Derrick Tate

Decision Making and Software Tools for Product Development Based on Axiomatic Design Theory

Abstract A software tool based on axiomatic design is being developed. Axiomatic Design (AD) provides a framework to describe design objects and a set of axioms to evaluate relations between intended functions (FRs) and means by which they are achieved (DPs). AD analysis can be performed for engineering change orders (ECO) and field support systems with the capability for organizational learning. The software effort attempts to enhance the engineering CAD environment through the documentation of design rational based on AD and the implementation of AD matrices to evaluate design decisions and provide the proper development sequence.

A framework for automatic TRIZ level of invention estimation of patents using natural language processing, knowledge-transfer and patent citation metrics

Patents provide a wealth of information about design concepts, their physical realization, and their relationship to prior designs in the form of citations. Patents can provide useful input for several goals of next-generation computer-aided design (CAD) systems, yet more efficient tools are needed to facilitate patent search and ranking. In this paper, a novel framework is presented and implemented for classifying patents according to level of invention (LOI) as defined in the theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ). Level of invention characterizes the creativity of a design concept based on the resolution of a design conflict and the disciplines used in resolving the conflict. The assessment of LOI for a series of patents provides a useful input for screening and ranking patents in databases to identify high-impact patents. However, the manual effort required for assigning LOI to each patent is laborious and time-consuming. In this paper, a novel method that combines text mining, natural language processing, creation of knowledge-transfer metrics, and application of machine learning approaches is presented and implemented for classifying patents according to LOI. Two case studies are presented in which LOI data is compiled for patents: dynamic magnetic information storage or retrieval using Giant Magnetoresistive (GMR) or Colossal Magnetoresistive (CMR) sensors formed of multiple thin films (USPC 360/324) and arbitration for access to a channel (USPC 370/462). The peak performance in 5-fold stratified cross-validation was found to be 73.38% in the first case study and 77.12% for the second.

The Transdisciplinary Product Development Lifecycle model

Abstract In this paper, a new product development lifecycle model, the Transdisciplinary Product Development Lifecycle (TPDL) model, is explained. This new model is based on the axiomatic design (AD) method developed by Suh; hence it inherits the benefits of applying AD to product development. In this model, the AD method is extended to cover the whole product development lifecycle, including the test domain, and new domain characteristic vectors are introduced to systematically capture and manage the input constraints and system components. The TPDL model helps develop, capture, and present both the big-picture and a detailed view of the product development knowledge, including design and requirement traceability knowledge. The objectives of the TDPL model are to guide the designers, developers, and other members of a transdisciplinary product development team throughout the development effort as well as to help capture, maintain, and manage the knowledge produced during the product development process. The TDPL model aims to improve the quality of the design, requirements management, change management, project management, and communication between stakeholders as well as to shorten the development time and reduce the development cost.

Matching pedagogical intent with engineering design process models for precollege education

Abstract Public perception of engineering recognizes its importance to national and international competitiveness, economy, quality of life, security, and other fundamental areas of impact; but uncertainty about engineering among the general public remains. Federal funding trends for education underscore many of the concerns regarding teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects in primary through grade 12 (P-12) education. Conflicting perspectives on the essential attributes that comprise the engineering design process results in a lack of coherent criteria against which teachers and administrators can measure the validity of a resource, or assess its strengths and weaknesses, or grasp incongruities among competing process models. The literature suggests two basic approaches for representing engineering design: a phase-based, life cycle-oriented approach; and an activity-based, cognitive approach. Although these approaches serve various teaching and functional goals in undergraduate and graduate engineering education, as well as in practice, they tend to exacerbate the gaps in P-12 engineering efforts, where appropriate learning objectives that connect meaningfully to engineering are poorly articulated or understood. In this article, we examine some fundamental problems that must be resolved if preengineering is to enter the P-12 curriculum with meaningful standards and is to be connected through learning outcomes, shared understanding of engineering design, and other vestiges to vertically link P-12 engineering with higher education and the practice of engineering. We also examine historical aspects, various pedagogies, and current issues pertaining to undergraduate and graduate engineering programs. As a case study, we hope to shed light on various kinds of interventions and outreach efforts to inform these efforts or at least provide some insight into major factors that shape and define the environment and cultures of the two institutions (including epistemic perspectives, institutional objectives, and political constraints) that are very different and can compromise collaborative efforts between the institutions of P-12 and higher education.

