Configuration Space Control Using the Example of In-Vessel Components for Wendelstein 7-X

Concurrent engineering with the design of increasingly complex components requires additional tools to avoid space conflicts. Configuration space control is a key technology necessary to achieve the required design efficiency and product development of a complex experiment. Easily accessible solutions available within CAD frameworks, product data management, and configuration management systems currently solve only part of this task. Therefore, it is vital to develop and control a set of procedures that can handle concurrent engineering issues and manage the compatibility of the various components being designed, manufactured, and assembled. In addition, a defined set of procedures are required to control the changes, additions, and nonconformities to the design of components that occur in a developing experiment. To cope with these tasks, sophisticated tools and procedures have been adapted, developed, and implemented. This paper covers the configuration space control process for the in-vessel components of Wendelstein 7-X, and demonstrates its application in the control of the as-assembled components.