Proceedings of the Third Conference on Mechatronics and Robotics “From design methods to industrial applications” October 4–6, 1995 Paderborn

J. Gausemeier, D. Brexel, T. Frank, A. Humpert Integrated Product Development -A New Approach to the Computer Aided Development in the Early Design Stages B. Gombert, G. Hirzinger, G. Plank, M. Schedl, J. Shi Modular Conceptsfor the New Generation ofDLR's Light Weight Robots E. Kallenbach Integrated Design of Shape and Function in Mechatronic Systems Integrated Product Development A New Approach for Computer Aided Development in the Early Design Stages Jürgen Gausemeier, Dirk Brexel, Thorsten Frank, Axel Humpert Germany Heinz Nixdorf Institut, Paderbom, Abstract: The article presents the methodology of Integrated Product Development. Integrated Product Development offers a frame for structuring and integrating development acitivites and methods which are necessary for the development of complex industrial products. Conceptual Product Design is introduced and described as an essential part of Integrated Product Development in order to methodically support the development process. Conceptual Product Design aims to ensure the fulfilment of requirements, the basic workability, and the expected economic success as early as possi­ ble. Finally, information technology tools necessary to support Conceptual Product Design are explained. 1 Introduction 1 In many areas, the efficiency of the product development process determines the ability of an industrial enterprise to compete. There are increasing requirements of the product development process. It is necessary to consider customers' demands fast and with low costs by clever product structuring. There is a change in technology. Products are getting more complex.