Guozhong Cao

Product Integrated Innovation Based on Function

Product innovation is a process of knowledge and technology resource integration. This paper mainly researches the process and realization of product integrated innovation based on function. Several function integrated methods are presented, and the principle solutions are selected and evaluated based on extend effect model. The process model for product integrated innovation is proposed, which provides a systematic approach to product integrated innovation from functional design angle. A design example for integrated innovation of Chinese medicine demonstrates the proposed method is feasible.

Function evolution and forecasting for product innovation

The evolution of product function is the result of demand evolution or system evolution, which is governed by certain laws and is predictable. The composition of function structure and function classification are proposed to lay the foundation for function evolution. The stages division and laws of function evolution are proposed to point out the direction for function design, and the approaches of function are proposed to give the concrete method of function design. The forecasting zones of function evolution are proposed to provide a practicable space. The contradiction analysis is to make evaluation of function evolution, then TRIZ tools and CAI software can help designer to solve the contradiction and generate principle solutions. Integrated above contents, the product innovation process model based on function evolution and forecasting is proposed, which provides a systematic approach to product innovation from functional design angle. A innovative design example of pill dispersing machine demonstrates the proposed method is feasible.

E-CAFD: Extended-Effect Driven Computer-Aided Functional Design

To match for complex product function and to solve insufficient computer aid for functional design, the Extended-Effect driven Function-Behavior-Structure (EE-FBS) model is constructed. A multi-flow and multi-pole effect model is presented by extending the one with single input/output flow in TRIZ. Four effect patterns and three reasoning methods are proposed to create effect chains. The FBS model is extended to an EE-FBS model based on effect through the description of the law of mapping overall function to external behavior, from external behavior to sub-behavior, etc. A functional design process was presented based on the EE-FBS model, and the computer-aided functional design software system is developed. A design example for functional design of Chinese dropping pill medicine demonstrates the proposed method is feasible.Copyright

An approach for generating design scheme of new market disruptive products driven by function differentiation

Propose a systematic design approach for developing new market disruptive products.The differentiated design process of functions is accomplished by two steps.A construct of performance rank is introduced in this study.A disruptive innovative design scheme is proposed by using the approach. New market disruption is an important type of disruptive innovation, and it has been recognized as an important innovation activity in engineering field with dynamic development of demand heterogeneity. A systematic approach for generating design schemes of products that may lead to new market disruption is proposed in this paper. The four steps in this approach include the construction of function layer structure, creation of performance layer, components configuration and the system optimization process. In the first two steps, a classification of functional roles and a construct of performance rank are introduced to capture new function sets and determine the realization degree of functions, and eventually realize the differentiated design of functions relative to the existing mainstream product. In the following two steps, two quantitative evaluation formulas are developed to determine which system should be disrupted for a second time and how to optimize the system. The two steps reduce the workload of modifying design scheme iteratively after the prototype had been manufactured, and eventually the design scheme is determined. The approach is applied to generate a disruptive innovative design scheme of a new type of automatic teller machine, and the feasibility and effectiveness of this approach is proved.

A Sustainable Model of Function Decomposition Based on Effect

Function decomposition is an important step in the process of product design, in both original design and redesign. Following “Three-Flows Principle” complies with objective rules, and the result of product design proves its importance. For the many-to-many relationship between function and effect, when different effect is selected for a function, flows will be very different. The sustainability of product has close relation with the functions, principles, structure and material of product. In the process of function decomposition, designer should follow the sustainable design criteria for effects. Besides, it is significant to unearth available resources in function decomposition. A model of functional decomposition based on effect followed the sustainable design criteria and “Three-Flows Principle” is established in this article. Last, functional structure of heating equipment is established following both the new model and existing model. The results prove the superiority of the new model.

Effect and Effect Chain in Functional Design

Functional design is a key step in the product design process, whether original or redesign. To push functional design into the realm of repeatable and computational, this paper proposes an automated functional design approach. The realization of function is supported by effect chain which is produce by effects using six effect modes. This approach can produce numerous feasible principle solutions in conceptual design process. A design example for functional design of a Chinese medicine mechanism is presented to demonstrate the proposed functional design methodology.

Application of Standard Solution to Human-Machine-Environment Coupling Effect

The reasonable design of human-machine-environment system is closely related to the automation and intelligence of industries. However, there is a lack of suitable analytical method and indicative solutions to the problems when the couplings of man, machine and environment fail to achieve the design. This paper compares the coupling as the Su-Field model, then the problems can be solved under the guidance of the standard solutions. Firstly, the set of constraint factors of the man, machine and environment are established respectively and the coupling between them are carried out. Secondly, the Su-Field model composed of people, machine and environment are established to analyze the problems in the coupling by analogy. Finally, under the guidance of the standard solutions, the problem are solved and the ideal coupling effects are realized. This method effectively solves the problem in the coupling of human, machine, environment and improves the rationality and effectiveness of the system design.

Research on Product Design Process Driven by Customer Value Theory

To build sustainable competitive advantage, being real customer-oriented, the integrated study of customer value guiding product design process research is proposed. By analyzing the connotation of customer value theory, the distinction between customer value-oriented product design and the traditional design is discussed. The basic principles of customer value-oriented product design are also put forward. Finally, the process model of customer value oriented product design, which consists of two parts, value design and concept design. According to this model, customer value space can be identified and path to creating and realizing customer value is given, enabling the practitioners to find new directions to create value for customers.

Trimming-based conflict discovery and problem-solving process model

Trimming is a good analytical and solving method in TRIZ. However, when it failed, other method is needed to reanalyze and resolve the problems, which makes time and energy wasted. Therefore, it will be good if the poor trimming results can be converted into conflicts which can be solved by the powerful conflict solving tools in TRIZ. However, TRIZ itself lacks workable method of determining conflict. For these, through analyze the possible results after trimming, construct the trimming-based conflict discovery diagram. With it, the poor trimming results can be transformed into conflicts directly. In this way, a systematic trimming based problem-solving process model is formed. The application of the process model is illustrated by a case of water dispenser.

Effect for Functional Designs

Functional design plays the central role in ensuring design quality and product innovation. This paper proposes a functional design approach which is supported by effects in TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving). The relationship among function, flow and behavior are discussed. Based on six effect-chain modes and three reasoning methods, multiple effect chains that produce the same output can be generated by effects, which can help engineers achieve breakthrough innovation by proposing new and unexpected variations in producing a specific output. A design example for functional design of a Chinese medicine mechanism is presented to demonstrate the proposed functional design methodology.