Solution Space Development: Conceptual Reflections and Development of the Parameter Space Matrix as Planning Tool for Geometry-based Solution Spaces

Today’s CAD-systems offer the possibility to model geometry-based solution spaces based on parametrics and feature technology. Here, the solution space is the set of all feasible product alternatives from which a distinct variant for a defined set of requirements may be configured. A necessary step prior to modelling the solution space is to acquire knowledge about dependencies of requirements, solutions and restrictions that are dictated by the supply chain, e.g. manufacturing restrictions. In this article, the authors contribute to this field by developing the Parameter Space Matrix (ParSM) as a tool for a structured elicitation of requirements, solution space restrictions and the resulting model parameters for the CAD-model. Furthermore, the application of ParSM is shown and discussed on a toaster with variable body elements where the manufacturing restrictions result of an additive manufacturing process.