Introduction to

Mechanical Design

Hanyang University

Gyung-Jin Park
Preface

Design education at the entry level tends to be quite important these days. Yet
there seems to be a lack of general education courses. Moreover, it is difficult to
find an appropriate textbook for such a course. Hanyang University offers an
elementary design course. This volume is developed for the first half semester of
the design course of Hanyang University. Therefore, it is not for professionals
such as scientists and engineers but for beginners who have not yet been exposed
to design. Professionals may want to read it to review elementary aspects.

A product is planned in the design process. Design can be viewed from two
facets. One is the aesthetic viewpoint and the other is the scientific viewpoint. The
beauty of the outer shape is emphasized in the aesthetic design while the logical
process should be presented in the scientific design. Engineering designers
generally use the latter method. Therefore, engineers need design methodologies
that can reasonably explain the design process in an objective way. However,
design methodologies are generally domain (discipline or problem) dependent or
they do not have definite forms. Axiomatic design is selected as a representative
method because it is domain free and has a simple process which is easy to
understand.

This volume is not for a general explanation of design. It is specifically written

for the elementary design course of Hanyang University. Chapter 1 describes what
design is. Elements in the design process are introduced and explained. Chapter 2
briefly explains the elements in design and Chapter 3 introduces axiomatic design.
Two axioms are presented and a few examples are demonstrated. In the second
half of the semester, students conduct a design project by forming teams. How to
write project reports are introduced in Chapter 4.
Contents

I. Introduction to Design ....................................................................................... 1

1.1 What is Design? ......................................................................................... 1
1.2 Analysis vs. Synthesis ................................................................................ 3
1.3 Design Process ........................................................................................... 4
1.4 Exercises..................................................................................................... 6

II. Elements in the Design Process ....................................................................... 7

2.1 Customer Needs and Market Trends .......................................................... 7
2.2 Functional Requirements ............................................................................ 8
2.3 Design Parameters ...................................................................................... 9
2.4 Process Variables ..................................................................................... 10
2.5 Constraints ................................................................................................ 10
2.6 Exercises................................................................................................... 11

III. Axiomatic Design .......................................................................................... 15

3.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 15
3.2 Design Axioms ......................................................................................... 16
3.3 The Independence Axiom ........................................................................ 17
3.4 Application of the Independence Axiom .................................................. 18
3.5 The Information Axiom............................................................................ 27
3.6 Application of the Information Axiom ..................................................... 29
3.7 Discussion ................................................................................................ 31
3.8 Exercises................................................................................................... 32

IV. Design Project ............................................................................................... 35

4.1 About the Design Project ......................................................................... 35
4.2 Elements of a Design Project ................................................................... 35
4.3 Team Project and Communication Skills ................................................. 37
4.4 How to Write the Proposal ....................................................................... 38
4.5 How to Write the Progress Report ........................................................... 40
4.6 How to Write the Final Report ................................................................. 41
4.7 Final Presentation ..................................................................................... 41

V. References ....................................................................................................... 43
I. Introduction to Design

1.1 What is Design?

Design can be defined in a variety of ways depending on the specific context
and/or the field of interest (Suh 2001). It can be an engineering activity, a plan for
a product or fashion, a plan in everyday ordinary life, and so on. Therefore, the
word “design” is utilized in a broad sense. In this volume, the meaning of design is
narrowed to an engineering activity in the planning stage of a product. Since
design is a plan, it is performed in the early stage of the engineering process.

The overall engineering process is illustrated in Figure 1.1. The total

engineering process can be considered as design. In a narrow sense, the design
stage resides after the overall planning and before the product is physically made.
The corporate strategies are established and market objectives are defined in the

Planning

Product design
Feedback

Testing and Refinement

Manufacturing
Feedback

Marketing

Figure 1.1. Overall engineering process

2 Introduction to Mechanical Design

planning stage. The design activity has a bridge function between planning and
manufacturing. In other words, a product is conceptually defined based on the
problem definition of the planning stage. Although it occupies a small portion in
the entire process, the impact of the design results is fairly large.

The history of design is extremely long. It has been performed since cavemen
made tools for hunting. Although the history is long, a rigorous method with a
definite theory is employed recently. Instead of a standardized method, intuition
and unexplained experience have been utilized in design. Even now, there is some
doubt as to whether or not there are any definite forms for design theories. Science
based design methods are beginning to emerge.

Engineering design problems are usually open-ended and ill-structured (Dym

and Little 2004). They are open-ended because there are multiple acceptable
solutions and a solution can be improved upon. Uniqueness, which is extremely
important in mathematics and many analysis problems, does not apply to design
problems. In science and analysis, we generally use mathematical formulae in a
structured way and obtain a solution. However, there are no such formulae in
design. Due to the characteristics, creativity is involved in design because a
different designer can make a different design. Engineering design shows the
typical characteristics of engineering, which are different from those of sciences. It
is noted that the aspects of design are utilized even in the scientific activity,
especially when a plan for a scientific process is established.

A decision making process is typically involved in design. How do we make a

decision or why do we make some specific decisions? What helps us make the
decision? What would be rational and logical decisions? Who is a good designer
and who is not? According to the manner of the decision making process, there are
two viewpoints for the definition of design. In some designs, aesthetic beauty is
emphasized. An example would be industrial design. In industrial design, visible
shape or user convenience is important. Design is mostly made based on intuition;
therefore, science based methods may not be used in this case. In other designs,
soundness in engineering is considered. Achievement of target engineering
functions is important. Thus, a rational explanation is needed. In this case, science
based design methods can be used although it is not always the case.

This volume is prepared for college freshmen or sophomores who are not
exposed to a specific discipline of engineering or science. They mostly learned
general mathematics and sciences through high school education. It is assumed
that the readers are familiar with analysis that uses a rigorous method and has a
unique solution. The value system of design may confuse them because it is
different from what they learned so far. However, it is quite important in that it is a
real-world problem. Difficult terminologies and concepts are minimized; therefore,
many aspects of this volume might be natural to professionals.
 Introduction to Design 3

1.2 Analysis vs. Synthesis

The spectrum of analysis and synthesis is illustrated in Figure 1.2. Pure
mathematics resides at the end of analysis while art is at the extreme of synthesis.
Analysis pursues a unique solution of a problem in an analytical way while various
aspects of sciences, intuition and artistic talents are synthesized to make an artifact
in synthesis.

One of the characteristics in analysis is that there are solutions, in most cases a
unique solution. The mathematics world is artificially defined with no exceptions;
therefore, it is perfectly defined. In most cases, we can get a unique solution for a
mathematical problem. Sciences try to formalize the phenomena of nature. Based
on various assumptions, sciences employ the rules and laws of mathematics in the
formalizing process and a unique solution is pursued. Scientific rules are exploited
in engineering to analyze an artifact and a unique solution is still pursed in
engineering analysis. The results of engineering analysis are reflected in design
synthesis. Engineering design methods, intuition, creativity and experiences are
utilized in this process. There can be various ways of reflection. Beauty is required
in art. Human sense is utilized in art and almost infinite solutions may exist.

In analysis, the problem is often well defined and various mathematical as well
as scientific principles are utilized. An objective approach is employed. On the
other hand, intuitions, experiences and artistic sense are generally adopted in
synthesis. A subjective approach is employed. Therefore, creativity is absolutely
important in synthesis. Engineering design resides in between mathematics and art.
Some design methods such as optimization heavily use mathematics and sciences.
They are close to analysis and are not considered as design here. In some designs,
intuitions and experiences are exploited. They are close to synthesis and generally
considered as design. These days, there is a tendency to use an objective approach
even in the design field which is close to synthesis. This approach is called a
science based method.

