Design for circularity and durability: an integrated approach from DFX guidelines

Abstract

The design of circular products is now a trending topic that involves enabling reuse, repair, refurbishing, remanufacturing, and upgrading parts and products. In this field, using Design For X (DFX) tools appears to be an interesting and helpful way to address requirements and considerations by applying single design rules that can enhance performance in terms of circularity. However, the current DFX approaches are not formally oriented to a circular economy (CE), and there is no clear pathway to apply design rules for circular products. Therefore, this article proposes a classification of DFX rules based on seven CE strategies related to slowing and closing the loop of products, parts, and materials. The proposed approach consisted of a literature review, an analysis of DFX rules related to CE, and the classification of such rules in terms of CE strategies and product design stages. The analysis of DFX rules in product circularity provided insights to generate a specific design guideline of 51 rules for circular products. The guideline was denominated as the Design for Circularity and Durability (DFCD) and is proposed as a design tool for practitioners, designers, and academicians in CE. A case study is also presented to demonstrate the implementation and benefits of the DFCD guideline.

Enhancing knowledge management in the engineering design process through a communication platform

“…This categorization helps us understand DfX methods better. Each method is designed for specific aspects of designing and developing a product, working together to ensure the final product and its processes are excellent (Kremer, et al, 2023;Walid, et al, 2023;Mesa, 2023;Formentini, et al, 2023). In response to the urgent need to address climate change, sustainability requirements for products have expanded significantly.…”

“…It highlights the potential of using Design for X (DFX) tools to improve circularity but notes that current DFX approaches are not aligned with the circular economy. To address this gap, the Mesa proposes a classification of DFX guidelines based on seven circular economy strategies aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing waste in product design (Mesa, 2023). Design for disassembly approaches play a significant role in facilitating the transition to an industrial circular economy.…”

“…DfQ includes dimensions such as performance, reliability, conformance, durability, serviceability, aesthetics and perceived quality. In addition, DfE (Fitzgerald, et al, 2007;Kolur, et al, 2020;Hauschild, et al, 2004;Telenko, et al, 2008;Mesa, 2023) has become a relevant design approach owing to public policy and government regulations. DfE comprises eliminating hazardous materials, minimizing energy demand in the manufacturing and usage, using environmentally friendly and recyclable materials, reducing emissions, minimizing disassembly time, optimizing transport operations.…”

Design for Assembly & Armoring (DfA2) Methodology for Passenger Vehicle Protection Operations – Case Study Applied to a Front Door Assembled

“…apud Boothroyd et al 1983. Such an approach consists of guidelines to improve aspects such as the technical performance in a speci c lifecycle stage or a feature or attribute of the product in the design process (Mesa, 2023). DfX's objectives include improving quality, reducing costs, compressing cycle times, increasing exibility, and raising productivity and e ciency (Huang, 1996).…”

Recycling Product Model and Its Application for Quantitative Assessment of Product Recycling Properties

“…According to the European Union standard EN 45552 [6], the durability for a part or a product can be defined as the ability to function as "required, under defined conditions of use, maintenance and repair, until a limiting state is reached" [6]. Design for durability is an approach in product design that is followed to enhance the resilience and durability of products throughout their life cycle [7,8]. The approach requires detailed consideration of factors such as material selection, manufacturing processes and structural integrity, with the overarching goal of reducing wear, degradation and potential aging [7,8].…”