HIERARCHICAL DECOMPOSITIONS FOR COMPLEX PRODUCT REPRESENTATION
DS 48: Proceedings DESIGN 2008, the 10th International Design Conference, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Year: 2008
Editor: Marjanovic D., Storga M., Pavkovic N., Bojcetic N.
Author: Ariyo, O. O.; Eckert, C. M.; Clarkson, P. J.
Section: Representation of design information
Page(s): 737 - 744
Abstract
In many published design texts and standards, it is often advocated that hierarchical descriptions should be structured into successive levels of systems, assemblies, components and so. However, there is no one single hierarchy in a complex product. In practice, sub-units within a hierarchy are defined purely in an arbitrary manner. The lack of a structured approach to product decomposition leaves a chance of creating hierarchical decompositions with limited practical use. As a way of creating meaningful hierarchical product descriptions consistently, this paper suggests precautionary steps to aid the product decomposition process. These guidelines are based on insights gained from an assessment on decomposability of a motorcycle.
Keywords: hierarchy formation, product breakdown, hierarchical structuring, product representation