A science based method should have principles. If we use such principles in

design, we can obtain a design that is objectively good. Some designers doubt
whether or not such principles exist. However, many efforts are undertaken to find

Mathematics Science …… Engineering Design Art

Analysis Synthesis

Figure 1.2. Analysis vs. Synthesis

4 Introduction to Mechanical Design

good principles. One of them is the axiomatic approach and this will be explained
later in detail. Anyhow we need design principles to reduce the lead time and cost
as well as to assure the resultant design is good. Generally, the science based
design methods are not as rigorous as mathematics. A unique solution is not
guaranteed; however, there is a room for creativity because of that.

1.3 Design Process

Engineering design is the systematic, intelligent generation and evaluation of
specifications for artifacts whose form and function achieve stated objectives and
satisfy specified constraints (Dym and Little 2004). The role of design in the entire
engineering process has been explained. In this section, the design process is
investigated in detail. Design is classified in various ways depending on the
viewpoints. It can be classified based on the order of the activity, design objectives,
methods utilized, and so on.

According to the order of the activity, the design process is generally divided
into conceptual design, preliminary design (embodiment design) and detailed
design. In conceptual design, the problem is defined, data are gathered and overall
parts and shapes are determined. A number of possible solutions can be defined
and narrowed down to a single solution. Parts are selected and the relationships
between parts are identified in preliminary design and detailed dimensions of parts
are determined in detailed design. The order of these three designs is illustrated in
Figure 1.3 and these are included in the product design stage of Figure 1.2. Since
the direction of design is mostly determined in conceptual design, the impact of
conceptual design is generally the largest.

Conceptual design
Overall definition of functions and parts

Preliminary design
Selection of parts and identification of the relationships

Detailed design
Finalization of dimensions

Figure 1.3. Sequence of design

 Introduction to Design 5

Design can be classified into creative design and design improvement. A new
product is defined in creative design. In the modern engineering community, new
products are continually introduced in the market. Especially, many new electronic
devices are made by information technology (IT). Creativity is important and
intuition and experiences are exploited. Recently, designers tend to use design
methods for creative design. Existing designs are usually improved in conventional
technology. In this case, a new technology might be employed; however, the basic
function of a new product is basically similar to that of the existing product.
Generally, design methods with definite forms are being used.

Based on the design methods utilized, design is classified into aesthetic design,
logical design and analytic design. Beauty and user convenience are pursued in
aesthetic design. It seems that unexplainable intuition and experiences are the
major sources in this case. The decisions should be rationally explained in logical
design. Logical design is generally carried out in the conceptual design or the
preliminary design of an engineering product. Mathematical processes are utilized
in analytic design. It is exploited in the detailed design process. Analytic design is
sometimes perfect in logic; therefore, it is close to analysis not synthesis. Although
the logical process in decision making is excellent, the impact of detailed design is
not large.

The entire design process consists of four domains such as the customer
domain, the functional domain, the physical domain and the process domain.
Figure 1.4 illustrates the order of the domains in the design process. First,

Customer Functional Physical Process

domain domain domain domain

What? How? How? How?

What? What?

Why? Why?
Constraints Constraints

Customer Functional Design Process

needs requirements parameters variables

Figure 1.4. Relationship between domains, mapping and spaces

6 Introduction to Mechanical Design

customer needs should be identified. Customer needs (CNs) are expressed by plain
or abstract sentences. Engineers transform the customer needs to functional
requirements (FRs). The FRs are expressed by engineering terminologies. This
transformation is also called mapping. The FRs in the functional domain are
materialized by design parameters (DPs) in the physical domain. Generally, the
mapping process between functional and physical domains is called design. The
designed product in the physical domain is manufactured in the process domain.
Each step of Figure 1.4 uses the mapping process. The subsequent chapters explain
the aspects of the four domains.

1.4 Exercises

1.1 Explain two viewpoints of design and show product examples of the two
viewpoints. Do not use any references and use your own thoughts.

1.2 Describe analysis and synthesis with your own thoughts.

1.3 Show a design example that pursues aesthetic beauty and explain why.

1.4 Show a design example that pursues analytic objectives and explain why.

1.5 Explain what conceptual design, preliminary design and detailed design are.
You can use references.

1.6 Explain the four domains of design with your own thoughts.
II. Elements in the Design Process

In Figure 1.4, the design process is demonstrated by four domains. The

characteristics of the four domains are explained in this chapter.

2.1 Customer Needs and Market Trends

Customer needs (CNs) are demands or requests from customers. The customers
can be general consumers when the product is for the public, and the customers
can be an organization when a product is supplied to an organization. CNs from
general consumers are quite abstract while those from an organization are specific.

In many cases, general customers do not exactly propose what they want. They
need some good products; however, they do not express exactly what those are.
Thus, engineers should usually identify CNs. CNs can be defined by a customer
survey. The survey should include items that the customers want since customers
usually do not think of anything else other than the items in the survey. There are
various methods of how to make the survey and how to evaluate the survey results
(Dieter 2000).

These days, designers often create customer needs. In other words, a designer
can create a product which general customers could never imagine. Many
electronic devices are included in this category. The products can be created by
designers’ creativity or defined by benchmarking. Benchmarking is a method for
measuring a company’s operations against the best companies both inside and
outside of the industry (Dieter 2000). The current product is compared with the
best known product and improvement is found from the comparison. CNs can be
also defined by reverse engineering. A well known product is torn down and the
design process of the product is inferred.

In Figure 1.4, CNs are defined at the beginning and marketing resides after all
the engineering processes end. Thus, it may seem that the two items do not have
common aspects. They actually have fairly close relationships. A product is
sellable in the market when it satisfies CNs. Therefore, when CNs are defined,
market analysis should follow.
8 Introduction to Mechanical Design

2.2 Functional Requirements

Functional requirements (FRs) are defined in the functional domain in Figure 1.4.
CNs are mapped into the functional domain and they are transformed to FRs which
are defined by engineers. Definition of FRs is the first step of the designer’s
activity. It is generally made of engineering terminologies. However, they should
cover the meanings of CNs. FRs express the functional conditions that a product
has to have. When FRs are defined in an incorrect manner, one cannot design a
good product. Therefore, definition of FRs is the most important process and this
process has the most influence on the total design process.

It is not easy to define good FRs. A designer must be very careful on the
decision of FRs. Engineers tend to spend little time on this process; however, they
should spend the most time here. Brainstorming is an efficient way of thinking. In
brainstorming, a group of people get together and communicate with ideas. A
group of people can come up with a better idea than a single person.

It is extremely important to think functionally. In other words, definition of

FRs should be emphasized. Many designers tend to think in the physical domain in
Figure 1.4. They try to transform CNs to physical entities directly. In this case,
they tend to use the physical parts of an existing product and a new idea is difficult
to come up with. This habit makes design difficult. Again, functional thinking for
definition of FRs should be kept in mind. When multiple FRs are defined, some
aspects of one FR should not be included in others. They should be mutually
exclusive.

Example 2.1 [FRs for a toaster]

We have the following CN:
CN : I want to bake a piece of bread conveniently.
Define FRs to satisfy the above CN.

Solution
The following FRs are defined:
FR1 : Bake the bread by heat.
FR2 : Hold the bread while heating.
FR3 : Hold/Grab the bread by hand without touching the heat source.

Example 2.2 [FRs for a refrigerator] (Lee et al. 1994, Suh 2001)
Suppose we have the following CNs:
 Elements in the Design Process 9

CN1 : I need a device that can store food in a fresh manner.

CN 2 : I want to have ice anytime.
CN 3 : I want to store some food for a long time.

Define FRs to satisfy the above CNs

Solution
The top level FRs can be defined as follows:
FR1 : Freeze food or water for long-term preservation.
FR2 : Maintain food at a cold temperature for short-term preservation.

It is noted that an FR is defined by an imperative sentence. Different designers can

make different FRs. It is crucial to define excellent FRs.

