DAMOKLEZ | Consistently agile and model-based component development for electromobility with digital twins

Agile and interdisciplinary consideration of the product life cycle

The development of technical systems is characterized by a strong interdisciplinary approach and growing importance of software. These so-called mechatronic systems make it necessary to supplement or replace mechanically influenced methods of product development with interdisciplinary strategies. In this context, it is particularly important to think holistically in terms of systems and functions, to gain an early interdisciplinary understanding and to apply parallel and simultaneous engineering. Numerous approaches have already been developed for this purpose, of which the V-model according to VDI guideline 2206 is the best known example. Manufacturing companies have already recognized the added value of such approaches and are increasingly using interdisciplinary strategies.

New methods of product development: »Industry 4.0« and »Digital Twin«

However, as the general conditions continue to change and new technological possibilities arise, interdisciplinary approaches of product development must also be further developed. Especially the rapid changes in the automotive sector, e.g. due to electromobility and digitalization, require the entire industry (OEMs and suppliers) to adopt more agile and lean approaches in the future in order to launch new system components and to  design them efficiently. To achieve this, current technological developments in the context of »Industry 4.0« offer a suitable basis for rethinking product development and for turning existing methods into life cycle approaches. One example are »digital twins« that can be used to aggregate data in production and operation of a system. These data could help to optimize the next product generation. However, neither the current approaches of product development nor the models used in development have been designed for this very aspect.

»Closed-Loop« as a goal in the development of components for electric mobility

Against this background, the DAMOKLEZ research project is working on an approach for the development of components for electromobility to get a comprehensive view of the entire life cycle while taking into account production and operation. The knowledge gained can be used to optimize new product generations, resulting in a continuous development in a closed control loop (»closed-loop«). This approach can thus be regarded as the next stage in the development of existing concepts, which mostly concentrate on a single product development.

Extension of classic process models to a closed control loop (»closed-loop«)
© Fraunhofer IGCV
Extension of classic process models to a closed control loop (»closed-loop«)

Survey on development projects in the automotive sector

For an analysis of the current situation and to identify challenges in development projects in the automotive sector, we are looking for you to participate in an online survey. The survey is aimed at all persons who are involved in the development or further development of products and components in the automotive sector. The survey is divided into six subject areas, which you can answer independently of each other. The following areas are covered:

  • Digital twin
  • Product development
  • Production
  • Operational phase of the product
  • Change Management
  • Electric mobility

You can access the survey under the following link: Survey DAMOKLEZ (German)

The time required for each topic area is approximately five to ten minutes. The results of the survey will be used for the development of the agile methods and the design of the digital twins.

Thank you very much for your participation!

Digitales Engineering: Online-Umfrage
© Fraunhofer IGCV

Cooperation with Fraunhofer IGCV

Contact us for an individual solution that suits your business needs.

Industry solutions

The key sectors of Fraunhofer IGCV:

  • Mechanical and plant engineering
  • Aerospace
  • Automotive and commercial vehicles

Competences

We are shaping the way into the future of efficient engineering, networked production and intelligent multi-material solutions.