Function Means Tree

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In engineering design, a function/means tree (a.k.a. function-means tree or F/M tree) is a method for functional decomposition and concept generation. At the top level main functions are identified. Under each function, a means (or solution element) is attached. Alternative solution elements can also be attached. Each means is in turn decomposed into functions with means attached to each of them. A well elaborated function means tree span a design space where all concepts under consideration are represented. Requirements can be attached to functions.[citation needed]

In addition to the product level requirements, there might be requirements on sub functions that may be a consequence of means at a higher level. The function means tree is a tool that can aid in the creative par of the design process. It can also be a tool for mapping requirements to parts in a design. This requires that there is also a mapping between means and parts in the product architecture.[citation needed]

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[edit] Further reading

  • Barry O'Sullivan (2002). Constraint-Aided Conceptual Design. John Wiley and Sons, 11. ISBN 1860583350. 
  • Claus Thorp Hansen and Mogens Myrup Andreasen (2002). "Two approaches to synthesis based on the domain theory", in Amaresh Chakrabarti: Engineering Design Synthesis: Understanding, Approaches, and Tools. Springer, 99. ISBN 1852334924.