2.3 Design Parameters

FRs are materialized by definition of design parameters (DPs). DPs are physical
objects that are defined in the physical domain in Figure 1.4. DPs are defined to
satisfy FRs through a mapping process. As illustrated in Figure 1.4, FRs and DPs
are defined in hierarchical structures. The hierarchy of the physical domain
corresponds to that of the functional domain. DPs in a certain level are defined
according to FRs in the same level and FRs in the next level are defined according
to DPs in the previous level. Therefore, the mapping process is a zigzagging
process. FRs and DPs of the top level are important in the overall design process
because they have a lot of influence on the next levels. Generally, this FR-DP
mapping process is called the design process.

Example 2.3 [DPs for the toaster of Example 2.1]

Define DPs that satisfy the FRs of Example 2.1.
Solution
The following DPs can be defined:
DP1 : Electrical heating system
DP2 : A mechanism to hold the bread while heating
DP3 : A mechanism to draw out the bread

The product for the above DPs can be the one in Figure 2.1(a) or Figure 2.1(b).
It is noted that a different product can be designed with the same DPs. That is, the
final design depends on the designer’s choice.
10 Introduction to Mechanical Design

Example 2.4 [DPs for the refrigerator of Example 2.2]

Define appropriate DPs for the FRs of Example 2.2
Solution
DPs corresponding to the FRs are defined as follows:
DP1 : The freezer section
DP2 : The chiller section

2.4 Process Variables

DPs should be manufactured to produce a product. Process variables (PVs) are the
variables that transform DPs into a real product. PVs reside in the process domain
in Figure 1.4. The DP-PV mapping process is similar to that of the FR-DP
mapping process. Although manufacturing is a fairly important factor in
engineering, it is beyond the scope of this volume.

2.5 Constraints
When we perform some engineering activities, we usually have restrictions.
Engineering activities should be carried out while these restrictions are satisfied.
These restrictions are called constraints. In the design process, the constraints must
be satisfied first. The constraints are defined by design specifications, current
environments, customers, and so on. As illustrated in Figure 1.4, constraints reside
in the physical and process domains. In Example 2.3, different designs are defined
with the same DPs. One possible reason is existence of constraints. Based on the
constraints, different designs can be generated.

(a) Toaster 1 (b) Toaster 2

Figure 2.1. Two toasters with the same DPs

 Elements in the Design Process 11

2.6 Exercises

2.1 Consider a thermoplastic cup that can be used to dispense hot coffee from a
vending machine. The coffee cup must be stiff enough so that it can be
held by hand and also must have enough thermal insulation since it must be
held by hand without burning the hand of the holder. The cost must also be
low to be competitive with other products. What are the functional
requirements (FRs)? Propose a design. How would you satisfy the FRs
with your proposed design?

2.2 The government policy is to provide education to everyone who wants to

receive a college education in Korea. At the same time, Korean people are
eager to have one of the Korean universities to be in the top ten among all
the universities in the world. State functional requirements (FRs). Design a
system that can satisfy the FRs.

2.3 Suppose we want to design a missile that can seek in-coming enemy
missiles and shoot them down. Our missile is of a cylindrical shape with a
circular cross-section. The diameter of the missile should be as small as
possible to minimize the drag on the missile. At the front end of the missile
we want to put a radar system, which may be thought of as a 3 cm thick
circular disk. The efficiency of the radar is proportional to the size of the
radar and therefore, the diameter of radar should be made as large as
possible. The radar must be oriented toward the enemy missile by turning it
and controlling its orientation precisely.
a. What are the customer needs?
b. What are the functional requirements (FRs) for the mechanism that
controls the orientation of the radar?
c. How would you satisfy the FRs?

2.4 We are thinking of creating a hospital at Ansan for our students, faculty,
staff, and their families. What are the things we should consider in
planning to develop an ideal Ansan hospital? What functional requirements
(FRs) should the Ansan hospital satisfy to meet the majority of its
customers? Please propose a design for the Ansan hospital.

2.5 We want to develop a desalination plant that can remove NaCl from
seawater using solar energy. How should we do it? One idea is to buy an
old ship that can no longer be used as a ship and take it to the tropic region
off the coast of the central Africa and make it into a solar-powered
desalination plant to supply water for agricultural purpose. What are the
FRs for such a desalination plant? How can you satisfy the FRs?
12 Introduction to Mechanical Design

2.6 In developing a new drug, it is necessary to test how the drug reacts with
certain proteins in a cell. Cells are about 100 microns in diameter and the
drug molecules are about 10 nanometers. Right now most pharmaceutical
companies test the drug by sending it to outside of the cell and by watching
how the biological system reacts to the new drug. It will be highly
desirable to put the drug inside the cell and watch the reaction going on
inside the cell. How would you do it? What are the FRs?

2.7 We want to create a computer game that a person can play to test his/her
creativity. What should we do? What are the FRs? What are the design
parameters? How would you measure the effectiveness of your game?

2.8 We want to use the tide of the Yellow Sea to generate electric power. Can
you design a system that can generate electrical power from the ocean tide?
What are the functional requirements (FRs) that we must satisfy? What are
your design parameters?

2.9 The globe is warming up (i.e., the global warming) due to the increase in
the level of CO2 in the atmosphere, which traps thermal energy by reducing
the radiation of thermal energy from Earth to outer space. There have been
a number of suggestions made on how to achieve the reduction of CO2.
How would you do it? What are functional requirements (FRs) that must
be satisfied to control and reduce the amount of CO2? How would you
satisfy the FRs?

2.10 The transportation time by car across a large metropolitan city (a la Seoul)
is a function of the size of the city. We may assume that the time it takes to
go across the city is proportional to the square of the diameter of the city,
which is equivalent to assuming that the traffic flow in a large city can be
described by a diffusion model (a la thermal and mass diffusion). How
would you design a new mega city to minimize the transportation time,
which should also reduce the pollution level of the city? What are the FRs
we need to satisfy? What are your DPs?

2.11 Most leading universities have a “need-blind” admissions policy, which

states that all admitted students can study at the university regardless of
whether or not they can pay the tuition. At these universities, the student is
admitted based only on their academic achievements. After the student is
accepted, then the school examines the ability of the parents to pay the
student’s tuition. Based on the financial assessment of the ability to pay,
the school gives out scholarships to the student and the rest is paid by
parents or the student. Your job is to devise a system for deciding on the
amount of scholarship. What are the FRs and what are your DPs?

2.13 At University, we must promote friendship among all our students,

including students from other countries. What are the issues? What FRs
 Elements in the Design Process 13

should we satisfy to achieve our goal? How would you organize the groups
to achieve this goal?

2.14 Many people have tried to build a “human-powered flying machine.” We

want to design a flying machine. What are the FRs that we must satisfy?
Propose your design that can satisfy the FRs (Please check your design
against those reported in the literature and make sure that your design is
unique).

2.15 When we transmit a message over a communications channel, the message

can be corrupted because of the noise in the transmission line. Therefore, a
continuing effort has been made to improve the quality of transmission.
Define the FRs and devise a means of minimizing the error and
maximizing the transmission of the information. (Now some people use the
so-called the Turbo code to maximize the channel capacity, but you should
think about your own solution.)

2.16 We transport liquefied natural gas using specially designed LNG ships that
can contain such cold liquids. What are the FRs of such a ship? How
would you design the thermal insulation system for such a ship?

2.17 One of the requirements of cell phones (hand phones) is the minimum use
of battery power. Many different techniques have been devised to
minimize the consumption of electrical energy. What are the FRs that must
be satisfied to achieve this goal? Conceptually how would you design a
system that will minimize the use of battery power?

