An Ecodesign Method for Product Architecture Definition Based on Optimal Life-Cycle Strategies

DS 30: Proceedings of DESIGN 2002, the 7th International Design Conference, Dubrovnik

Year: 2002
Editor: Marjanovic D.
Author: Giudice, F.; La Rosa, G.; Risitano, A.
Section: ECODESIGN Workshop
Page(s): 1311-1322

Abstract

The design of products with good environmental performance over their entire life-cycle requires the development of models and methodologies which provide as complete a vision of the problem as possible, and allow the optimisation of product architecture, while respecting the constraints imposed by their main functional performances. The research aimed to develop a method for Life-Cycle Design, focusing on the analysis of strategies extending the working life (maintenance, repair, upgrading and adaptation of the product), and strategies of recovery at the end of the working life (direct reuse of components and recycling materials). The environmental benefit of these strategies lies in the optimisation of the flows of resources operating within the life-cycle. The main objective was to develop a design method able to evaluate the most suitable strategies for each component and subassembly making up the product, and to define the best redesign choices in terms of the characteristics of product architecture (layout, materials, junction systems).

Keywords: Design for Environment, Life-Cycle Design, Extension of Life, Recovery, Life-Cycle Assessment

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