Abstract: System architecture and modularity decisions are inherent to preliminary concept design. Prior modularity research has considered minimizing interactions between modules and increasing the commonality among modular product ...

Abstract: User behavior can determine over one third of the energy consumed in the residential energy market. Thus, user behavior has become a primary focus in sustainable mechanical device, appliance, and smart-energy systems design. ...

Abstract: Research in modularization of product families reveals numerous individual cause and effect impacts of modularity on a firm. There are clearly many interrelated positive and negative economic impacts arising from different ...

Abstract: Managing the waste of decommissioned complex systems (e.g., aircraft and wind turbines) is a growing issue. In this review, we investigate repurposing as a potential solution. The objectives are to identify strategies that ...

Abstract: Repurposing is a decommissioning strategy that enables multiple life cycles for a product or its components. However, repurposing is challenging since it requires finding an alternative use for an existing product. Therefore, ...

Abstract: Designbyanalogy is a powerful approach to augment traditional concept generation methods by expanding the set of generated ideas using similarity relationships from solutions to analogous problems. While the concept of ...

Abstract: Modular product platforms have been shown to provide substantial cost and time savings while still allowing companies to offer a variety of products. As a result, a multitude of product platform methods have been developed ...

Abstract: Ten years prior to this paper, innovative mechanical products were analyzed and found to embody multiple innovation characteristics—an average of two more than competing products in the marketplace. At the time, it was not ...

Abstract: Scientific evaluation of prototyping practices is an emerging field in design research. Prototyping is critical to the success of product development efforts, and yet its implementation in practice is often guided by ad ...

Abstract: Design and other fundamental topics in engineering are often isolated to dedicated courses. An opportunity exists to foster a culture of engineering design and multidisciplinary problem solving throughout the curriculum. ...