Functional models represent a form independent blueprint of a product. As with any blueprint or schematic, a consistent language or coding system is required to ensure others can read it. This paper introduces such a design language, called a functional basis, where product function is characterized in a verb-object (function-flow) format. The set of functions and flows is intended to comprehensively describe the mechanical design space. Clear definitions are provided for each function and flow. The functional basis is compared to previous functional representations and is shown to subsume these attempts as well as offer a more consistent classification scheme. Applications to the areas of product architecture development, function structure generation, and design information archival and transmittal are discussed. [S1050-0472(00)00704-2]
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
December 2000
Technical Papers
Development of a Functional Basis for Design Available to Purchase
Robert B. Stone,
Robert B. Stone
Department of Basic Engineering, University of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, MO 65409
Search for other works by this author on:
Kristin L. Wood
Kristin L. Wood
Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712
Search for other works by this author on:
Robert B. Stone
Department of Basic Engineering, University of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, MO 65409
Kristin L. Wood
Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712
Contributed by the Design Theory and Methodology Committee for publication in the JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL DESIGN. Manuscript received August 1999. Associate Technical Editor: Jonathan Cagan.
J. Mech. Des. Dec 2000, 122(4): 359-370 (12 pages)
Published Online: August 1, 1999
Article history
Received:
August 1, 1999
Citation
Stone, R. B., and Wood, K. L. (August 1, 1999). "Development of a Functional Basis for Design ." ASME. J. Mech. Des. December 2000; 122(4): 359–370. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1289637
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
An Energetic Approach for Comparing Monomaterial Compliant Bistable Mechanisms
J. Mech. Des (December 2025)
Related Articles
Weights, Norms, and Notation in Analytical Target Cascading
J. Mech. Des (May,2005)
The Human Dimension
J. Mech. Des (May,2010)
Editorial
J. Mech. Des (December,2001)
What Graduate Students Want to Know
J. Mech. Des (September,2011)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
Introduction
Introduction to Dynamics and Control in Mechanical Engineering Systems
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety
Chronicles of Mechanical Engineering in the United States
Professional Men of Outward Success
A Centennial History of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers: 1880-1980