Implementation of DFA in conceptual and embodiment design using decision support problems

How can Design for Assembly be implemented when the conceptual form of a product being designed is known but the information defining its physical form is vague and incomplete? In this paper, we answer the preceding question from a decision-based perspective. Specifically, we adapt Boothroyd and Dewhurst's Design for Assembly method for use in conceptual and embodiment design. We achieve this adaptation though the use of Decision Support Problems, and we illustrate our adaptation through an example, namely, the design of an aircraft evacuation system. Our emphasis in this paper is on presenting the conceptual framework used to make suitable Boothroyd and Dewhurst's Design for Assembly to conceptual design and not the numerical results per se.