Concept selection for engine components using the DEMATEL-ANP-TOPSIS combination method: case study for cam bearing frame part

Choosing the appropriate concept for the engine components and systems is one of the essential issues that influence directly on the cost and functional characteristics of the product. For selecting the right concept for an engine component, it is necessary to take different contradictory factors into account.  Parameters like functional aspects, durability, cost of production and assembly issues are commonly of interest for selecting the best concepts. In this research, concept evaluation and choosing the best concept for an engine component was investigated using multi-criteria decision-making techniques. The purpose of this study is to investigate the problem of selecting the appropriate cam bearing frame concept from available four concepts based on 10 measurement indicators. For this purpose, this research is intended to use the DEMATLE-ANP-TOPSIS compilation method for modeling and solving the problem. At the beginning, using the DEMATEL method, the relationship between multi criteria is determined and afterwards ANP method determined the weight of the criteria. Finally, the TOPSIS method was used to rank the options. The results, for the selected case indicated that the two-piece ladder frame (concept 4) is the preferred option.