Consolidating Product and Process Information of Connections – A System-Theoretical Approach

Abstract

The selection of the optimal connection is one of the most crucial parts in product development as it determines both, product properties and production processes. In multi-variant series production, functionality presumed, process cost is more and more in the focus of the selection. Designers face a big challenge in evaluating the feasible connections and surveying them holistically. Main challenge is the consideration of both, product and process related characteristics as they are documented according to different methodologies and in different sources. Therefore, a system-theoretical approach for consolidating product and process information is developed enabling designers effective designing and surveying the possible connections for given parts to be assembled. A case study evaluates impact on design time and connection quality.