Change propagation prediction: A formal model for two-dimensional 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 nonvalue 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. This article focuses on changes in a two-dimensional 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 two-dimensional 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 this article.