Abstract: To solve the problems of complexity augmentation and risk increasing caused by the phenomenon of change propagation during the mechanical product design, the searching model for change propagation is proposed to support the acquisition and optimal selection of change solutions. Based on the detailed analysis of the change propagation process, the characteristic linkage network is constructed for searching of change propagation paths. The searching model is composed of searching of influence propagation paths, searching of change routing paths, and evaluation and optimal selection of feasible path solutions. Searching of influence propagation paths is implemented through the analysis of change influence domains. Searching of change route path is carried out through selecting of feasible routing branches according to different selecting strategies. The attributes change propagation scope, change impact and change cost are considered in evaluating and optimal selecting of feasible path solutions. Finally, a cased study of the change propagation analysis in the clutch design is given to validate the effectiveness of the method.

Key words: Change propagation, Characteristic linkage network, Engineering change, Searching of change propagation paths