A Function Structure Diagrams (FSD) is a graphical representation of the functions a product performs on its inputs and outputs. In a FSD, the overall function is broken down into elemental or atomic sub-functions. Each sub-funtion can not be broken down further and is solution neutral.

• Requirement 17 (Section 3.2.3.1) “The Center Directors or designees shall establish and maintain a process, to include activities, requirements, guidelines, and documentation, for logical decomposition of the validated technical requirements of the applicable WBS.” Courtesy of Hayley Davison Reynolds. Used with permission.

Primary results of Functional Analysis are the functional tree and the product tree: the former identifies the basic functions, which the system has to be able to perform, while the latter individuates all system physical components, which are able to carry out the basic functions.

functional description of a technological object: A function - which is described in an intentional lan-guage - is explained in terms of a structure, which is described in a non-intentional, structural language. How is this possible3? My purpose is to flesh out this picture of the engineering design task, showing how, while defini-

Functional decomposition is a term that engineers use to describe a set of steps in which they break down the overall function of a device, system, or process into its smaller parts.

Function analysis is a method for analyzing and developing a function structure. A function structure is an abstract model of the new product, without material features such as shape, dimensions and materials of the parts.

... electromechanical systems, an effective functional modeling method is the function structure ( Pahl and Beitz, 1988), which connects sub-functions with flows of energy, material, and...

Step 1 Understanding Functions. Done! Step 2 Creating the Black Box Model. Product’s Basic Function: Roast Beans. Input Flows. The desired roast level is how dark the user would like the roasted beans. Different roast levels will produce coffee with different flavors. Output Flows.

It is this latter “formal structure” of the parts and their place in the whole that participants in design work to define, given the stated functional requirements of the whole.

Below is an example of a morphological chart for a vegetable collection system: Idea generation is accomplished by creating single systems from different mechanisms illustrated in the morphological chart. It is advised to generate several feasible designs using different mechanisms for each function for each concept.