Abstract: During the product design process with axiomatic design approach, coupled design is usually inevitable especially for complex product. Therefore, a method for identification key coupled design parameters is developed. Coupled functional requirement set is separated by using partition operation, and is quantified with analytical hierarchy process based on triangular fuzzy number. The coupled design matrix is transformed into design structure matrix of the design parameters based on functional requirements utilizing total differential calculation, and subsequently work transform matrix model is established to judge whether the design is convergent and identify key coupled parameters that cause design iterations mostly. A horizontal shell-tube condenser is selected as an illustrative example, and the validation results show that the presented method can identify the key coupled parameters and design modes, which mostly lead to long development cycle, and offer guidance for further redesign.

Key words: Axiomatic design, Coupled design, Design mode, Design structure matrix