A product carbon footprint model for embodiment design based on macro-micro design features

Greenhouse gas emissions have become one of the most prominent global concerns of sustainable development. To reduce product life cycle carbon footprint, planning should begin at embodiment design phase. The accurate assessment of carbon footprint is the foundation of carbon footprint reduction. However, existing carbon footprint models cannot be applied to embodiment design phase due to incomplete and limited design information. With this in mind, this paper proposes a carbon footprint model for embodiment design based on macro-micro design features. First, a Function-Structure-Feature (FSF) model for embodiment design is established to convey the design information. The concept of design features is introduced (at both macro and micro levels). The macro design feature denotes the different operational states of the product and the constraint relationships between parts. The micro design feature denotes the specific properties of parts. Then, a model of product carbon footprint based on design features is presented through the analysis of the relationships between macro-micro design features and product carbon footprint. The feasibility of the proposed method is demonstrated through a gear hobbing machine. The product carbon footprint model allows quantitative evaluation of product carbon footprint during embodiment design phase, and the amount of carbon footprint from each type of design feature is predicted. Based on evaluation result, the design features can be improved to reduce product carbon footprint. Case study results show that the carbon footprint is decreased by 10.96% after improving design features.