Environmental load calculation device

Abstract

To provide an environmental load calculation device capable of both reducing a product's environmental load and shortening the time required for product design.SOLUTION: An environmental load calculation device comprises a design tool unit which designs at least one of a product and a component constituting the product, an environmental load calculation unit which calculates the environmental load of at least one of the product and the component, and an environmental load visualization unit which displays the environmental load. The environmental load calculation unit calculates the environmental load on the basis of at least one of the component's configuration, function, manufacturing process, and reliability, or the product's assembly process and reliability. If the environmental load has not reached a target value, the design tool unit re-executes the design before the design is completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an environmental load calculation device. [Background technology]

[0002] As environmental regulations expand and become stronger in each country, the development of products with low environmental impact has become essential for the manufacturing industry. In developing such products, in addition to quality, cost, and performance, product design that reduces environmental impact over the life cycle is also required, as well as the reuse of parts and the recycling of materials used in parts.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an environmental load assessment device in which a definition unit defines each process data of the life cycle related to the assessment target of the environmental load assessment using one system element (electric energy), and an environmental load assessment unit performs environmental load assessment based on each process data defined by the electric energy, so that even if each process data changes dynamically, the change can be immediately reflected in the environmental load assessment.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses an environmentally conscious design support device that includes: product-specific environmental load storage means that stores the component configuration, materials, processes, etc. of a product along with their environmental load; environmental load assessment means that evaluates the environmental load of the product; conditional improvement plan storage means that stores improvement plans along with their prerequisites; improvement plan applicability determination means that determines whether the improvement plan stored in the conditional improvement plan storage means can be applied to the product stored in the product-specific environmental load storage means based on the component, material, and process configuration of the product stored in the product-specific environmental load storage means and the improvement plans stored in the conditional improvement plan storage means; and improvement effect evaluation means that evaluates the effect of applying the improvement plan to a product determined by the improvement plan applicability determination means to be applicable to the product. Patent Document 2 discloses that by using this environmentally conscious design support device, it is possible to calculate the improvement effect over a lifecycle without the need for a trial-and-error process by considering the trade-offs of an improvement plan for a certain product and then applying it to other products. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-16802 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-210305 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When designing a product, it is necessary to evaluate the product's environmental impact in addition to its functions and performance.

[0007] Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe environmental impact assessment, but do not describe integration with design tools. From this, it is believed that in Patent Documents 1 and 2, environmental impact assessment is performed after the product design is completed. When product design is performed using this procedure, design data that is not necessarily required for the environmental impact assessment may be examined and acquired. In this case, if the design is repeated until the target value is reached in the environmental impact assessment, similar design work may be repeated.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the environmental impact of products and shorten the time required to design products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The environmental load calculation device disclosed herein comprises a design tool unit that designs at least one of a product and parts that make up the product, an environmental load calculation unit that calculates the environmental load of at least one of the product and parts, and an environmental load visualization unit that displays the environmental load, wherein the environmental load calculation unit calculates the environmental load based on at least one of the configuration, function, manufacturing process and reliability of the parts, and the assembly process and reliability of the product, and if the environmental load has not reached the target value, the design tool unit executes the design again before completing the design. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the environmental impact of products and shorten the time required to design products. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating hardware of an environmental load calculation device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process in the environmental load calculation device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen of a design tool of the environmental load calculation apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when an alarm is issued in the determination of the environmental load of the environmental load calculation device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an environmental load calculation device according to an embodiment and the processing performed by each of its components. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a process performed by the environmental load calculation device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments and examples of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments and examples are examples for explaining the present disclosure, and for clarity of explanation, appropriate omissions and simplifications have been made. The present disclosure can be implemented in various other forms. Unless otherwise specified, each component may be singular or plural.

[0013] To facilitate understanding of the invention, the position, size, shape, range, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may not represent the actual position, size, shape, range, etc. Therefore, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the position, size, shape, range, etc. disclosed in the drawings.

[0014] Examples of various types of information may be described using expressions such as "table," "list," and "queue," but the various types of information may also be expressed using data structures other than these. For example, various types of information such as "XX table," "XX list," and "XX queue" may also be expressed as "XX information." When describing identification information, expressions such as "identification information," "identifier," "name," "ID," and "number" are used, but these are interchangeable.

