Product architecture

Question 1

What is funtion structure?

Answer 1

• The function of a system = its ability to create an effect that transforms an operand (material,
  energy or information) from one state to another
• Definition of the systems functions, operands and system boundary
• Describes the flows of material, energy and information in one system
• Decomposition of the systems total function into sub-functions

Question 2

What is funtion tree?

Answer 2

The process model (with a flow of operands) is not suitable for a system/product
that doesn’t transform operands, for example umbrella, suitcase, chair..
A simpler variant, the function tree, can then be used

Question 3

What is organ structure?

Answer 3

• The organ structure consists of the physical elements that realizes the
  functions/characteristics of the product
• Organs are sometimes referred to as function carriers
• Organs are not the same as components:
• functions are realized by a combination/cooperation of components
• one component can contribute to many functions
• sometimes a component = organ
• The organ concept allows separation between how functions are realized and
  how manufacturing is performed

Question 4

What is component structure?

Answer 4

Defines the components that will be manufactured, including geometry, material, surface properties, tolerances etc. Normally handled in the CAD system

Question 5

What is a products architecture?

Answer 5

A products architecture describes what it does (its functions), how it is physically
realized (its modules) and the interactions (interfaces) between the modules. There is integrated architecture and modular architecture.

Question 6

Explain integrated architecture

Answer 6

• Complex mapping function – component
• Coupled interfaces
• One function is realized by several
  physical “modules”
• Complex interaction
• “Difficult to change”
• “Difficult” to create variants
• Needs global optimization

Question 7

Explain modular architecture

Answer 7

• One-to-one mapping function-component
• Decoupled interfaces
• Full realization of one or several functions
• Well defined interface
  Easy to change
• Easy to create variants
• Allows for local optimizations

Question 8

Strategic module drivers (design)

Answer 8

▪ “Carry-over” – reuse in future product generations
▪ Technical development - unplanned future changes/development
▪ Product plan - planed future development

Question 9

Strategic module drivers (costumer demands)

Answer 9

▪ Different specifications - varying function and performance within the
product family
▪ “Styling” - varying form and color within the product family

Question 10

Strategic module drivers (manufacture)

Answer 10

▪ Common unit – use in whole product family
▪ Process/organization - fits a specific process, work unit or supplier

Question 11

Strategic module drivers (quality)

Answer 11

▪ Testing – separate testing

Question 12

Strategic module drivers (outsourcing)

Answer 12

▪ Supplier – the unit can be outsourced

Question 13

Strategic module drivers (after market)

Answer 13

▪ Service/maintenance - service and
maintenance of the unit is required
▪ Upgrading – the unit can be replaced by
another unit with different
functionality/performance
▪ Recycling – special treatment required

Question 14

What is DSM?

Answer 14

• Design Structure Matrix (DSM)
• A matrix to get an overview over the products modularity
• Tool for analysis of technical interactions (module drivers)

Question 15

Why modularization?

Answer 15

▪Decreased development time and cost
▪Decreased risk
▪Secured quality
▪Decreased binding of capital
▪Effective order management and customization
▪Easier preparation and manufacture
▪Easier service and maintenance