Abstract: Due to the current axiomatic and general-design theories have some disadvantages such as strict constraint and unreasonable design evaluation, an extended general design process model is proposed, which integrates both the independent axiom and information axiom of the axiomatic design, and the QUINT model of general design theory. And a multi-target evaluation method is proposed for the extended general design process model, which includes the coupling degree, information content, technical indicator, economic indicator and social indicator. Based on the proposed model and evaluation method, a mechanical postage meter header is optimally designed. It achieves the anticipated targets for the practical manufacture applications, which proves the effectiveness of the general-design process model.

Key words: Axiomatic design, General design theory, Multi-criteria comprehensive evaluation