[0015] When there are multiple components with the same or similar functions, they may be described using the same reference numeral with different subscripts. When there is no need to distinguish between these multiple components, the subscripts may be omitted.

[0016] In the embodiments, processing performed by executing a program may be described. Here, a computer executes the program using a processor (e.g., a CPU or a GPU) and performs processing defined by the program using storage resources (e.g., a memory) and interface devices (e.g., a communication port). Therefore, the entity performing the processing by executing the program may be the processor. Similarly, the entity performing the processing by executing the program may be a controller, device, system, computer, or node having a processor. The entity performing the processing by executing the program may be any computing unit, and may include a dedicated circuit that performs specific processing. Here, the dedicated circuit may be, for example, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device).

[0017] A program may be installed on a computer from a program source. The program source may be, for example, a program distribution server or a computer-readable storage medium. When the program source is a program distribution server, the program distribution server may include a processor and a storage resource for storing the program to be distributed, and the processor of the program distribution server may distribute the program to be distributed to other computers. In addition, in an embodiment, two or more programs may be realized as one program, or one program may be realized as two or more programs.

[0018] The environmental load calculation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a design tool unit (design tool function), an environmental load calculation unit, and an environmental load visualization unit. In other words, the device is a device in which an environmental load calculation function is added to a conventional design tool unit, 3D-CAD (three-dimensional Computer-Aided Design). That is, the device allows a 3D-CAD user (e.g., a designer) to input environmental targets and perform environmental load calculations when designing a product, part, or the like. In this case, environmental targets can be input (or changed) and environmental load calculations can be performed during the design process. The 3D-CAD may also include CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering), a tool for performing simulations and analyses.

[0019] The environmental load calculation device according to this embodiment is configured to be able to evaluate environmental loads simultaneously with design elements in the upstream design stages of products, parts, etc. A typical method for evaluating environmental loads is life cycle assessment (LCA). In this specification, a configuration in which LCA is incorporated into design and the design and LCA are linked together is referred to as "concurrent LCA." Concurrent LCA improves the functionality of environmentally conscious design (eco-design) and promotes the development of products with a low environmental load. This eliminates the need to install a separate environmental load calculation device.

[0020] In addition, the degree of achievement of environmentally conscious design can be quantitatively evaluated, and evidence of the degree of contribution can be presented. [Example]

[0021] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing hardware of an environmental load calculation device according to an embodiment.

[0022] In this figure, the environmental load calculation device 100 is realized by a computer and has a display 121 (display unit), an input device 122 (input unit), a CPU 123 (Central Processing Unit), a RAM 124 (Random Access Memory), a ROM 125 (Read Only Memory), a communication device 126, a media reader 127, and an auxiliary storage device 128. These may be installed in one place or in a distributed arrangement.

[0023] The CPU 123 is a unit that can be realized by a so-called processor and that executes various calculations. The CPU 123 executes the environmental load calculation program loaded from the auxiliary storage device 128 to the RAM 124, thereby executing various processes.

[0024] Here, the environmental load calculation program is, for example, an application program that can be executed on an OS (Operating System) program. In this embodiment, the environmental load calculation program is made up of multiple modules for each function, but it may also be realized by multiple independent programs for each function.

[0025] The environmental load calculation program may also be installed in the auxiliary storage device 128 from a portable storage medium via the media reader 127. In other words, the environmental load calculation program can be stored in a storage medium. The CPU 123 may also execute processing in accordance with a program other than the environmental load calculation program. In this case, it is desirable to store this program in the auxiliary storage device 128.

[0026] The RAM 124 is a memory that stores programs such as the environmental load calculation program executed by the CPU 123, as well as data necessary for executing the programs. The ROM 125 is a memory that stores programs and an OS necessary for starting up the environmental load calculation apparatus 100. The communication device 126 can be connected via a communication path to a server, a storage device, a mobile terminal, or the like that is installed outside the environmental load calculation apparatus 100. The communication path can be realized by a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet, and may be wired or wireless.

[0027] The media reader 127 is a device that reads information from a portable storage medium such as a flash memory or a CD-ROM.

