In this research project, modularization will be investigated in the field of different engineering disciplines and in its interdisciplinary impact. Various experts are interviewed to reconcile academic research and modularization in practice as part of this research project. On the one hand, different strategies and tools are presented and on the other hand, metrics for the optimization of modular architectures are shown. This research project aims at the comparison of different modularization approaches and the discussion of interdisciplinary modularization supported by views from several experts.
The challenges of customizing production, meeting shorter innovation cycles, anticipating volatility in demand patterns that are diffcult to predict, and selling products at competitive production costs in different local markets are forcing companies to adopt innovative production concepts. Modularization is an essential way to reduce internal complexity and costs and represents a central strategy for today's companies by dividing a whole into parts called modules. The increasing diversity in production and the growing influence and interconnectedness of different engineering disciplines within the product architecture make modularization a multidimensional optimization problem. Numerous different strategies and tools come into the picture during the formation of modular product structures.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Context and Motivation
1.2 Problem Statement
1.3 Research Objective and Goals
1.4 Contribution and Expected Results
1.5 Structure of the Work
2 Foundations of Modularization
2.1 Variant Management
2.2 System Architecture
2.3 Modular and Integral Product Architecture
2.4 Types of Modularity
2.4.1 Functional and Physical Independence
2.4.2 Interface and Main Unit
2.5 Module Concept in Different Engineering Disciplines
3 Goals and Chances of Modularization
3.1 General Requirements for Modularization
3.2 General Possible Advantages and Disadvantages of Modularization
4 Expert Interview and Modularization in Practice
4.1 Basic Information
4.2 Evaluation of the Expert Interview
5 Methods and Strategies for Optimization of Modularization
5.1 Abstract Procedure for Modularization
5.2 Design Structure Matrix (DSM)
5.3 Modular Function Deployment (MFD)
5.4 Management Engineering Tool for Unified Systems (METUS)
5.5 PuLSE-Eco for Assisting Modularization
5.6 Further Assistance Tools
5.6.1 Change Impact Analysis
5.6.2 Complexity Management
5.6.3 Variant Tree
5.6.4 Roadmapping
6 Metrics and Performance Indicators in Interdisciplinary Modularization
6.1 Hardware Modularization
6.1.1 Important Areas of Application
6.1.2 Typical Metrics
6.1.2.1 CPI/CPN-Method
6.1.2.2 Coupling Index (CI)
6.2 Software Modularization
6.2.1 Important Areas of Application
6.2.2 Typical Software Metrics
6.2.2.1 Related Work
6.2.2.2 Hiding and Inheritance Factors
6.2.2.3 Coupling Factor
6.3 Interdisciplinary Modularization
7 Conclusion
7.1 Summary and Assessment of Contribution
7.2 Suggestions Future Processing
Research Objectives and Focus Areas
The primary objective of this research project is to analyze and consolidate various approaches, strategies, and methods for building modular structures across different engineering disciplines, with a specific focus on the interdisciplinary impact and optimization between hardware and software domains.
- Comparison and analysis of modularization strategies in diverse engineering fields.
- Evaluation of expert perspectives to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial practice.
- Identification of performance indicators and metrics for optimizing modular architectures.
- Investigation of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) as a tool for interdisciplinary modularization.
Excerpt from the Book
2.4.1 Functional and Physical Independence
A possible distinction of modular product architectures results when considering the two dimensions of functional and physical independence. Functional independence means that a component performs a specific function independently of the other components. Physical independence describes the fact that interfaces can separate components physically. Four cases can arise with regard to low and high functional or physical independence (Figure 2).
Modular product architecture comprises closed units that are both physically and functionally independent. A typical modular product is the traditional personal computer. Here, various components such as the screen, keyboard and hard drive each represent relatively functionally and physically independent units. The integral product architecture is the opposite of the modular product architecture. Components of integral products show strong functional and physical dependencies. Product components each fulfill several functions and have interfaces that are difficult to separate. The tablet computer is an excellent example of such an integral product. Here, the screen performs several functions and it is usually not possible to separate the components physically. In the physical modular product architecture, the product has separable interfaces and functions can only result from the interaction of the components. When components have a strong physical connection, but the functions are relatively independent, a functional-modular product architecture is present. Multifunctional tools typically exhibit this phenomenon. The bottle opener of a Swiss Army knife can be used as a screwdriver at the same time.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter introduces the context of modularization in dynamic markets and outlines the research objective, including the core research questions and the structure of the work.
2 Foundations of Modularization: This section defines essential terms such as product architecture, variant management, and classifies different types of modularity relevant for various engineering fields.
3 Goals and Chances of Modularization: This chapter explores the success factors, requirements, and the fundamental advantages and disadvantages inherent in the implementation of modular product structures.
4 Expert Interview and Modularization in Practice: This chapter provides practical insights by evaluating expert interviews from various industries to reconcile theoretical modularization concepts with real-world applications.
5 Methods and Strategies for Optimization of Modularization: This chapter details various methodologies like MFD, METUS, and PuLSE-Eco, alongside supporting tools like DSM, to assist in the construction and optimization of modular architectures.
6 Metrics and Performance Indicators in Interdisciplinary Modularization: This chapter presents specific metrics to evaluate and optimize modularization in hardware and software, and discusses the challenges of interdisciplinary integration.
7 Conclusion: This final chapter summarizes the project's contributions regarding the research questions and provides an outlook on future research directions in modularization.
Keywords
Modularization, Product Architecture, Variant Management, Systems Engineering, MBSE, Hardware Modularization, Software Modularization, Performance Metrics, Interdisciplinary Modularization, Design Structure Matrix, MFD, METUS, Complexity Management, Product Lifecycle, Innovation Cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research project?
The project investigates modularization as a multidimensional optimization problem across different engineering disciplines, aiming to reconcile academic strategies with practical implementation.
What are the primary themes covered in the work?
The main themes include fundamental modularization concepts, requirements and goals, practical expert insights, modularization methods, and performance metrics for both hardware and software domains.
What is the main goal or research question?
The primary goal is to identify methods for building stable modular structures and to understand the essentials of interdisciplinary optimization, specifically addressing how to bridge hardware and software development.
Which scientific methods are applied?
The research uses a qualitative approach, including literature analysis and expert interviews, to investigate current strategies and tools like MFD, METUS, DSM, and various software metrics.
What is discussed in the main body of the work?
The main body details the theoretical foundations of modularization, evaluates practical expert experiences, presents diverse optimization methods (such as DSM and MFD), and explores performance indicators in hardware and software contexts.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include modularization, systems engineering, product architecture, variant management, interdisciplinary integration, and quantitative performance metrics.
How do hardware and software modularization differ according to the findings?
The findings suggest that while hardware modularization relies on static physical interfaces and mechanical properties, software modularization is more dynamic, requiring management of code-level dependencies and logic interfaces.
Why is Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) considered relevant here?
MBSE is identified as a crucial instrument because it facilitates a common language and integrated model across disparate engineering fields, which is essential for managing complexity in cyber-physical systems.
What role do metrics play in the optimization process?
Metrics serve as objective tools to quantify flexibility, change impact, and coupling, allowing companies to make data-driven decisions about whether to modularize specific components or keep them integrated.
- Quote paper
- Marvin Caspar (Author), 2021, Interdisciplinary Optimization of Modularization, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1156944
