Anna Karwasz

Multi-agent System to Support Decision-Making Process in Ecodesign

In the paper the application of multi-agent system to support decision-making process in ecodesign is presented. The ecodesign term is highlited either as the design problem or from the point of view of regulations. The structure of agent-system supporting the designer during the design process is showed. The basis of special kind of product model, that is the extension of standard 3D product model, called recycling-oriented product model (RmW), are described. The example results of analysis, based on real household appliance model, are presented.

Multi-agent system to support decision-making process in design for recycling

In this paper, the application of multi-agent system to support decision-making process in design for recycling is presented. The design for recycling term is highlighted either as the design problem or from the point of view of regulations. The structure of agent system supporting the designer during the design process is showed. The basis of special kind of product model, that is the extension of standard 3D product model, called recycling-oriented product model, is described. The example results of analysis, based on real household appliance model, are presented.

Virtual Reality Based Ecodesign

In the chapter a combination of the virtual reality technology with the ecological approach to the design of electrical appliances of everyday use has been discussed. The case study on a hammer drill is presented. The authors present how useful can be the virtual reality technology in the process of environmentally friendly design of products. The basic functions of a product, its design and operation can be evaluated by means of the virtual reality technology before the product is put into production. The product disassembly method and duration, as well as the waste reclamation and recycling levels, can be determined at the design stage.

Using CAD 3D System in Ecodesign—Case Study

This chapter describes an approach to ecodesign using CAD 3D system. The authors demonstrate the ability to assess the ecological products in the early stage of design. With CAD modules it is possible to generate the design documentation of the product, detect potential collisions during the assembly and disassembly of its components, simulate the motion of the cooperating elements, perform strength calculations and analyses. Chapter describes also copyright software DeforDis, which the main aim is to analyze the level of product recycling rate already at the product design stage. The chapter presents a case study for disassembly simulation by using CAD 3D systems on the example of microwave oven, computer speaker and iron.

Automation of the Ecodesign Process for Industry 4.0

One of the key aspects of Industry 4.0 is high automation of various processes conducted through product lifecycle. In the article the authors consider the issue of final stages of product lifecycle and the automation of product assessment from ecological point-of-view in the context of Industry 4.0. The automation of product assessment is conducted by set of measures, calculated from special type of product model called Recycling Model of Product, that is also showed in the paper. The Recycling Model of Product and the assessment are conducted using dedicated module, operating in CAD 3D system environment. The assessment of example product is presented in the paper as well.

Automatization of the Ecodesign Process of Small Household Appliances based on CAD 3D System

A new approach to product quality assessment taken by manufacturers integrates environmental aspects. Design for the environment, also referred to as ecodesign or sustainable design, is an innovative approach to the traditional design process. It focuses on compliance with ecological standards at an early stage of design in CAD 3D environment. In this paper, main objectives of the ecodesign process automation method based on a CAD 3D system are presented. The ecodesign process of a small household appliance is analyzed. The main features of a dedicated software application with a graphical interface, which runs independently of the CAD 3D system, are presented.

The Use of Virtual Design to Accommodate a Workplace for a Hearing-Impaired Worker

The article describes the possibility to use CAD systems and virtual reality when designing a workplace for a hearing-impaired worker. After a detailed analysis of tasks performed at the given workplace, and the worker’s personal characteristics, the authors proposed a project of a cart to transport plated hangers. The design was then evaluated for feasibility and compliance with the requirements of workplace ergonomics.

Product Variants Recycling Cost Estimation with the Use of Multi-agent Support System

The article describes research on recycling-oriented analysis during product ecodesign. The study was conducted using a proprietary agent system operating based on the recycling-oriented product model. The analysis focused on a household appliance: an electric kettle. The authors developed a project of a new appliance and then created its geometric model in a CAD 3D system. Next, analyses were conducted to compare the recyclability of the appliance with different material and joint combinations. A total of 16 different variants of the appliance were designed within the project. Each of them was evaluated for its recycling parameters and cost of recycling.

Improving Internal Transport

The paper presents possibilities for improving internal transport in a manufacturing company. The authors provide a general analysis of logistic processes as well as questions relating to production logistics, using Lean Management tools like supermarket or electric logistic train. They analyse the current state of internal transport and present changes and possible improvement concepts. Internal transport, which is responsible for the flow of materials, movement of raw materials, semi-finished products and finished products within a company, has a significant impact on production processes. It can be improved thanks to the application of simple Lean Management tools, which will make it possible to eliminate all kinds of waste. Using the solutions presented in the paper, the analysed company may expect to continue to eliminate waste and strengthen its position among the producers of wire bunches and system panels used in household appliances.

Modelling and Recycling-Oriented Assessment of Household Appliances

The paper looks at the recycling-oriented analysis of selected household appliances in the CAD 3D environment, carried out on the basis of recycling-oriented product models, as a form of briefly-discussed eco-design. The recycling-oriented product model (RmW) and measures of recycling-oriented product assessment are explained. A software tool facilitating the creation of recycling-oriented models for selected products and calculation of assessment measures for the analysis are presented. Two examples of recycling-oriented product assessment with the use of the developed method and tools are shown.