Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
Formalizing Constraint-Based Configuration of Variant-Rich Products through Dependency Modeling using Multiple-Domain Matrices
Thorsten Schmidt (1), Fionn Winger (2), Daniel Roth (2), Matthias Kreimeyer (2), Frank Mantwill (1)
Type:
Year:
2025
Editor:
Ali A. Yassine, Christopher Langner, Matthias Kreimeyer, Tyson R. Browning, Steven D. Eppinger
Author:
Series:
DSM
Institution:
1: Helmut Schmidt University, Hamburg, Germany; 2: University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
Page(s):
99-108
DOI number:
Abstract:
To meet customer-specific requirements, mass-customizable products are available for configuration. The combination of defining features is deterministically specified by underlying constraints, which need to be considered during the whole configuration process. A propositional solver is used to validate complex dependencies and guarantee consistency. To model these complex dependencies, this paper proposes a matrix-based approach to represent configuration knowledge in associated Function-, Feature-, and Component-Design Structure Matrices (DSMs) connected in an overall Multiple-Domain Matrix (MDM). In the presented approach, a product is first decomposed into its sub-functions using the METUS method. The sub-functions are translated into features and then verified pairwise for logical compatibility against the underlying constraints. A valid and complete configuration controls the selection of components through part validities, which are then combined into modules and derived into a product structure. Potential optimization of the product structure is highlighted by adapting features and elaborating changes in constraints.
Description:
Dependency Structure Modelling, Product Architecture Optimization, Complex System Design, Design for Variants, Constraint-Based Configuration
