Multidisciplinary Product Decomposition and Analysis Based on Design Structure Matrix Modeling

Design structure matrix (DSM) modeling in complex system designsupports to define physical and logical configuration of subsystems, components,and their relationships. This modeling includes product decomposition, identificationof interfaces, and structure analysis to increase the architectural understandingof the system. Since product architecture has broad implications in relationto product life cycle issues, in this paper, mechatronic product is decomposed intosubsystems and components, and then, DSM model is developed to examine theextent of modularity in the system and to manage multiple interactions acrosssubsystems and components. For this purpose, Cambridge advanced modeler(CAM) software tool is used to develop the system matrix. The analysis of theproduct (printer) architecture includes clustering, partitioning as well as structureanalysis of the system. The DSM analysis is helpful to support decisions aboutproduct redesign and modularization