Multidisciplinary Product Decomposition and Analysis Based on Design Structure Matrix Modeling

Design structure matrix (DSM) modeling in complex system design supports to define physical and logical configuration of subsystems, components, and their relationships. This modeling includes product decomposition, identification of interfaces, and structure analysis to increase the architectural understanding of the system. Since product architecture has broad implications in relation to product life cycle issues, in this paper, mechatronic product is decomposed into subsystems and components, and then, DSM model is developed to examine the extent of modularity in the system and to manage multiple interactions across subsystems and components. For this purpose, Cambridge advanced modeler (CAM) software tool is used to develop the system matrix. The analysis of the product (printer) architecture includes clustering, partitioning as well as structure analysis of the system. The DSM analysis is helpful to support decisions about product redesign and modularization.