This type of modeling is used to analyze system architecture based on parameter
interrelationships. A parameter-based DSM is constructed through explicit definition of a
system's decomposed elements and their interactions. A systematic taxonomy and a
quantification scheme assist in the analysis by categorizing types of interactions among
system elements and associating an appropriate weight to each. Table 1 and Table 2, below,
present the classification of interactions and an example of a quantification scheme
proposed by Pimmler and Eppinger (1994).
Table -1 Simple
taxonomy of system element interactions
Interaction
Description
Spatial
Associations of physical space and alignment; need for adjacency or orientation between two elements
Energy
needs for energy transfer/exchange between two elements
Information
needs for data or signal exchange between two elements
Material
needs for material exchange between two elements
Table -2 Example of spatial interaction quantification scheme
Type
Value
Description
Required
+2
Physical adjacency is required for functionality
Desired
+1
Physical adjacency is beneficial but not absolutely necessary for functionality
Indifferent
0
Physical adjacency does not affect functionality
Undesired
-1
Physical adjacency causes negative effects but does not prevent functionality
Detrimental
-2
Physical adjacency must be prevented to achieve functionality
Black (1990)applied a parameter-based DSM to an automobile brake system design, using
the DSM to describe the current practices of a brake system component supplier. The DSM
shown below is extracted from the original DSM which was (103 X 103). After
sequencing the parameters, the resultant DSM (also shown below) two blocks of coupled, low
level parameter determinations become apparent.
Parameter-Based DSM for Brake System (Black, 1990)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Customer_Requirements
1
1
Wheel Torque
2
2
X
Pedal Mech.
Advantage
3
X
3
X
X
X
X
X
System_Level_Parameters
4
X
4
Rotor Diameter
5
X
X
X
X
5
X
X
X
X
X
ABS Modular
Display
6
X
6
X
Front_Lining_Coef._of_Friction
7
X
X
X
7
X
X
X
Piston-Rear Size
8
X
X
8
X
Caliper Compliance
9
X
X
9
X
X
Piston- Front Size
10
X
X
X
10
Rear Lining Coef
of Friction
11
X
X
X
X
X
11
X
Booster - Max.
Stroke
12
12
X
Booster Reaction
Ratio
13
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
13
Parameter-Based DSM After Sequencing (Black, 1990)
