Advanced phase powertrain design attribute and technology value mapping

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on how the concept design stage of a powertrain system can be improved by using a purely objective driven approach in selecting a final concept design to progress further. This research investigation will examine the development of a novel test-bed to assist in the selection of powertrain technologies during the concept design phase at Ford Motor Company Ltd, serving as the main contribution to knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives of this research were achieved by carrying out a literature review of external published work related to concept design evaluation methods within product development and value engineering techniques. Empirical studies were conducted with a supporting case study used to test the application of a new test-bed to improve the concept design decision process.

Findings

A quantitative new tool “Product Optimisation Value Engineering” (PROVEN) is presented to critically assess new and evolving powertrain technologies at the concept design phase.

Research limitations/implications

This research improves the concept design selection process, hence increasing the product value to the customer.

Practical implications

The new test-bed “PROVEN” incorporates a data-driven objective approach to assist in assessing concept design alternatives in providing the net value in terms of function and cost as perceived by the customer.

Originality/value

A mathematical new test-bed that incorporates a highly adaptable, data-driven and multi-attribute value approach to product specification and conceptual design is developed, novel to the automotive concept design process. This will create a substantially optimised product offering to the market, reducing overall development costs while achieving customer satisfaction. The new tool has the ability to define a technology value map to assess multiple technical options as a function of its attributes, whose precise values can be determined at a given cost.

Citation

Georgiou, A., Haritos, G., Fowler, M. and Imani, Y. (2016), "Advanced phase powertrain design attribute and technology value mapping", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 14 No. 1, pp. 115-133. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-05-2014-0031