DEVELOPMENT OF A METHODOLOGY FOR USING FUNCTION-ANALYSIS IN FLEXIBLE DESIGN STRATEGIES

This paper shows the development of a function analysis methodology fo r use in flexible design. This is a strategy to identify common areas of existing designs and then form a new 'core design' on which the new designs can be based. A full review of current function analysis tech niques is given, from which the new systematic methodology is based. T he method has three stages: function identification, function descript ion and function systematization. An industrial case study is given wi th the function analysis of a powered wheelchair.