Integration of DFE tools with product development

This paper presents a description of an “ecodesign” expert system that links to a CAD platform. Ecodesign is design which addresses all environmental impacts of a product throughout the complete life-cycle of the product without unduly compromising criteria like function, quality, cost and appearance. We first examine the use of computer tools in product development. We then describe some of the DFE tools under development or commercially available and their uses in the design process. We introduce the computer based ecodesign model and tool describe its potential use using examples of product design at BNR Europe