Work

Multi-Source Change Path Optimization Method for Complex Products Based on Complex Networks

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In the design of complex products, change propagation often leads to overlapping impact paths, structural conflicts, and decreased coordination efficiency, especially in multi-source change scenarios. These issues limit the effectiveness of existing path extraction and management methods. This study addresses the challenge of managing multi-source change propagation by proposing a novel optimization method. The method involves constructing a multi-layer propagation network model that integrates structural, functional, and form-level information and combines propagation risk assessment with frequency feedback mechanisms. By employing a path cost function based on node risks and propagation probabilities, the model accurately evaluates the costs of change propagation and identifies high-risk paths while prioritizing those with lower costs. Additionally, a multi-source path combination optimization approach is developed, and it dynamically adjusts path costs to reduce overlap and conflicts, improving coordination between paths in multi-source change scenarios. The proposed approach was validated through a case study based on the design data of an intelligent cabin system, where the constructed propagation network reflects real-world structural, functional, and form-level dependencies. The experimental results show that the proposed method reduces total propagation cost by an average of 27.3% and lowers node-level conflict rate by 41.6% compared with baseline methods. Tests on different complex products confirmed consistent advantages over baselines with p<10−5, while also reducing redundancy and conflicts. The method maintained these advantages across networks of different sizes with linear scalability. Sensitivity analysis confirms that frequency-feedback weighting α is the main driver for cost reduction, and the overlap penalty λ effectively suppresses node congestion. The method provides a robust solution for managing change propagation in complex product design and enhances overall propagation efficiency and system adaptability.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app15179546

Authors: Yiwei Sun, Hanyu Wang, Yao Zhou, Dengkai Chen

Institution: Northwestern Polytechnical University

Language: English

Topic: Product Development and Customization

Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896