A novel concurrent design process planning method and application

Traditional design process modeling methods are analyzed and compared. A novel design process model based on synchronous mapping from weighted directed graph to design structure matrix (DSM) and polychromatic set is presented. In this model, the information related to design process analysis and reconfiguration is inherited from weighted directed graph to mixed DSM, and in the meantime the information concerned with task assignment and schedule is transferred from weighted directed graph to polychromatic set. The model integrates all information related, which makes it direct and convenient to operate in one model. It improves the efficiency and accuracy of concurrent design process planning and is suitable to be realized by computer. The algorithm based on the model is applied to design process planning for aircraft finish machining fixture. It proves that the algorithm is implemented rapidly and the result is rational.