2.18 A university student was flying on a Boeing 777 across the Pacific Ocean
from Inchon, Korea, to San Francisco, U.S.A. It took roughly 11 hours. He
noticed the following:
a. First hour of flying: Altitude = 33,000 ft, Ground speed 610 mph
b. Third hour of flying: Altitude = 34,000 ft, Ground speed 620 mph
c. Sixth hour of flying: Altitude = 35,000 ft. Ground speed 630 mph
d. Tenth hour of flying: Altitude = 39,000 ft, Ground speed 610 mph
On his return trip to Korea from the United States, which took 13 hours, th
e student noticed the following from the flight monitor:
e. First hour of flying: Altitude = 33,000 ft, Ground speed 550 mph
f. Third hour of flying: Altitude = 34,000 ft, Ground speed 560 mph
g. Sixth hour of flying: Altitude = 35,000 ft. Ground speed 540 mph
h. Tenth hour of flying: Altitude = 39,000 ft, Ground speed 540 mph
From the data given above, can you explain, with a first order
approximation, the design of the aircraft? How do you determine the
engine size? How do you determine the wing size? How would you
improve the fuel efficiency of the airplane?
14 Introduction to Mechanical Design

2.19 There are the Internet-based search engines such as Google and Naver,
which extract relevant reference materials when keywords are provided by
the user. The next generation of the advanced search engines should extract
relevant information from selected references and synthesize the answer
for the user based on the background-information on the user of the
software, e.g., educational level, field of specialization, experience, etc.
What are the FRs of such a software system? Design the software system.
What are the DPs of your software system? You do not have to code the
software.

2.20 Korea needs to develop knowledge-based industries that can be the engine
for its economic growth in 20 years. We can learn a lot about the
prerequisites that must be satisfied to develop high-tech industries by
examining the history of high-tech centers in the United States. State FRs
for developing knowledge-based industries and design a national policy for
satisfying the FRs. What are your DPs?
III. Axiomatic Design

3.1 Introduction
Axiomatic design is a design methodology that was created and popularized by
Professor Suh of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Suh 1990, 2001). It is
a design framework that works on all the design disciplines. Axiomatic design
consists of two axioms: the Independence Axiom and the Information Axiom. A
good design should satisfy the two axioms.
An axiom is a statement accepted without proof as an underlying assumption of
a formal mathematical theory. It is also called a postulate. It cannot be
mathematically proved. If a counter example is found, the axiom becomes obsolete.
Axioms are mostly used in (Euclidean) geometry. Geometry starts with axioms,
and theorems and corollaries are derived from the axioms.

Points and lines are names for the elements of two (distinct) sets. Incidence is a
relationship that may (or may not) hold between a particular point and a particular
line. The followings are examples of axioms:
(1) For every two points, there exists a line incident with both points.
(2) For every two points, there is no more than one line incident with both
points.
(3) There exist at least two points incident with each line.
(4) There exist at least three points. Not all points are incident with the same
line.
Also, many laws in physics are axioms as well. For example, Newton’s laws
are axioms. The following Newton’s equation is an axiom:

F  ma (3.1)

where F is the external force, m is the mass and a is the acceleration. Many other
physics laws (theorems) are made from Newton’s laws. Thermodynamic principles
are also axioms. We cannot prove them; however, we cannot find a machine that
violates the thermodynamic principles.
16 Introduction to Mechanical Design

3.2 Design Axioms

As mentioned earlier, there are two design axioms and they are as follows:

Axiom 1: The Independence Axiom

Maintain the independence of FRs
Alternate Statement 1: An optimal design always maintains the
independence of FRs.
Alternate Statement 2: In an acceptable design, DPs and FRs are related in
such a way that a specific DP can be adjusted to satisfy its corresponding
FR without affecting other functional requirements.

Axiom 2: The Information Axiom

Minimize the information content of the design
Alternate Statement: The best design is a functionally uncoupled design
that has minimum information content.

The axioms are utilized sequentially. First, a design is found using the
Independence Axiom. If multiple designs that satisfy the Independence Axiom are
found, the Information Axiom is used to find the best one. A flow chart on how to
use the axioms is illustrated in Figure 3.1. This will be explained later.

Analysis of design

Find designs that satisfy the

Independence Axiom.

No
Is the no. of designs sufficient?

Yes
Yes Find the best design with the
Multiple designs?
Information Axiom.

No

Determine the final design.

Figure 3.1. Flow chart of the application of axiomatic design

 Axiomatic Design 17

3.3 The Independence Axiom

The Independence Axiom indicates that the relationship between FRs and DPs
should be independent. That is, a DP should satisfy a corresponding FR. Suppose
we have three FRs and three DPs. If we use the vector notation

 FR1   DP1 
FR   FR2 , DP   DP2  (3.2)
 FR3   DP3 

Using design matrix A, the relationship (design equation) of FR and DP is as

follows:

FR  ADP (3.3a)

 FR1   A11 A12 A13   DP1 

 FR    A A22 A23   DP2  (3.3b)
 2   21
 FR3   A31 A32 A33   DP3 

FR-DP relationships according to matrix A are shown in Table 3.1. If the

design matrix is a diagonal matrix as shown in the first case of Table 3.1, it is an
uncoupled design. Because each DP can satisfy a corresponding FR, the uncoupled
design perfectly satisfies the Independence Axiom. When the design matrix is
triangular as shown in the second case of Table 3.1, the design is a decoupled
design. A decoupled design satisfies the Independence Axiom if the design
sequence is correct. In the second case of Table 3.1, DP1 is first determined for
FR1 and fixed. FR2 is satisfied by the choice of DP2 and the fixed DP1 . DP3 is
determined in the same manner with the fixed DP1 and DP2 .

When a design matrix is neither diagonal nor triangular, the design becomes a
coupled design. In a coupled design, no sequences of DPs can satisfy the FRs
independently. Therefore, an uncoupled or a decoupled design satisfies the
Independence Axiom and a coupled design does not. If a design is coupled, an
uncoupled or decoupled design must be found through a new choice of DPs. It is
noted that when the numbers of FRs and DPs are different the design is coupled.
For the ith FR or DP, the subscript notation is used in this book. FRi is frequently
expressed by FRi. With design matrices, multiplication and addition are permitted;
however, other manipulations such as coordinate transformation are not permitted.
18 Introduction to Mechanical Design

Table 3.1. FR-DP relationship according to the design matrix

Design equation Design process

 FR1   A11 0 0   DP1  FR1  A11  DP1

Uncoupled   
 FR2    0 A22 0   DP2  FR2  A22  DP2
design
 FR3   0 0 A33   DP3  FR3  A33  DP3

FR1  A11  DP1

 FR1   A11 0 0   DP1 
Decoupled    FR2  A21  DP1  A22  DP2
 FR2    A21 A22 0   DP2 
design FR3  A31  DP1  A32  DP2
 FR3   A31 A32 A33   DP3 
 A33  DP3

FR1  A11  DP1  A12  DP2

 A13  DP3
 FR1   A11 A12 A13   DP1 
 FR    A FR2  A21  DP1  A22  DP2
Coupled
 2   21 A22 A23   DP2 
design  A23  DP3
 FR3   A31 A32 A33   DP3 
FR3  A31  DP1  A32  DP2
 A33  DP3

It is noted that constraints (Cs) exist in the design. Constraints are generally
defined from design specifications and they must be satisfied. Constraints can be
defined without regard to the independence of FRs and coupled by DPs. As
illustrated in Figure 1.4, the constraints can be defined in the DP or PV domains.

3.4 Application of the Independence Axiom

The following examples show applications of the Independence Axiom. As
mentioned earlier, an imperative sentence is used for the expression of an FR and a
noun is used for a DP.

Example 3.1 [Design of a Refrigerator Door] (NSF 1998, Suh 2001)

Figure 3.2 shows two refrigerator doors that we most frequently encounter. Which
one has the better design? To answer the question, the doors are analyzed based on
the axiomatic design viewpoint. Functional requirements are defined as follows:
FR1 : Provide access to the items stored in the refrigerator.
FR2 : Minimize energy loss.
 Axiomatic Design 19

(a) Vertically hung door (b) Horizontally hung door

Figure 3.2. Refrigerator

Solution
Design parameters for the vertically hung door in Figure 3.2(a) are as follows:
DP1 : Vertically hung door
DP2 : Thermal insulation material in the door

The design equation may be stated as

 FR1   X 0   DP1 
 FR     
X   DP2 
(3.4)
 2  X

where X indicates a nonzero value, and hence a dependence between an FR and a

DP.

