MicroCE Computer-Aided Support for DFMA Conceptual Design Phase

Abstract:  The goal of the MicroCE (Concurrent Engineering Applied to Microengineering Products) project is to provide computer-aided support for the conceptual design phase of the design process. It is a help for the determination of the solution principles of the functional requirements, taking into account mainly technical considerations. The approach of MicroCE considers the conceptual design phase as the solution of a combinatorial problem: the future product is subdivided into elementary functions for which it is necessary to find the best solution from a set of possible ones. The selection criteria arecombinations of technical, functional and DFMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly) characteristics. The definition of all problem elements (requirements, functions, solution principles, criteria, etc.) is totally dynamic and can evolve over time according to the design projects.