Modeling Technical Risk Propagation Using Field-Effects in Automotive Technology Infusion Design Studies

The integration of novel technologies into existing product architectures poses significant challenges, especially in managing the associated technical risks that affect system functionality and reliability. Traditional methods often struggle with the unpredictability and complexity of field effects due to technological integration. To address these challenges, this study introduces a novel DSM (Design Structure Matrix)-based method that accurately accounts for and mitigates both first-order and higher-order field effects. By employing the inverse-square law, our method quantifies the attenuation of field effects with distance, thereby enhancing the precision of impact assessments across the system architecture. This approach is substantiated through a case study involving the introduction of a steer-by-wire (SbW) system in automotive design. The case study highlights the method’s effectiveness in identifying and managing potential integration points for new technologies, offering a systematic framework for minimizing risk and enhancing system design in automotive engineering. The success of this method in the case study provides practical insights into the design around the impact of field effects, emphasizing its applicability and value in real-world engineering scenarios.