The design in Equation 3.4 is a decoupled one and satisfies the Independence
Axiom. However, when we open the door, energy loss occurs due to the X in the
off-diagonal term. Now, the horizontally hung door in Figure 3.2(b) is analyzed.
DP1 : Horizontally hung door
DP2 : Thermal insulation material in the door

The design equation is made as follows:

 FR1   X 0   DP1 
 FR     
X   DP2 
(3.5)
 2 0
20 Introduction to Mechanical Design

When we open the horizontally hung door, cold air remains in the refrigerator
and energy loss can be minimized. Therefore, the horizontally hung door has an
uncoupled design and is a better design than the vertically hung door. Is the
horizontally hung door always better? As far as the functional requirements
defined here are kept, it is correct. Suppose that constraints are proposed for the
amount of stored food or convenience to access items. Then the problem will be
different. If a refrigerator with a horizontally hung door violates the constraints, it
cannot be accepted regardless of the satisfaction of the Independence Axiom.
When constraints exist, they should be checked first.

Example 3.2 [Design of a Water Faucet] (Suh 2001)

A faucet is designed. The user should be able to control the temperature and the
running rate of water. Since there are many commercialized faucets, they are
evaluated. The functional requirements of a faucet are defined as follows:
FR1 : Control the flow of water (Q).
FR2 : Control the temperature of water (T).

Solution
Analyzing the product in Figure 3.3(a), DPs and the design equation are defined as
follows:
DP1 : Angle 1
DP2 : Angle  2

 FR1 (Q)   X X   DP1 (1 ) 

 FR (T )    
X   DP2 ( 2 )
(3.6)
 2  X

As shown in Equation 3.6, the design is coupled. Thus, the design is not
acceptable.

Another example is presented in Figure 3.3(b). The design is analyzed as

follows:
DP1 : Angle 1
DP2 : Angle  2

 FR1 (Q)   X 0   DP1 (1 ) 

 FR (T )    
X   DP2 ( 2 )
(3.7)
 2  0

Because the design matrix is diagonal, the design is uncoupled. Therefore, it

satisfies the Independence Axiom and is acceptable.
 Axiomatic Design 21

1
2

Cold water Hot water

(a) Coupled design 2



Y
1

(b) Uncoupled design

(c) Uncoupled design

Figure 3.3. Example of a water faucet

One more design is illustrated in Figure 3.3(c).

DP1 : Displacement Y
DP2 : Angle 

 FR1 (Q)   X 0   DP1 (Y ) 

 FR (T )    
X   DP2 ( )
(3.8)
 2  0

The design matrix is diagonal; therefore, the design is uncoupled. We have two
uncoupled designs. Which one is better? It is easy to manipulate the one in Figure
3.3(c). This can be explained by the Information Axiom which will be introduced
later. The design in Figure 3.3(c) is the best from the viewpoint of the Information
Axiom. Actually, the one in Figure 3.3(c) is becoming popular. This conclusion is
made based on engineering functional requirements. If aesthetic aspects are
important, different decisions can be made.

Example 3.3 [Axiomatic Design of the Toaster in Example 2.1]

Using the FRs of Example 2.1 and DPs of Example 2.3, make the design matrices
for the products in Figure 2.1(a) and Figure 2.1(b).
22 Introduction to Mechanical Design

Solution
The design matrix for each design is defined as follows:

 FR1   X 0 0   DP1 
 FR    0 X x    DP2  (for Figure 2.1(a)) (3.9a)
 2 
 FR3   0 X X   DP3 

 FR1   X 0 0   DP1 
 FR    0 X x    DP2  (for Figure 2.1(b)) (3.9b)
 2 
 FR3   0 X X   DP3 

When we design a complicated system, a definition of a simple FR-DP

relationship may not be sufficient. Then we can decompose the relationship. As
illustrated in Figure 3.4, a new relationship is defined by the zigzagging process
between the functional and physical domains. The zigzagging process is presented
by the numbers in Figure 3.4. It is noted that DPs are defined according to FRs in
the same level and FRs of the lower level are defined based on the characteristics
of DPs in the upper level. This decomposition process continues until the leaf
(bottom) level is reached.

FR ① DP

③
FR1 FR2 … DP1 DP2 …

FR11 FR12 … FR21 FR22 … DP11 DP12 … DP21 DP22 …

(a) Functional domain (b) Design domain

Figure 3.4. Zigzagging process between domains

 Axiomatic Design 23

Example 3.4 [Decomposition of Example 2.2]

Decompose the FRs of Example 2.2 and design the refrigerator by using the
axiomatic approach.

The design matrix for Example 2.2 (first level) is diagonal; therefore, it is an
uncoupled design. FR1 can be decomposed by the selection of DP1 .

FR11 : Maintain the temperature of the freezer section in the range of

18 C  2 C.
FR12 : Maintain a uniform temperature in the freezer section.
FR13 : Control the relative humidity to 50% in the freezer section.

In the same manner, FR2 can be decomposed with respect to DP2 .

FR21 : Maintain the temperature of the chiller section in the range of

2 C 3 C.
FR22 : Maintain a uniform temperature in the chiller section within  0.5 C of
the preset temperature.
The design parameters for the second level are to be determined. The DPs must
be determined to satisfy the independence of the FRs. It is noted that DPs in the
lower level should be determined so as not to violate the independence of the
upper level.

The FRs of the freezer section can be satisfied by (1) a device pumping chilled
air into the freezer section, (2) a device for circulation of air for a uniform
temperature, (3) a monitoring device to independently control the temperature and
humidity. Therefore, the DPs in the second level are defined as follows:
DP11 : Sensor/compressor system that activates the compressor when the
temperature of the freezer section is different from the preset one
DP12 : Air circulation system that blows the air into the freezer and circulates
it uniformly
DP13 : Condenser that condenses the moisture in the returned air when the dew
point is exceeded
The design is a decoupled one as follows:

 FR12   X 0 0   DP12 
 FR    X X 0   DP11  (3.10)
 11  
 FR13   X 0 X   DP13 

For food storage in the chiller section, the temperature should be maintained in
the range of 2 C  3 C . The chiller section also activates the compressor and
circulates the air. Design parameters for the chiller section are
24 Introduction to Mechanical Design

DP21 : Sensor/compressor system that activates the compressor when the

temperature of the chiller section is different from the preset one
DP22 : Air circulation system that blows the air into the chiller section and
circulates it uniformly
The design equation is a decoupled one as follows:

 FR22   X 0   DP22 
 FR     
X   DP21 
(3.11)
 21   X

The entire design equation decomposed up to the second level is a decoupled

one as follows:

 FR12   X 0 0 0 0   DP12 
 FR    
 11   X X 0 0 0   DP11 
 FR13    X 0 X 0 0   DP13  (3.12)
    
 FR22   0 0 0 X 0   DP22 
 FR21   0 X   DP21 
   0 0 X

It is noted that the FRs of the lower level still keep the independence of the
upper level in Equation 3.12.

From the design equation in Equation 3.12, one compressor and two fans can
satisfy the FRs. DP11 and DP21 are sensor/compressor systems so that the
compressor is activated by the sensors. However, the fans of DP12 and DP22 will
not be activated unless the temperature is out of the range of the preset one.
Therefore, the design with one compressor and two fans satisfies the Independence
Axiom. An example is illustrated in Figure 3.5. Other designs can be proposed. If
multiple designs are proposed, we can select one that satisfies the Independence
Axiom and controls the temperature and humidity in a wide range.

The new design and the conventional refrigerator are compared. The
conventional refrigerator consists of one compressor and one fan. As illustrated in
Figure 3.6, a damper is utilized to cool the refrigerating room. Therefore, the
temperature of the refrigerator is not independently controlled. When the
temperature exceeds 3 C , the damper is opened. However FR21 is not satisfied
unless the compressor and the fan of the freezer section are activated.

