Consideration of weight properties during the design of weight-optimized mechatronic products

Existing process models for the development of mechatronics products are not or only insufficiently considering the task of weight optimization during the design process. The measures of weight optimization are mostly applied at the end or in late phases of the development process with a consequence that a large number of macro-iterations are necessary when design changes regarding weight properties have to be done. These points result in an increase of development cost and time. In this contribution, a proceeding model for the design of weight-optimized mechatronic products is proposed which considers a holistic monitoring and management of weight properties throughout the process. The process is structured in a way that between and within the main design stages different analysis points ensure an estimation and calculation of future product weight properties. Furthermore, these analysis gates can also provide input for weight optimizing potentials.