ENGR 1100

Functional Decomposition
Defining Function

 Function is the logical flow/transfer of energy

or static forces, material or information
between objects or the change of state of an
object caused by one or more flows
 Change of state
 Transformations of energy, material
properties, form (eg. shape, configuration,
position)
Defining Function vs Form

 Function
 What the product must do

 Form
 What is the shape of the product?

 Which follows which?

Types of Energy

 Mechanical system (typically)

 Electrical, Fluid, mechanical, thermal

 Actions
 transformed, stored, transferred, supplied,
dissipated
 Material
 Through-flow (material conserving):
 position, lift, translate, rotate, hold,
support, move, guide
 Diverging-flow (dividing material)
 : disassemble, separate

 Converging-flow:
 mix, attach, position relative to
Information functions

 Mechanical signals, electrical signals,

software

 Generally, information is part of an automatic

control or to interface with a human operator
Functional Decomposition

 Step 1: For the whole device, examine

Interfaces with other objects

 Step 2: Remove a component for more

detailed study

 Step 3: Examine each interface of the

component to find the flow of energy,
information or materials
Stapler

 The energy into the stapler is from the user’s hand

pushing on top and, for equilibrium, the desk
pushing back on the bottom. The information flow
is back to the user to tell them when to stop
pushing. Staples and paper flow into device and
stapled paper flows out.
Stapler

1) The interface between the user’s hand and top of

stapler. Energy flows from users hand.

2) The interface to the shaft at the pivot point: Limits

top assembly to 1 DOF motion-rotation about the
shaft. Energy flows here to keep the top
assembly aligned with rest of paper.
Stapler

3) The interface to staple at end of spring: Energy

flows between spring and staple to push the
staple into the paper.
4) The interface with the guide channel on the sides
of the spring: The structure that guides also
supports spring so it cannot buckle.
Stapler

5) The interface with base structure: The same

spring material that pushes the staple also
pushes the top assembly to its original position.
Energy flows from base to top through the spring.
Typical Mechanical Design Functions
 Guidelines
1. Find the overall function that needs to be
accomplished
 Energy Must be Conserved

 Material Must be Conserved

 All Interfacing objects and known fixed parts must be

identified

 Ask the question, How will customer know if the system

is performing
 Use action verbs to convey flow
 Guidelines
2. Create Subfunction Descriptions

•Consider what, not how

•Break the function down as finely as possible

•Consider all operational sequences

•Use standard notation when possible

Guidelines
3. Order the Subfunction
•Flows must be logical or temporal

•Identify redundant functions and combine

•Functions not within system boundary must be

eliminated
Guidelines
4. Refine Subfunction
•What has to happened to enable subfunction?

•Continue asking for each subfunction!

Functional Decomposition
 How do you know its
working as it should?
i.e. how is condition
Support load communicated?
How evaluate performance?
Consistency
Robustness

Stores
and releases
energy!

Interface with hands

Function Tree Example for Pole Vault
Questions

 Why do a function tree?

 Design of individual components
 Problem understanding i.e. design intent
 Explore combining components to save money,
time, enhance performance
 Sequence of operations
Function Block Diagram
Now we want to explore HOW the functions are related to each other

A function block diagram relates functions in the form of an operational flow

chart

Function Block Diagram for Autonomous Mine

Detector