[0028] The auxiliary storage device 128 can be realized by, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or the like, and is a device that stores data and programs for executing various processes. The auxiliary storage device 128 may also be realized by a solid state drive (SSD) that uses a flash memory or the like.

[0029] The RAM 124, the ROM 125, and the auxiliary storage device 128 correspond to a database. The auxiliary storage device 128 stores the environmental load calculation program, various information, data, and the like.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the processing in the environmental load calculation device according to this embodiment.

[0031] In this diagram, first, a target value for LCA is input to the environmental load calculation device (step S100). Next, detailed design of the product is performed (step S110). Then, LCA is calculated based on the design results of the manufacturing process and feature quantities such as materials, shapes, and functions of the parts that make up the product (step S120). The results of the LCA calculation are then displayed on the display unit (step S130). The display unit may also display data, drawings, etc. of the parts that make up the product.

[0032] Next, it is determined whether the LCA calculation result reaches the LCA target value input in step S100 (step S140). If the target value is reached, the process ends (step S150).

[0033] On the other hand, if the target value has not been reached, the process returns to step S110, and the material, shape, function, manufacturing process, etc. of the parts that make up the product are changed, and the detailed design of the product is carried out again. Steps S120 to S140 are then repeated. This makes it possible to determine whether the LCA can be achieved midway through the product design, and to provide feedback on the design.

[0034] Note that feature quantities other than material, shape, function, etc. of parts and the like include type, weight, efficiency, etc.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen of a design tool of the environmental load calculation apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0036] On screen 200 shown in this figure, environmental target input 210, design data import 220, and environmental load output 230 can be selected as design tool functions. Also shown is a part 240 that is the subject of design and LCA. Furthermore, a graph of environmental load results 250, which are the results of LCA calculations, is displayed. Environmental load results 250 show the environmental loads of plan 1, plan 2, plan 3, and plan 4 together with the LCA target values.

[0037] By clicking on environmental target input 210, design data import 220, and environmental load output 230 on screen 200, the user can input environmental targets, check the environmental load, and perform other tasks in addition to designing part 240. In other words, the user can calculate the environmental load in parallel with the design work. The user can also switch the screen display to design parts other than part 240, calculate the environmental load, and perform other tasks.

[0038] Here, environmental target input 210 represents the input of numerical values ​​for environmental target values. Design data import 220 represents the reading of existing design data, specifically the input of attribute information such as three-dimensional shape data of parts, materials, weight, and dimensions. Environmental load output 230 outputs the amount of power consumption, carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrogen oxides (NO2), which are environmental load items, in accordance with the inputs of environmental target input 210 and design data import 220. x ) emissions, LCA, etc. are calculated. Data, calculation rules, calculation formulas, etc. required for these calculations are prepared separately and stored in a database. By selecting the environmental load output 230, the environmental load result 250 is displayed.

[0039] In this way, the user can visualize and check the results of calculations of environmental loads, the degree of achievement of environmental targets, etc., in addition to the shape of the parts, etc.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when an alarm is issued in the determination of the environmental load by the environmental load calculation apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0041] In the screen 300 shown in this figure, an alarm 254 is displayed for Plan 1 and Plan 2 in the environmental impact result 252. This alarm 254 indicates that the LCA calculation result is significantly higher than the target value and is unacceptable. The display other than the alarm 254 is the same as that of the screen 200 in Figure 3.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the environmental load calculation device according to this embodiment and the processing in each of the components.

[0043] The environmental load calculation device shown in this figure includes a design tool section (design tool function), an environmental load calculation section, and an environmental load visualization section.

[0044] The design tool unit acquires product information input from an input unit (not shown) or stored in a database or the like (step S400), and outputs the weights of the parts that make up the product (step S401).

[0045] The environmental load calculation unit acquires product information from the design tool unit and outputs the shape, weight, material, etc. of the parts that make up the product (step S411).

[0046] Next, a process is defined according to the process definition rules (step S412). Here, the process definition rules refer to processes that are assumed based on the type and capacity of the equipment. For example, if a press machine and a lathe machine are installed on the line, the cutting process is performed after the press process.

[0047] Next, the processing time for the process is calculated (step S413). Then, necessary data is obtained from the equipment power database, and (time) x (power) x AA is calculated (step S414). Here, AA is an equipment function, which indicates the relationship between the process preparation time and the power used during process preparation. Using the result of step S414, the environmental load for the process is calculated (step S415).

