Application of fuzzy axiomatic design methodology for selection of design alternatives

Vinodh, S; Kamala, V and Jayakrishna, K (2015) Application of fuzzy axiomatic design methodology for selection of design alternatives. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 13(1), pp. 2-22.

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report a research conducted to apply fuzzy axiomatic design approach for selecting the design alternatives of an overflow valve. Design/methodology/approach – The approach started with the identification of functional requirements (FRs) and design parameters (DPs) and the relationship between them to select the best design alternative. Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process was used to calculate the weightage of FRs. The independence and information axioms were being deployed to validate the selection process. Findings – The most important FRs being identified include “improve manufacturability and adaptability”, “improve ease of operation” and “provide strength and reliability”. The most important DPs are design unification on washer and outlet valve, material selection for improving the strength and reliability and pressure change to check whether the valve is withstanding the pressure using flow analysis. The best design alternative (A1) which deals with material substitution is being implemented in the case organization. The proposed methodology also enables contemporary design engineers to effectively select the best design among a set of alternatives in a fuzzy environment. Research limitations/implications – This paper presents the application of fuzzy axiomatic design for selecting the best design alternative of an overflow valve. The identified best design is being subjected to implementation in the case organization. Practical implications – The industry decision makers were involved throughout the conduct of the study. Hence, the inferences derived from the study possess practical feasibility. Originality/value – The application of the fuzzy axiomatic design approach for selecting the best design alternative of an overflow valve is the original contribution of the authors. Also, the practical feasibility of the approach is also being exemplified.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: design; decision making; product design
Index terms: product design, methodology, decision-making, adaptability, valve, overflow, engineer, design parameter, implementation, analytical hierarchy process, manufacturability
Subjects: design constraints, decision analysis, decision-making and optimization, research methods, manufacturing engineering, fluid mechanics, contractual arrangements, innovation and technology management, user focus, profession, control systems
Topics: Roles and Professions, Risk Management, Procurement, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Design Practice
Descriptive scope: 4 PCTA

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here