Trade-off analysis and identification of optimization potentials between lightweight design and design for circularity

The pressing need for resource conservation and environmental impact reduction in sustainable development emphasizes the importance of lightweight design and design for circularity in product development. However, the complexity and multidisciplinary nature of decision-making in these areas pose a major challenge.

In the present work, a novel approach for trade-off analyses is proposed to meticulously analyze the relationships between both design disciplines, facilitating decision-making and the identification of optimization potentials throughout design. Illustrated by material selection and a case study on the development of a semi-mobile handling system, two fundamental design approaches for decision-making in view of different and shared development objectives between lightweight design and design for circularity are identified. This enables the prioritization of development objectives in early phases and enhances eco-effectivity with regard to resource conservation and environmental impact reduction in the context of complex design considerations.