Evaluation of a new complex system design method on a mechatronic automotive product

This paper illustrates the application of the demand compliant design (DeCoDe) method, proposed recently by the authors, to a real design problem faced by a supplier to the automotive industry. The design flow of the method is detailed and the main advantages and disadvantages are pointed out. The application of the method resulted in a highly innovative design in very short time while guaranteeing the traceability of the design as required by product liability requirements.