Accompanying the (re)design of products with environmental assessment (DfE) on the example of ADSM

Abstract

Supporting the industry in the design process, the approach described in this paper provides a real design for environment (DfE), including cost aspects. The basis for this form of DfE are the experiences and the data gained in numberless life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle engineering (LCE) studies as well as know how in applying generic modeling, simulations and scenario analysis. The method of life cycle costing (LCC) helps to implement economic aspects, which are often the main important aspects in industrial decision making. The goal is to bring environmental and economic considerations in harmony in respect to a sustainable development. LCE/LCA data and experiences shall be used for DfE to objectify the results, by using these scientific proven methods. It is applied and further developed on examples within the 'active disassembly using smart materials' (ADSM) project. The goals of this project are the demonstration of the feasibility of providing a nondestructive, cost effective, self-disassembly system for industry with the smart material device. Within the consumer electronics sector, existing state of the art products without smart materials are analyzed using LCA and LCC. A subsequent analysis with redesigned products consisting of embedded 'shape memory alloy' (SMA) and 'shape memory polymers' (SMP) devices is conducted. As a final stage the analysis is completed with assessed results and will be included in the activity of redesign for further product development.