There is a saying that a simple design is a good one. From this statement, we
may guess that a good design makes one DP satisfy multiple FRs. In other words, a
coupled design is better. This aspect is very confusing in axiomatic design.
However, from an axiomatic design viewpoint, this is the case where multiple DPs
make a physical entity. That is, a physical entity consists of multiple DPs and
 Axiomatic Design 25

New cooling system refrigerator

Capillary F-fan Freezing

tube room

Cold
air
Evaporator
Condenser
R-fan Refrigeratin
g room
Compressor
Two cooling fan type
Figure 3.5. A new design of a refrigerator that satisfies the Independence Axiom

Conventional refrigerator

Capillary Fan Freezing

tube Cold room
air

Evaporator
Condenser
Damper
Refrigerating
Compressor room

One cooling fan type

Figure 3.6. Conventional refrigerator

multiple DPs satisfy FRs of the same number. This is called “physical integration.”
Physical integration is desirable because the information quantity can be reduced.
The following example is a typical example of physical integration.

Example 3.5 [Bottle-can Opener] (NSF 1998, Suh 2001)

Suppose we need a device that can open bottles and cans. Functional requirements
are defined as follows:
FR1 : Design a device that can open bottles.
FR2 : Design a device that can open cans.

Solution
26 Introduction to Mechanical Design

Figure 3.7. Bottle-can opener Figure 3.8. Beverage can

The device in Figure 3.7 has one physical entity for the bottle opener and can
opener. However, two DPs at both ends independently satisfy the two functional
requirements. Therefore, the design in Figure 3.7 satisfies the Independence
Axiom. If the constraint set includes “both functions should be simultaneously
used,” then a different design should be investigated.

Example 3.6 [Beverage Can Design] (NSF 1998, Suh 2001)

Consider an aluminum beverage can that contains liquid as illustrated in Figure 3.8.
According to an expert working at one aluminum can manufacturer, there are 12
FRs for the can. Plausible FRs: contain axial and radial pressure, withstand
moderate impact when the can is dropped from a certain height, allow stacking on
top of each other, provide easy access to the liquid in the can, minimize the use of
aluminum, be printable on the surface, and more. However, these 12 FRs are not
satisfied by 12 physical pieces. The can consists of three pieces: the body, the lid
and the tab opener. There must be at least 12 DPs and they are distributed to these
three pieces. Most of the DPs are associated with the geometry of the can: the
thickness of the body, the curvatures at the bottom, the reduced diameter at the top
to reduce the material used to make the top lid, the corrugated geometry of the tab
opener to increase the stiffness, the small extrusion on the lid to attach the tab, etc.

The complexity is reduced when physical integration is utilized while the

independence is maintained. That is, related information quantity is reduced.
Therefore, physical integration does not violate the Independence Axiom. Instead,
it is recommended.
 Axiomatic Design 27

3.5 The Information Axiom

Axiomatic design requires satisfaction of the Independence Axiom. Multiple
designs that satisfy the Independence Axiom can be derived. In this case, the best
design should be selected. The best design is the one with minimum information.
How can we quantitatively define the information content? The definition varies
according to the situation. Generally, the information is related to complexity.
Then how can we measure complexity? We need a rigorous definition for the
information content. The information content can be differently defined according
to the characteristics of the design. The probability of success has been utilized as
an index of the information content.

Suppose p is the probability of satisfying FR with DP . Then the information

content is defined as

I  log 2 1 / p (3.13)

In Equation 3.13, the reciprocal of p is used to make the larger probability have
less information. Also, the logarithm function is utilized to enhance additivity. The
base of the logarithm is 2 to express the information content with the bit unit.

Suppose we have the following uncoupled design:

 FR1   A11 0 0   DP1 

 FR    0 A22 0   DP2  (3.14)
 2 
 FR3   0 0 A33   DP3 

Suppose p1 , p2 and p3 are the probabilities of satisfying FR1 , FR2 and FR3
with DP1 , DP2 and DP3 , respectively. The total information I total is

3 3  1 
I total   I i   log 2   (3.15)
i 1 i 1  pi 

It is noted that the information content should only be defined based on the
corresponding functional requirement.

Calculation of the information content for a decoupled design is somewhat

different. Since independence is satisfied by the sequence of the process, the
probability of success of the later process depends on that of the previous one.
Therefore, it is a conditional probability. Suppose we have the following
decoupled design:
28 Introduction to Mechanical Design

 FR1   X 0   DP1 
 FR     
X   DP2 
(3.16)
 2  X

If p1 is the probability that DP1 satisfies FR1 , then the probability that
DP2 satisfies FR2 under the satisfaction of FR1 by DP1 is a conditional
probability. Suppose it is p 21 . Then the probability of success p that both FR1
and FR2 are satisfied is

p  p1 p 21 (3.17)

The total information content for p is

I   log 2 p   log 2 ( p1 p 21 )   log 2 p1  log 2 p 21  I 1  I 2 (3.18)

The conditional probability is useful for investigating the characteristics of the

Information Axiom. However, it is rarely applied to real problems because p 21 is
not easy to evaluate. Instead, the probability density function is more practical for
application.

Information content can be calculated by using the probability density function.

Figure 3.9 presents a schematic view of this. The terminologies are as follows: the
design range is the range for the design target, the system range is the operating
range of the designed product and the common range is the common area between
the design range and the system range. The design range is defined by lower and
upper bounds and the system range is defined by a distribution function of the
system performance. A uniform distribution of a system range is illustrated in

Target
Probability
density Bias

Probability density
Design range
function of the system

Common
range

FR
Variation from the
peak value
Figure 3.9. Calculation of the information content using the probability density
function
 Axiomatic Design 29

Figure 3.10. The design should be directed to increase the common range. The
information content is defined as follows:

p s  Acr / Asr (3.19a)

I   log 2 ( Acr / Asr ) (3.19b)

where Asr is the system range and Acr is the common range.

3.6 Application of the Information Axiom

Example 3.7 [An Example of Calculating Information Content]

Information content is calculated for the design problem in Figure 3.7. It is
assumed that the probability of satisfying FR1 with DP1 is 0.9 and the one for
FR2 with DP2 is 0.85. The total information content is as follows:

 1   1 
I total  I1  I 2  log 2    log 2    0.1520  0.2345  0.3865 (bits) (3.20)
 0.9   0.85 

Now the reduction of information due to physical integration is explained with

Example 3.5. Without physical integration, two pieces of the two DPs should be
made. If we keep the amount of material constant, the sizes of each piece should be
smaller. Then the use of each piece is inconvenient and the probability of success
is reduced. The result is that the information content is increased. Therefore, it is
inferred that a tool with physical integration has less information content. However,
not much research has been done on quantifying the reduction of information
content from physical integration. We need more research on this topic.

Probability
density
Probability
density function
of the system
Design
Common
range

10,000 30,000 50,000 70,000 90,000 FR

Figure 3.10. Probability density function of a uniform distribution
30 Introduction to Mechanical Design

Example 3.8 [Manufacturing a Bar with a Specified Tolerance]

Another method to calculate the probability of success is introduced. A bar of 1 m
length is to be manufactured. The tolerances of two cases are 0.00001 m and
0.1 m . Calculate the information content for both cases.

Solution
If we use the same machine for both cases, the probability of success is smaller
when the tolerance is small. Also, if the given length (nominal length) is longer,
the ratio of the tolerance to the total length is smaller. Thus, the probability of
success is as follows:

 tolerance 
p  f   (3.21)
 nominal length 

If we assume that Equation 3.21 is linear, then it becomes as follows:

tolerance
pc (3.22)
nominal length

where c is a constant.

