Keywords: value driven design, value visualization, color-coding. DOI: 10.3722/cadaps.2013.xxx-yyy INTRODUCTIONAll designs are created for a purpose. When dealing with well-defined and known problems, this purpose is well mirrored by the product requirements, which provide a good enough basis to identify the best of the available design alternatives. However, in long and complex new development processes that involve several supply chain partners, the purpose is often lost when requirements are cascaded down to suppliers and sub-contractors [16]. This causes component manufacturers to develop local optimal solutions that minimize cost, rather than to target innovative technologies that might add value to customers' and stakeholders' processes. In this context, measuring requirements fulfilment is no longer sufficient to assess the "goodness" of a design [7][13], rather more qualitative criteria need to be considered to better understand the value of a solution from a system viewpoint [37].Recent literature in Systems Engineering [24] and Value Driven Design (VDD) [12] has promoted the use of "value" as a driver for decision-making activities in preliminary design. The ambition is to use "value" to provide a measurable approximation of the level of fulfillment of the overall system needs ensured by a design solution [8]. In practice, so called "value models" are built to quantitatively

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