Function integration

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Functional integration referred to in the Engineering Design the goal with as few components as many technical features cover. The terms functional integration , integral construction , integral function utilization or multifunctional use are used synonymously .

target

In mechanical engineering, functional integration is not used as an end in itself, but always as a means to other goals. This is due to the fact that the customer benefit is not manifested in the relationship between components and functions outlined above, but rather, for example, in lower weight, lower costs or more functionality. Even if the literature (for example: Fri67 ) points out that integrative constructions are intuitively perceived as "more elegant", a direct connection between higher functional integration of a product and higher product benefits has not been proven.

It is hoped that the integration of functions will lead to improvements in the entire value chain of the company as well as product improvements:

In the company:

  • Simplified engineering processes e.g. B. through minimized construction costs
  • Reduced number of orders, less effort in article maintenance or delivery tracking
  • Reduced storage costs due to the reduced number of articles
  • Simplification and acceleration of assembly, e.g. B. through weight reduction and fewer joining operations
  • Possibly a faster commissioning z. B. if only one component has to be parameterized instead of several

For the product:

  • Increased customer benefit through more functionality (possibly at the same cost, e.g. Swiss knife)
  • Weight reduction by saving components
  • Increased material utilization and therefore lower material costs
  • Increase in reliability, e.g. B. through integrated redundant functions or eliminated disruptions in component separation

Achieving the product goals depends, however, on the specific problem, as the often more complex geometric shape of the components can result in considerable additional costs.

Example mechanical engineering

A motor housing also serves as

  • the sealing of the piston chamber,
  • the heat dissipation of the combustion processes,
  • the mechanical assembly / embedding of the engine parts, and
  • the formation of a counter-torque on the motor shaft.

Methods

While the integration of functions as a construction principle can be found in almost every standard work on design theory, there are comparatively few concrete instructions for action integration. As an example, the targeted integration of functions on the abstract level of function carriers according to Roth can be cited. A collection of design rules for function integration as well as a design catalog with methods for function integration was developed at the TU Braunschweig .

literature

  • Karlheinz Roth: Constructing with construction catalogs . Volume 1: Construction theory. 3rd edition, expanded and redesigned. Springer, Berlin et al. 2000, ISBN 3-540-67142-0 .
  • M. Fritsch: For the integral functional utilization of components. In: Feingerätetechnik Technical-scientific journal for precision mechanics, optics and measuring technology. 16, No. 9, 1967, ISSN  0014-9683 , pp. 402-404.
  • Jan R. Ziebart: A construction methodical approach to function integration , dissertation, TU Braunschweig, Verlag Dr.Hut, Munich 2012, ISBN 978-3-8439-0567-1 .

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ See on this: M. Fritsch, On the integral functional utilization of components
  2. ↑ See: Karlheinz Roth, Konstruieren mit Konstruktionskatalogen
  3. ↑ See on this: M. Fritsch, On the integral functional utilization of components
  4. ↑ See on this: P. Wahl, functional integration brings time advantages in all areas
  5. ↑ See: Karlheinz Roth, Konstruieren mit Konstruktionskatalogen
  6. ↑ See on this: Jan R. Ziebart: A construction methodical approach to function integration

See also