Manufacturing‐integrated product solutions: Design support between product function and manufacturing processes

With the help of new design tools, manufacturing‐integrated solutions can be generated that concurrently consider function and process. Based on the design pattern matrix, solution elements can be developed that realize the product function by systematically utilizing manufacturing‐induced properties. The developed manufacturing‐integrated product solutions are refined using computer‐aided methods (feature‐based modeling and information modeling). A product embodiment is generated that is specifically tailored to the chosen manufacturing technology. An integrated information model allows the introduced tools to be used throughout the entire development process. The example of a linear flow split snap‐fit fastening illustrates how the tools beneficially interact and realize manufacturing potential, resulting in an innovative product design.