Combining set-based concurrent engineering and function — Means modelling to manage platform-based product family design

The purpose of this work is to develop a new design methodology for product platforms that combines Enhanced Function-Means Modelling and Set-Based Concurrent Engineering. The methodology presents new ways to narrow down the design space, which is increasingly important when several alternative designs are generated in Set-Based Concurrent Engineering. The result is the Architectural Option Chart that uses functional couplings between functional requirements and design solutions to eliminate unfeasible platform members.