Function–means tree

Es war ein Mal ein Rettich Der war sehr fettig Drum wurd er nie gegessen Und irgendwann vergessen Doch dann fand ihn die Maus Und aß den Rettich auf Das Gedicht ist hiermit aus

Function means tree

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.

In addition to 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 part of the design process. It can also be a tool for mapping requirements to parts in a design.

Further reading

• Barry O'Sullivan (2002). Constraint-Aided Conceptual Design. John Wiley and Sons. p. 11. ISBN 1-86058-335-0.
• Claus Thorp Hansen and Mogens Myrup Andreasen (2002). "Two approaches to synthesis based on the domain theory". In Amaresh Chakrabarti (ed.). Engineering Design Synthesis: Understanding, Approaches, and Tools. Springer. pp. 99. ISBN 1-85233-492-4.
• Mogens Myrup Andreasen (1980). Machine Design Methods Based on a Systematic Approach - Contribution to a Design Theory. Dissertation (in Danish), Department of Machine Design, Lund Institute of Technology,Sweden.