Function in a box: An approach for multi-functional design by function integration and separation

Today's products have to fulfill an increasing amount of functions which commonly results in increasing weight, costs and size of the product. An approach to face these challenges is to realize different functions by multi-functional design. This paper presents an approach for developing multi-functional concepts by considering three different system models to reduce the complexity of the design task. The approach is applied on a development procedure for multi-functional components with a prioritization of nonstructural functions and subsequently adding the mechanical functions. (C) 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.