Support of Product Innovation With a Modular Framework for Knowledge Management: A Case Study

This paper presents an e-Design framework for knowledge management through its application in an engineering design case study. The e-Design framework enables the implementation of integrated design information throughout the entire design process. It facilitates the ease of sharing real time information across multiple individual designers, departments, or organizations as would be required in large scale design efforts. Similarly, it allows for the ease of use of technical tools integral to the design process that small design departments depend upon. Thus, regardless of the scale, the efficiency of engineering design can be improved with the use of the e-Design framework. The many features of the e-Design framework are exemplified through its application in a practical industry design problem. The case study in this paper addresses the utility and ease of use of this framework and provides one potential implementation method. This study involves a representative application of an innovative new mast design to elevate a surveillance camera on a military vehicle. The design process utilizes the NIST functional basis [3] to improve effectiveness and efficiency during conceptual design. The decision tool module of the e-Design framework is then used to evaluate and select the best conceptual design based on product design criteria. We use this case study to illustrate information quality and the clarity of design intent throughout the entire design process. The results reveal a usable design process method that can improve the transparency of design knowledge from design conception to completion. Additional benefits include storing of the information generated at the early stages for sharing and reuse throughout the entire design process. Most of all, improved transparent communication throughout the design process will reduce duplication of efforts and trial and error occurrences.