Product Function Redesign based on Extension Theory

Abstract. Redesign is required for the product improvement. The function design is one of the most important tasks in a redesign process. In order to generate an optimal solution of the product redesign efficiently for enterprises, this paper proposes a function redesign method based on the extension theory. For a target product to be redesigned, a hierarchal function model of the target product is first formed using the function analysis. Degree of the function importance is then determined by applying the triangular fuzzy number. Difficult function units and high important degree functions are decided according to redesign requirements and ranking of function importance degrees. In order to apply the difficult function units and high importance degree functions in the innovative design, a function redesign process model is developed based on the extension theory and TRIZ tools. Feasibility of the proposed method is verified in redesign of an ultrasonic-based measurement device of the paper thickness.