A product functional modelling approach based on the energy flow by using characteristics-properties modelling

Abstract

The main objective in designing a product is to satisfy the required needs. So, the designer aims to design the product’s structure based on the required function of the product. Therefore, in the design process, the link between the functional requirement and the physical structure has to be assured. This paper proposes an approach to help the designer in transition from function to structure to assure this link. This approach uses energy flow modelling to model the system’s behaviour in the framework of characteristics-properties modelling (CPM). It is composed of a multi-level modelling approach with two concurrent, interlinked modelling domains: functional and structural. By zigzagging between these two domains in each level of the decomposition, a quantitative model of the product is determined using CPM. The result shows the effective modifiable parameters (or required structure) of the product to satisfy the required function. So, it can be used to design a new product as well as analysing and optimising an existing product.