Embodiment Design: Product Architecture & Configuration Design

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts discussed in the lecture on Embodiment Design, Product Architecture, and Configuration Design.

Embodiment Design

A phase in the product development process focusing on defining, gathering information, generating concepts, and selecting designs for physical products.

Product Architecture

The arrangement of the physical elements of a product to carry out its required functions, related to its function structure but does not have to match it.

Modular Architecture

A design style that allows for easier evolution of the product over time, where components can be added or removed to meet different customer needs.

Integral Architecture

A type of architecture where functions are accomplished by a few modules, often resulting in components performing multiple functions.

Pugh Chart

A decision-making tool used in the evaluation and selection of design concepts, comparing various options against a set of criteria.

Design for Manufacturing (DFM)

An approach that focuses on designing products to facilitate the manufacturing process.

Design for Assembly (DFA)

A design approach that simplifies the assembly process, reducing the cost and complexity of building products.

Parametric Design

A design process where exact values, dimensions, or tolerances of components are determined based on critical quality requirements.

Schematic Diagram

A visual representation of the arrangement and relationships between the components in a product.

Geometric Layout

The rough spatial arrangement of components within a product that defines the overall structure.

Functional Requirements

Specifications that outline what a module must achieve in terms of performance and functionality.

Spatial Interactions

Physical interfaces between modules that describe how components connect and interact with each other.

Configuration Design

The phase of design focused on establishing the shape and general dimensions of components.

Standard Part

A component that has a generic function and is manufactured routinely without regard to a specific product.

Special-purpose Part

A component designed and manufactured for a specific function within a specific product line.

Subassembly

An assembly that is included within another assembly, often used to simplify the overall product structure.

Design Guidelines

Best practices that guide designers in creating effective, efficient, and functional products.

Interface Connections

The ways in which components connect with each other, which can include fixed, adjustable, or hinged connections.

Clarity of Function

The unambiguous relationship between various functions and the appropriate inputs and outputs of a design.

Force Transmission

The process of transferring forces and moments between two points in a mechanical system.