A Multi-Objective Integer Programming Framework For Product Design

This paper describes a modeling framework for product design thatfacilitates the incorporation of both engineering and strategicconsiderations at the design stage. We first develop an abstractrepresentation of a generic product, an AND/OR tree, that iscontext-independent and can be used to model a wide variety of products indifferent application settings. We show how this representation leadsnaturally to a mathematical model and discuss some of the properties ofthis model. Next, we show how the AND/OR tree can be employed indifferent settings; specifically, we describe applications to printedcircuit assembly and microwave module industries. These applicationsresult in multiobjective integer programming formulations.We discuss theproperties of these formulations, develop appropriate solution procedures,and report our computational experience. One of the advantages of theframework that we describe is the ease with which it can be extended toincorporate additional considerations. We indicate some some possibleextensions that might find ready applicability in industry

Bicriteria Product Design Optimization: An Efficient Solution Procedure Using AND/OR Trees

Abstract: Competitive imperatives are causing manufacturing firms to consider multiple criteria when designing products. However, current methods to deal with multiple criteria in product design are ad hoc in nature. In this paper we present a systematic procedure to efficiently solve bicriteria product design optimization problems. We first present a modeling framework, the AND/OR tree, which permits a simplified representation of product design optimization problems. We then show how product design optimization problems on AND/OR trees can be framed as network design problems on a special graph-a directed series-parallel graph. We develop an enumerative solution algorithm for the bicriteria problem that requires as a subroutine the solution of the parametric shortest path problem. Although this parametric problem is hard on general graphs, we show that it is polynomially solvable on the series-parallel graph. As a result we develop an efficient solution algorithm for the product design optimization problem that does not require the use of complex and expensive linear/integer programming solvers. As a byproduct of the solution algorithm, sensitivity analysis for product design optimization is also efficiently performed under this framework

On the Selection of Parts and Processes during Design of Printed Circuit Board Assemblies

We consider a multiobjective optimization model that determines components and processes for given conceptual designs of printed circuit board assemblies. Specifically, out model outputs a set of solutions that are Pareto optimal with respect to a cost and a quality metric. The discussion here broadly outlines an integer programming based solution strategy, and represents in-progress work being carried out in collaboration with a manufacturing firm

Integrated Product and Process Design Environment Tool for Manufacturing T/R Modules

We present a decision making assistant tool for integrated product and process design environment for manufacturing applications. Specifically, we target microwave modules which use Electro-mechanical components and require optimal solutions to reduce cost, improve quality, and gain leverage in time to market the product. This tool will assist the product and process designer to improve their productivity and also enable to cooperate and coordinate their designs through a common design interface. We consider a multiobjective optimization model that determines components and processes for a given conceptual designs for microwave modules. This model outputs a set of solutions that are Pareto optimal with respect to cost, quality, and other metrics. In addition, we identify system integration issues for manufacturing applications, and propose an architecture which will serve as a building block to our continuing research in virtual manufacturing applications

Bicriteria Product Design Optimization

Competitive imperatives are causing manufacturing firms to consider multiple criteria when designing products. However, current methods to deal with multiple criteria in product design are ad hoc in nature. In this paper we present a systematic procedure to efficiently solve bicriteria product design optimization problems. We first present a modeling framework, the AND/OR tree, that permits a simplified representation of product design optimization problems. We then show how product design optimization problems on AND/OR trees can be framed as network design problems on a special graph— a directed series-parallel graph. We develop a solution algorithm for the bicriteria problem that requires as a subroutine the solution of the parametric shortest path problem. Although this problem is hard on general graphs, we show that it is polynomially solvable on the series-parallel graph. As a result we develop an efficient solution algorithm for the product design optimization problem that does not require the use of complex and expensive linear/integer programming solvers. Using software tools based on the results described in this paper, product managers can efficiently explore and optimize over the entire universe of choices available to them at the design stage itself. This should significantly reduce product development costs, as the expensive design-build-test-redesign loop is virtually eliminated. As a byproduct of the solution algorithm, sensitivity analysis for product design optimization is also efficiently performed under this framework. We illustrate our model and solution algorithm on a complex design problem at a FORTUNE 100 company

Integrating Tradeoff Analysis and Plan-Based Evaluation of Designs for Microwave Modules

Previously, we have described two systems, EDAPS and EXTRA, which support design and process planning for the manufacture of microwave modules, complex devices with both electrical and mechanical attributes. EDAPS integrates electrical design, mechanical design, and process planning for both mechanical and electrical domains. EXTRA accesses various component and process databases to help the user define design and process options. It then supports the user in choosing among these options with an optimization bases tradeoff analysis module.In this paper, we describe our current work towards the integration and enhancement of the capabilities of EDAPS and EXTRA. We integrate EXTRA's functionality with the initial design step of EDAPS. in the resultant system, the user, supported by an enhanced tradeoff analysis capability, can select and describe a promising preliminary design and process plan based on the analysis of a variety of alternatives from both an electrical and mechanical perspective. This preliminary design is then subjected top further analysis and refinement using existing EDAPS capabilities. In addition to the integration of these two systems, specific new functions have been developed, including tradeoff analysis over a much broader set of criteria, and the ability of the tradeoff module to query the process planner to determine costs of individual options