Development of conceptual design support system based on integrated Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)

After years of fierce rising competition in the market, conceptual design has become the most important stage in product design. In this stage, expediting the problem-solving and decision-making processes is a crucial issue. Hence, a systematic framework or set of methodologies that efficiently support the decision making on the solution ideas generated from problem solving tools is highly in demand. A computerized support system needed to assist human limitation in large data processing. This research develops a framework and system for concept generation using an integrated Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The TRIZ contradiction matrix and 40 inventive principles solution tools are employed for idea generation, and AHP is used to weight the criteria of concept design. The weights applied to the criteria are standardised for any ensuing evaluation and selection task, such as problem prioritisation, idea scoring and alternative design selection. An initial study of a water bottle design illustrates the applicability and effectiveness of the integrated framework. The framework is then formulated in the computer-based Conceptual Design Support System (CDSS) to support the repetitive and time-consuming evaluation tasks in the framework. A pilot CDSS is developed focusing on car interior design. The criteria of the car interior design are analysed for the preparation of the pilot CDSS development. The glove compartment in the car interior is chosen as the pilot CDSS case study. The applicability of CDSS can be extended into a wider range of applications if the criteria of target design in CDSS is modified and developed specifically to a particular type of product design. Hence, CDSS is improved by adding two selected product design types, i.e., a consumer product and an eco-product. The concepts thus generated are assumed to be at a higher level of abstraction without detailed drawings or material information. In case study of glove compartment design, concept A of sliding type door and flexible partition inside scored the highest, 7.39 points. For the case study of in-house dustbin, Concept C scored the highest with 6.38 points and in the final sketch, the concept has a cap that can be used to compress the rubbish inside by stepping on it. In composite automotive clutch pedal case study, the final concept sketch was designed with ribbed structures and layering the pedal with fire-and water-resistant thin films. The score was 34.36% improved in terms of an eco-product evaluation when compared to the current product. In conclusion, this research provides an effective integrated framework and a computerised system to formulate concept generation and evaluation in the early phase of conceptual design.

Preview Text FK 2014 160IR.pdf Download (2MB) | Preview

Actions (login required)

View Item