Data driven product portfolio analysis of electric motors based on product platforms using knowledge-based systems

Abstract

For a company it is necessary to know, which products can be configured using carry-over-parts or the same technology. This can become quite relevant in the context of automobile electrification, where complex mechatronic systems are used. Consisting of various mechanical components, these systems perform the required function while being actuated by electronically controlled motors. To solve this, a novel mechanism for data driven portfolio analysis based on product platforms using knowledge-based systems is proposed in this paper. Further, the mechanism is tested by applying it to an electrical motors' case study. Using this method, all possible combinations of a product platform are calculated and finally displayed in different product portfolios. Additionally, all the non-feasible motor designs are removed from the solutions portfolio using the acquired knowledge base and performing design checks. The latter are employed for penalising and eliminating from the pareto-front of the designs, which violate the thermal, mechanical and acoustic constraints. The generated product portfolio can be used further to expand the systems engineering collaboration and support decision-making.