Model-based systems engineering in modular design

Abstract

Modular design allows to reduce costs based on scaling effects. However, due to strong alternating effects between the resulting modules and products, methods and tools are required that enable engineers to use specific views in which the respective information can be linked and retrieved according to the situation. Within the scope of this paper, the model-based systems engineering (MBSE) approach is used to model the complex real-world problem of vehicle modular kits. The aim is to investigate the potentials in this context, how modular kits and products can be efficiently modeled and finally how MBSE can support modular design. In order to investigate this in detail, two extensive studies are carried out in a company over a period of three years. The studies show that modular kits lead to an increased complexity of development. Across industries and companies, the demand for reference product models is shown, which facilitate the unification of inhomogeneous partial models and serve as a knowledge repository for the development of future product generations. On this basis, a framework is derived which enables the reuse of large proportions of the product models of previous product generations. This framework is evaluated on the basis of five case studies.

Design methodology for mass personalisation enabled by digital manufacturing

“…The variety among the product family is provided by the modularity of components interfacing the product platform (Pirmoradi, Wang, & Simpson 2014). While commonality among the product family provides cost savings and standardisation, variety allows covering the needs of more customers (Albers et al 2019). The effort in product family design is to find an efficient trade-off between these two conflicting terms (Fixson 2007).…”

“…MC paradigm mainly relies on the traditional mass production methods, and flexibility in the supply chain and assembly processes allows different product configurations (Chen & Tseng 2007). It bases on the modularity and commonality of products to provide variance for customer (Albers et al 2019). In MP, the flexibility needed is at the lowest level of manufacturing.…”

Inconsistency Management for Product Families With Many Variants Through a Model-Based Approach in Modular Lightweight Design

“…Albers et al show how the MBSE approach can be used to model the complex real problem of vehicle kits. The goal is to investigate the potentials in this context, how modular kits and products can be modeled efficiently, and finally, how MBSE can support modular design (Albers et al, 2019). A data model for the development of modular product families based on the integrated PKT-approach was also developed and implemented in MBSE.…”

A network tool to analyse and improve robustness of system architectures

“…Modular architectures facilitate concurrent design and development and early testing and can be advantageous for lifetime operation and maintenance due to future savings in terms of repairs, replacements and reuse (Meehan, Duffy & Whitfield 2007). The design of a modular architecture can, however, lead to a more complex development due to the technological, planning and organisational requirements (Albers et al 2019). Another profoundly essential attribute of modern engineering systems is robustness.…”