Generative ecodesign for mechanical products: A design workflow

Abstract

Harnessing advancements in artificial intelligence, generative design holds great potential to support designers in their ecodesign efforts by enabling them to explore design solutions beyond the limits of their imagination and expertise. However, a systematic literature review on the application of generative design in ecodesign reveals a clear underrepresentation, highlighting a missed opportunity in the field. To bridge this gap, a seven-component generative ecodesign workflow for mechanical products was developed. This workflow combines generative design algorithms, typically used for geometry lightweighting, with life cycle thinking. It facilitates the generation, evaluation, and identification of design solutions by considering the design tri-factor: material choice, manufacturing process, and geometry. This represents the first reported product ecodesign tool to integrate generative design with ecodesign principles while simultaneously addressing all three elements of the design tri-factor. To showcase its utility, environmentally optimal design alternatives were created for a mountain bicycle's handlebar stem.