Example 3.9 [Calculation of the Information Content Using the

Probability Density Function]
A problem is artificially made to demonstrate an example. A person defines two
functional requirements to buy a house as follows:
FR1 : Let the price range be from 50,000 dollars to 80,000 dollars.
FR2 : Let the commuting time be within 40 minutes.

The person considers a house in city A or city B. Table 3.2 shows the
conditions of both cities. Where should the person buy a house to minimize the
information content?
Solution
The system range is defined from Table 3.2 and the design range is determined
from the functional requirements. It is assumed that all the probability densities are
uniform. Figure 3.10 presents the probability density for the price of the house in
city A. Other items can be illustrated in the same manner. The information content
for city A is as follows:
 Axiomatic Design 31

Table 3.2. Conditions for each

city
city A city B
Price $45,000-$60,000 $70,000-$90,000
Commuting time 35-50 min 20-30 min

 1.5   15 
I A1  log 2    0.59, I A2  log 2    1.59 (3.23)
 1  5

I A  I A1  I A2  2.18 (bits) (3.24)

In the same manner, the information content for city B is

2  10 
I B1  log 2    1.0 , I B1  log 2    0.0 (3.25)
 
1  10 

I B  I B1  I B 2  1.0 (bits) (3.26)

The information content I A for city A is 2.18 and that for city B ( I B ) is 1.0.
Therefore, city B has the optimum house from an axiomatic design viewpoint.

The design should be directed to reduce the information content in Equation

3.13. From Figure 3.9, it is effective to reduce the bias that is the difference
between the averages of the system range and design range. After that, the
standard deviation of the system range should be decreased. Then the common
range is increased and the information content is reduced. This aspect is related to
robust design.

3.7 Discussion
As explained earlier, the two axioms are independent of each other. Thus, we have
to apply them separately. Generally, the Independence Axiom should be satisfied
first. In many cases, the design is terminated only with the application of the
Independence Axiom. When both axioms are utilized, the flow in Figure 3.1 is
recommended.
32 Introduction to Mechanical Design

When we apply the Independence Axiom, the ideal design should be kept in
mind. The numbers of FRs and DPs are the same in an ideal design. The design
matrix should be a square diagonal or triangular one. If the numbers are different,
the design is coupled. When the number of DPs is smaller, new DPs should be
added. In a redundant design where the number of DPs is larger, the number of
DPs should be reduced or some specific DPs should be fixed.

Suppose we have the following redundant design:

 DP1 
 FR1   X 0 
DP2 
X
 FR   
X  
(3.27)
 2 0 X
 DP3 

First, we can fix DP2 . Then the design becomes an uncoupled one. That is,
redundant parameters are fixed to make the design uncoupled or decoupled with
the rest of the parameters.

The Information Axiom is utilized to quantitatively evaluate a design that

satisfies the Independence Axiom. It is especially useful when multiple designs are
compared. When multiple designs, which satisfy the Independence Axiom, are
found, the one with the minimum information content is selected as the final
design.

Basically, axiomatic design can be exploited in creating a new design or in

evaluating existing designs. It is quite useful in the conceptual design of new
products. Although the history of the method is relatively short, its usefulness has
been verified through many examples. There are some common responses from
application designers. First, they tend to easily agree with the axioms and think
that they can use them right away. However, they have difficulties in testing the
axioms with their existing products. In most cases, they tend to look at the designs
with previous concepts, not from an axiomatic viewpoint. Many designers stop
applying axiomatic design at this stage. However, if the designers overcome this
stage, they can realize the usefulness of axiomatic design. It is important not to
consider existing products when the functional requirements are defined. Instead,
designers should think about the functional requirements in a solution neutral
environment. In recent research, axiomatic design is utilized in detailed designs.
Later examples will demonstrate how axiomatic design is applied to the detailed
design process of structures.

3.8 Exercises

3.1 Analyze the design of a mechanical pencil with the Independence Axiom.
 Axiomatic Design 33

3.2 Analyze the design of an electrical pencil sharpener with the Independence
Axiom.

3.3 Perform the decomposition of Example 3.3 (the one in Figure 2.1(a)) with
the axiomatic approach.

3.4 Find the design for Exercise 2.1 with the Independence Axiom.

3.5 Find the design for Exercise 2.4 with the Independence Axiom.

3.6 Find the design for Exercise 2.10 with the Independence Axiom.

3.7 Find the design for Exercise 2.17 with the Independence Axiom.

3.8 Find a product that uses the idea of physical integration and analyze it with
the Independence Axiom.

3.9 Make a plan for your life with axiomatic design (use the zigzagging
process).
IV. Design Project

4.1 About the Design Project

A project is a unique sequence of work tasks, undertaken once, to achieve a
specific set of objectives (Eggert 2005). The word “project” is frequently used
everywhere these days. In a design class, projects are usually given to students as
the final large-scale homework and they are called design projects. A design
project is a project where a design activity is performed. The design project is
different from general homework or an exam. First, the scale of the design project
is large and the problem usually has an open-ended solution. In other words, there
can be many solutions or finding one solution can be quite difficult. The design
project is carried out for a long period of time. Generally, half the semester can be
spent to finish the design project. The flow of the design project is illustrated in
Figure 4.1. It should be remembered that each step of Figure 4.1 should be
explained reasonably.

In general, 3 to 5 students collaborate for a design project. They can design a

product together. As mentioned earlier they have to be able to logically explain
each step of their progress. The designed product can be manufactured. However,
manufacturing the product may not be accomplished in a semester when the
product is a large-scale one. In that case, only the design is sufficient.

4.2 Elements of a Design Project

In general, a project has three elements as illustrated in Figure 4.2. They are a
client, a designer and a user (Dym and Little 2004). The client is the person who
requests the project to be carried out. In Figure 1.4, the client defines CNs in the
customer domain. The designer designs the product based on the CNs. A designer
performs the other activities in Figure 1.4 except for the customer domain. The
user is the final customer of the designed product. Actually, the client defines CNs
36 Introduction to Mechanical Design

to sell the product to the user. Therefore, the planning stage in Figure 1.1 has a
close relationship with marketing.

We need various resources for a design project. They are design topics,
students, supervisors (coaches), budget, and so on. First, topics are given. The
topics can be defined by the supervisors of the class or students. In this case the
client can be supervisors or students. The topics should be large enough for a team
of students to work for weeks and small enough for the team to finish during the
academic term. When the topics are defined by supervisors, they are presented to
students. The students form teams and the team picks a topic. A team has the role
of the designer in Figure 4.2. If the topic is defined by a group of students, they
can form a team. In a special case, a single student can carry out a design project.

A group of students can form a team based on the selected topic. A single
lecturer can manage all the teams or multiple supervisors may manage the teams as
coaches. A supervisor can be a professor, a teaching assistant or both. The team
follows the process as illustrated in Figure 4.1. The team should have meetings
periodically. The supervisor checks the progress and advises on the direction of the
work. It is recommended that a team has one supervisor. When multiple
supervisors manage a team, the directions from the supervisors can be different

A topic is defined.
A design team is formed.

A design problem is formulated.

A proposal is written and submitted.

The formulated problem is initially solved.

A progress report is submitted.

The problem is finalized.

The final report is submitted.

The final results are presented.

Figure 4.1. The flow of a design project

 Design Project 37

and the students may become confused. Sometimes, we need a budget for a design
project. Especially, when manufacturing is required, the budget is important.
Therefore, the course developer should secure an appropriate budget. As illustrated
in Figure 4.1, the final report is submitted to the supervisor and the results are
presented in the class. Thus, the user in Figure 4.2 is the supervisor and the
audience of the presentation. It is most important to convey the results of the
design process. The client is likely uninterested in the history of the project or in
the design team’s internal workings (Dym and Little 2004).

4.3 Team Project and Communication Skills

As the supervisor-to-students relationship is essential, the student-to-student
relationship is also important. The entire job should be fairly divided among
members. It is recommended that a leader of the team be selected. The leader
manages the activities of the members. The leader can define the scope of
responsibility for each member in the team to avoid duplication of effort. S/he can
also establish the quality of workmanship and standard of presentation (Borowick
2000). The leader can call for meetings, check the overall progress and modulate
the opinions of the team members.

