Abstract:

Trimming is an important tool for product updating while the function analysis is the basic of trimming. To a complex mechanical system, it is difficult to determine the hierarchical level during function analysis. Usually, decision making relies on personal experience and operations are obscure and subjective. The implement process and the analysis result depending on the operator differ significantly. To improve the operability of function analysis, the function backtracking method is proposed based on reverse engineering. Focusing on contact interfaces, it begins with the target of the main function of system. Then, the function carrier is identified backward according to the interaction analysis. Continuously, this step is done iteratively. All components and functions of the system are identified from the local to the whole. Furthermore, the function backtracking method is combined with trimming to build a new model for systematic reconstruction by using TRIZ solving tools. Finally, the grinding device of rail serves as the use case for innovative design with the proposed method. The results indicate that the function backtracking method and the proposed model are practicable and effective.

Key words: innovative design, systematic reconstruction, trimming, function backtracking method