Model-based-systems-engineering for conceptual design: An integrative approach

Conceptual-Design is an early development phase, where innovation and creativeness shape the future system/product. Model-Based-Conceptual-Design (MBCD) attempts to use best-practices of Model-Based-Systems-Engineering (MBSE) to gain the envisioned benefits of model connectivity. Using MBSE supporting tools can transform Conceptual-Design into a digital-engineered process but may impede creativity and innovation. Concurrently, the design domain offers specific methods and tools for innovative Conceptual-Design. In the current study, we explore an existing Conceptual-Design framework and offer MBSE interpretation and tools extensions needed for its digital implementation. Through such exploration we highlight MBCD specific insights and discuss modeling-innovation interrelations. The implementation was accomplished using a domain-specific enabling software package on top of a market-accepted UML/SysML platform, extending the language definitions, where appropriate. The framework guided extensions allow generation of innovative bottom-up alternatives, solution integration, and solutions' comparison. The use of modeling is shown to offer clearer process definition, specific methods assistance, and alternative ranking-both manually and automatically. Consequently, MBCD is accomplished, which supports innovation, while being digitally connected to full-scale-development models and the organizational assets at large. Through integration into the orderly Systems-Engineering process, traceability is maintained, and repeated iterations are supported, where conceptual decisions may be revisited. Additionally, through the introduction of an assets' catalog, cross-organizational knowledge sharing is accomplished. The paper presents samples of the extensions, using a simplified example of technology design for Future Firefighting. The value of incorporating Conceptual-Design specific methodology and tools is evaluated through feedback from multiple domain experts. Discussion and future research directions are offered.

Automated summary

Conceptual-Design is an early development phase that shapes the future system/product through innovation and creativeness. Model-Based-Conceptual-Design (MBCD) aims to utilize best practices of Model-Based-Systems-Engineering (MBSE) to achieve the benefits of model connectivity. This study explores an existing Conceptual-Design framework and provides MBSE interpretation and tool extensions to digitally implement it.