Collaboration is crucial in the success of a design project. Members collaborate

through communication. Therefore, verbal communication is central in the design
process. Communication skills can be enhanced via a collaborative project.
Students should be fairly careful on the following aspects:
(1) Try to understand what the other members exactly mean. Different people
may use different words or expressions for the same.
(2) Express what you want to say in a thoughtful way. Harsh words can hurt
other members. When a person is emotionally hurt, effective
communication becomes almost impossible.

Client

Designer User

Figure 4.2. Elements of a project

38 Introduction to Mechanical Design

(3) Do not explicitly criticize other members. Try to change your opinion as
much as possible. If it is inevitable, do not directly criticize. Instead, do it
indirectly.
It should be remembered that a team have the same fate. The ego of each
member should be sacrificed as much as possible.

4.4 How to Write the Proposal

At the early stage of a design project, we plan what we will do for the project. We
assume there are customers who want something. Then we make a working plan to
satisfy the customers. If we write the plan, it is a proposal. In this and subsequent
sections, examples of the body of reports are introduced. However, the students do
not have to exactly follow the process here. The contents can be varied according
to the situation. It is noted that figures and tables help the reader understand the
problem. An example of the body of the proposal is as follows:

Title page including team members’ names

Summary
The overall process is briefly described.
Statement of Problem
The definition of the problem is described.
Background
The background theory is explained.
Proposed Solution
The plan for solving the problem is described. The flow of the work can be
shown by using a figure.
Advantages of Proposed Solution (if needed)
There can be many solution methods. The advantage of the proposed
solution is stated.
Disadvantages of Proposed Solution (if needed)
The disadvantage of the proposed method is stated.
Qualification of Personnel and Facilities
Team members can be introduced. The organization of each member can be
shown as illustrated in Figure 4.3.
Project Schedule
The project schedule is demonstrated. An example is illustrated in Figure
4.4. It is called a Gantt chart. There are many other ways to show the
schedule (Dieter 1999).
Budget
The plan for a budget can be shown by a table as illustrated in Figure 4.5.
References
Quoted references are shown.
Appendix (if needed)
 Design Project 39

Highly detailed or technical materials are often placed here at the end of the
report.

Team Leader
(Sumi)
Overall management and writing reports

Hyunsoo Jiyoung Minjoong

Task A Task B Task C

Figure 4.3. Organization of team members

Allocated time (months)

Events
1 2 3 4

Problem Definition

Proposal

Specification

Design Concepts

Task A

Progress Report

Task B

Assemble

Manufacture and Test

Final Report

Figure 4.4. An example of a Gantt chart

40 Introduction to Mechanical Design

Item Funding

Labor Not applicable to the design project

Equipment

Travel
Direct
cost Material and supplies

Publication and reports

Subtotal

Indirect (overhead) cost Not applicable to the design project

Total

Figure 4.5. An example of a budget plan

4.5 How to Write the Progress Report

When the period of a project is long, we may have to write a progress report to
examine the progress of the project. The progress report does not have to fully
include the description of the project. It should show how the project is processing.
The body of the report is as follows:

Title
Description of Problem
Statement of Progress
The progress is described. Achievement in percentage rate can be shown by
comparing the original plan in the Gantt chart.
Amendment of Original Plan
The original plan can be modified. Modification is explained.
Problems in Progress
Difficulties of the project are described.
Schedule in Remaining Period
The Gantt chart can be used.
Summary
 Design Project 41

4.6 How to Write the Final Report

After the project is finished, a final statement is reported to the client. The body of
the final report is as follows:

Title
Abstract
Introduction
Overall description of the project
Background
Methods or Theories
Working Process (Design process, Experiments)
How the project has been performed is explained.
Results
Design results are demonstrated by a drawing, sketch or description of the
product.
Conclusions and Future Study
References
Appendix (if needed)

4.7 Final Presentation

To practitioners, most design projects call for a number of meetings and
presentations to clients, users, and technical reviewers (Dym and Little 2004). An
oral presentation is often given in the meetings and viewgraphs are utilized for
visual aid. A designer is the presenter and the presenter should identify the
characteristics of the audience. Once the audience has been identified, a team can
tailor its presentation to the audience. The presentation must be properly organized
and structured.

In the design class, the results of a team project are presented. The audience
consists of professors, teaching assistants and peer students. It is fairly important to
fully use the given time for the presentation. A longer or shorter presentation is not
good. In general, viewgraphs are used for the presentation and a commercial
software system called PowerPoint is utilized for the preparation of the viewgraphs
(Young and Halvorson, 2004). An example of the viewgraphs is as follows:

Title
This identifies the title of the project, the client, team members.
Contents
The order of the presentation is introduced.
Problem statement
The characteristics of the problem are described.
42 Introduction to Mechanical Design

Objectives
The key objectives of the design project are presented.
Background
Background theory is explained.
Organization of the responsibilities
Organization of the students is presented.
Design process
Detailed design process is explained. The logic as to why the final design
was selected should be mentioned.
Outcome of the design
The design results are presented.
Design alternatives (if there is)
If it is possible to make alternatives, show them and explain why they are
not selected.
Evaluation of the design results
The advantages and disadvantages of the final design are explained.
Discussion
Overall discussion of the final design is made.
Conclusions and future work

The above example is only an example. The viewgraphs can be organized

differently according to the situation. The key words should be shown in the
viewgraphs because the audience reads while listening. However, the viewgraphs
do not have to include details. Generally, having 6-12 lines in a viewgraph is
recommended. When a student makes a presentation s/he should not read the
viewgraphs word by word. S/he should explain the key words or sentences in the
viewgraphs. Figures and brief tables will help the audience understand. Spending
just 0.5-1 minute per viewgraph is strongly recommended.
V. References

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Altshuller G (1996) And Suddenly the Inventor Appeared. Technical Innovation
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Beer D, McMurrey D (1997) A Guide to Writing as an Engineer. Wiley, New
York
Borowick, JN (2000) Technical Communication and Its Applications. 2nd ed.,
Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
Cox J, Preppernau J (2007) Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007 Step by Step,
Microsoft Press, Redmond, Washington
Dieter GE (1999) Engineering Design: A Materials and Processing Approach. 3rd
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Dym CL, Little P (2004) Engineering Design: A Project-Based Introduction. 2nd
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Eggert RJ (2005) Engineering Design. Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River,
NJ
Haik Y (2003) Engineering Design Process. Brooks/Cole-Thomson Learning,
Pacific Grove, CA
Horenstein MN (2006) Design Concepts for Engineers. Pearson Prentice Hall,
Upper Saddle River, NJ
Huckin TN, Olsen LA (1991) Technical Writing and Professional Communication.
2nd ed., McGraw-Hill, New York
Hurst K (1999) Engineering Design Principles. Wiley, New York
Hyman BI (1998) Fundamentals of Engineering Design. Prentice Hall, Upper
Saddle River, NJ
Lee DG, Suh NP (2006) Axiomatic Design and Fabrication of Composite
Structures. Oxford University Press, New York
Young MJ, Halvorson M (2004) Microsoft Office 2003 Inside out, 2003 Edition,
Microsoft Press, Redmond, WA
Norton RL (2000) Machine Design: An Integrated Approach. 2nd ed., Prentice
Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
NSF (1998) Axiomatic Design Workshop for Professors. MIT, Cambridge, MA
Park GJ (2007) Analytic Methods for Design Practice. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg
New York
Suh NP (1990) The Principles of Design. Oxford University Press, New York
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Suh NP (2001) Axiomatic Design: Advances and Applications. Oxford University

Press, New York
Suh NP (2005) Complexity. Oxford University Press, New York
Ullman DG (2003) The Mechanical Design Process. 3rd ed., McGraw-Hill, New
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