Change Propagation Prediction: a formal model for 2D geometrical models of products

A product is redesigned by integrating structural or functional modifications to satisfy new needs or requirements. Iterations are also necessary to fine-tune product definition during the initial design process. In both cases, engineering changes are the means by which the product evolves. However, changes are propagated from component to components and from function to functions, leading to non-value development activities with extra costs and delays. These engineering changes may have harmful impacts on industrialization and manufacturing; they can drastically hinder efforts to ensure faster time-to-market. Research works currently seek to model, predict, analyze and assess the impacts of engineering changes and their propagations. The present paper focuses on changes in a 2D geometrical product model and proposes a new change prediction approach based on two steps. First, the dependencies between the parameters of structural components are identified through experiments. These dependencies are characterized qualitatively, quantitatively and by formal equations. The changes are then propagated through the network of dependencies and their consequences are computed. A geometric 2D model of a bicycle is used to illustrate the approach. The results are discussed and the main contributions of the approach are highlighted while further research paths are presented at the end of the paper.