Variant Design of Modular Products Using Functional Modelling and Multi-Criteria Evaluation Method

In this work, the function structure of a mobile machine for corn peeling was developed using the functional decomposition method. The function structure obtained by functional decomposition served as the basis for the definition of working principles, i.e. initial modules (function carriers) by which partial functions were solved. A multi-criteria evaluation of the working principles was used to select those working principles that received the highest rating. A technical and economic evaluation was carried out in accordance with VDI2225. This evaluation method was chosen because it allows working principles to be analysed and evaluated by applying different criteria and sub-criteria. The results of the overall quality of the compared working principles are presented graphically. This shows which working principle received the highest or lowest rating. By combining working principles with different physical effects and design forms, five conceptual variants were generated. In the further analysis through the other phases of the design process, the first conceptual variant was selected as the final product with a modular structure.