Abstract
The modular design is being introduced in order to shorten the product development time and correspond to environmental problems. In this paper, the method of supporting modular design on conceptual design stage is proposed. We defined relationship between the function and arrangement of parts. By using the information of the composition of the product function, qualitative attributes of conceptual entities, and the arrangement rule based on relationship between function and arrangement of parts, the modulation process is supported. We also develop the pilot system for supporting the modular design process with proposed method, and the applicability of the proposal technique was examined.