Review and future of active disassembly

Disassembly has been widely accepted as a disadvantageous end-of-life activity, but with increasing pressures from directives, such as waste on electrical and electronic equipment, and with increasing pressures to become sustainable disassembly is becoming necessary. Current disassembly methods, including both manual and automated disassembly, need improvements to meet this necessity. This paper will introduce the improvements needed and suggest through literature the validity of active disassembly (AD) to provide these improvements. Past and current research will also be considered to provide a future path for AD. This future path for AD will consider a collaborative effort to solve problems with materials, environmental triggers and costs seen with AD.

Problems Associated with a Lack of Cohesive Policy in K-12 Pre-college Engineering

This article identifies a number of issues associated with current STEM education reform efforts, especially with regard to efforts to integrate engineering education into the K12 curriculum. Precollege engineering is especially problematic in STEM reform since there is no well-established tradition of engineering in the K12 curriculum. This discussion aims at identifying some of the issues and problems that serve to impede implementation of engineering education in the K12 environment. Historically, engineering education has been the purview of higher education, and the epistemology of engineering education has not evolved to specifically inform the exigencies of K12 education. There also is little in the way of cohesive standards that establish appropriate precollege engineering knowledge and skills and to provide a framework for shared understandings, cooperative partnerships across institutional boundaries, curricular development and implementation, and teacher preparation and professional development. The lack of standards and an epistemic foundation and tradition in K12 engineering results in significant gaps in experience and knowledge to inform implementation, which is proceeding in schools despite these glaring obstacles––driven by legislative mandate, STEM funding initiatives, workforce demand, and other compelling forces. The lack of systemic infrastructure and support mechanisms for preengineering––such as are found in the sciences, mathematics, and other academic disciplines already participating in K12 education––have resulted in a situation in which there is no clear, generally agreed upon standards and definition of a body of engineering knowledge, skills, and activities that constitute appropriate curricular content for teaching and learning in K12

Computer-Aided TRIZ Ideality and Level of Invention Estimation Using Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning

Patent textual descriptions provide a wealth of information that can be used to understand the underlying design approaches that result in the generation of novel and innovative technology. This article will discuss a new approach for estimating Degree of Ideality and Level of Invention metrics from the theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) using patent textual information. Patent text includes information that can be used to model both the functions performed by a design and the associated costs and problems that affect a design’s value. The motivation of this research is to use patent data with calculation of TRIZ metrics to help designers understand which combinations of system components and functions result in creative and innovative design solutions. This article will discuss in detail methods to estimate these TRIZ metrics using natural language processing and machine learning with the use of neural networks.

Evolutionary refinement approaches for band selection of hyperspectral images with applications to automatic monitoring of animal feed quality

This paper presents methods for spectral band selection in hyperspectral image HSI cubes based on classification of reflectance data acquired from samples of livestock feed materials and ruminant-derived bonemeal. Automated detection of ruminant-derived bonemeal in animal feed is tested as part of an on-going research into development of automated, reliable fast and cost-effective quality control systems. HSI cubes contain spectral reflectance in both spatial dimensions and spectral bands. Support vector machines are used for classification of data in various domains. Selecting a subset of the spectral bands speeds processing and increases accuracy by reducing over-fitting. We developed two methods utilizing divergence values for selecting spectral band sets, 1 evolutionary search method and 2 divergence-based recursive feature elimination approach.

Robust analysis of the active disassembly process

This paper explores a means to control the active disassembly (AD) process for designed and manufactured heat-activated shape memory polymer snap-fits. Testing was performed for demonstration of the active release of the SMP snap-fits and for analysis of AD control factors. Robust design methodologies with Taguchi methods were used to analyze the AD process factors, including heating method and disassembly temperature. The results from this research show the successful demonstration of the SMP snap-fits. AD process analysis shows that both the heating method and temperature affect the AD process. The analysis determines that by increasing the heat exchange rate the snap-fit disassembly time is shortened. From the performed experiments, it was seen that an Oil bath at 150°C produced the best results in regards to disassembly time and signal-noise ratio.

Improvement of home appliances design based on energy-saving concept: Case studies on hair dryer and coffee maker

World market energy consumption is projected to increase by 57% from 2004 to 2030. Worldwide efforts to meet these challenges include developing alternative energy sources, exploring renewable energy resources, and reducing energy consumption. In this paper, the authors presented a new design method for energy-saving product by means of two simple case studies, hair dryer and coffeemaker. The results show that the new design method is useful and applicable. However, there were some simplifications in the case studies, and further research need to be done by considering improving all the parts of the product.