Reliability and environmental evaluation in early design stages of mechatronics

This paper presents the approach of integrating reliability and environmental aspects in early design stages of mechatronics. It is discussed how a design guideline could provide product developers with essential information without disturbing iterative design works. Assisting methods for the early development work were analysed, evaluated and integrated in the development process. An overview model of the variable design process is presented and an interconnection matrix that supports product developers in choosing appropriate methods, tools and working aids was developed. The usability of these methods is discussed.