An Integer Programming Formulation For The Concept Selection Problem With An Axiomatic Perspective (Part I): Deterministic Formulation

The concept selection problem is to select the 'best' conceptual design solution entity from a pool of feasible alternatives in the early concept design stage. The determination of a good selection criteria is a key for successful design release. In this paper, the concept selection problem is formulated as an integer programming problem. Complexity, value, cost and customer satisfaction are used to derive the objective function criterion. The mathematical form of the proposed criterion can be conveniently obtained by borrowing from the concepts of QFD, axiomatic design and value engineering. The criterion is then employed into our integer programming formulation which is expanded to include technical feasibility and assembly feasibility as constraints. The proposed formulation is sufficiently robust to adapt design situations with deterministic information (Part I) or fuzzy information (Part II).