An Approach to Logical Compatibility Determination for Solution Principles in Morphological Matrix-Based Conceptual Design

Morphological matrix-based conceptual design has been proven to enable the generation of high-quantity, variety, and novelty concepts. Indeed, many studies have proposed methods for enhancing it. However, logical relations for determining the compatibility of solution principles (SPs) in combinatorial solution chain is yet to be established in the literature. This study attempts to develop a logical relation for determining the compatibility of SPs in solution variants chain. The features of the interaction boundary of each solution principle were characterised and vectorially numerated for onward matching of adjacent SPs in a combinatorial solution chain to determine compatibility. The consistency of the compatibility determinant (CD) was tested on engineering designer students. It was found that the students could determine the CD with excellent consistency. Besides, the applicability of logical relation for determining the feasibility of solution variants was tested and found applicable in many trials. Despite the limitation of the study, the results indicate that the logical compatibility determinant is consistent and applicable for the complete exploration of the morphological matrix design space. Therefore, this study provides a foundation for the development of a reliable CAD system for conceptual design.