[0048] The environmental load visualization unit acquires the product information and part weights output in step S401, and sets environmental target values ​​using the data on environmental intensity (step S402). Next, for each part, it calculates (environmental intensity) x (weight) (step S403). Using the results of step S403, it acquires the calculation results of the environmental load for each part (step S404). Then, it calculates the total environmental load using the calculation results of steps S404 and S415 (step S405).

[0049] Next, it is determined whether the environmental load value has reached the environmental target value (step S406). Here, the environmental load value may be the value of each part, each process, or the total value of these.

[0050] If the environmental target value is reached in step S406, the process ends (step S407).

[0051] On the other hand, if the environmental target value has not been reached in step S406, the process returns to step S400 before the design is completed, and the product component specifications, manufacturing process, etc. are changed in the design tool unit.Then, the design is redone and adjustments are made so that the environmental target value is reached.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the processing in the environmental load calculation device according to this embodiment.

[0053] In the detailed design shown in this diagram, the materials, shape, and function of the parts that make up the product, as well as the manufacturing process, are considered and adjusted. The product assembly process and the reliability of the product and its parts are also considered and adjusted.

[0054] Then, an LCA calculation is performed for each design data adjusted in the detailed design, and it is determined whether the results reach the environmental target values. If the target values ​​are reached, the detailed design is terminated. On the other hand, if the target values ​​are not reached, the design data is changed and adjusted so that they reach the target values.

[0055] Thereafter, it is determined whether the overall environmental target value of the product has been reached. If the environmental target value has been reached in this case as well, the process ends. This completes the design of the product. Here, the overall environmental target value of the product may be the sum of the environmental loads of the parts, processes, etc.

[0056] If the overall environmental target value for the product is not achieved, the company will return to the detailed design and reexamine the parts, processes, etc.

[0057] This diagram shows the flow of performing LCA calculations on the materials of the part on the far left of the diagram, determining whether environmental targets have been achieved, and providing feedback. However, calculations, judgments, feedback, etc. are also performed on the shape, function, manufacturing process, etc. of parts, the product assembly process, the reliability of products and parts, etc.

[0058] In this embodiment, LCA calculation is explained as an example of calculating environmental load, but the method of calculating environmental load may be other than LCA, for example, CFP (Carbon Footprint), Scope 3, etc.

[0059] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to eliminate the need to consider and acquire design data that is not necessarily required for environmental impact assessment, thereby preventing duplicate design work, thereby reducing the environmental impact of products and shortening the time required for product design. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 100: Environmental load calculation device, 121: Display, 122: Input device, 123: CPU, 124: RAM, 125: ROM, 126: Communication device, 127: Media reader, 128: Auxiliary storage device, 200, 300: Screen, 210: Environmental target input, 220: Design data import, 230: Environmental load output, 240: Parts, 250, 252: Environmental load result, 254: Alarm.

Claims

1. a design tool unit for designing at least one of a product and a component constituting the product; an environmental load calculation unit that calculates an environmental load of at least one of the product and the part; an environmental load visualization unit that displays the environmental load, the environmental load calculation unit calculates the environmental load based on at least one of a configuration, a function, a manufacturing process, and a reliability of the part, and an assembly process and a reliability of the product; If the environmental load has not reached the target value, the design tool unit executes the design again before completing the design.

2. 2. The environmental load calculation device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the design tool unit, the environmental load calculation unit, and the environmental load visualization unit is configured to allow the target value of the environmental load to be input.

3. 2. The environmental load calculation device according to claim 1, wherein said design tool unit terminates said design when said environmental load has reached a target value.

4. 2. The environmental load calculation device according to claim 1, further comprising a database that stores data used in the calculation of the environmental load.

5. The environmental load calculation device according to claim 1 , wherein the environmental load visualization unit outputs a difference between the environmental load and the target value.

6. 2. The environmental load calculation device according to claim 1, wherein the environmental load visualization unit outputs an alarm when the environmental load does not reach the target value.

7. 2. The environmental load calculation device according to claim 1, wherein the environmental load includes at least one of a life cycle assessment, an amount of power consumption, and an amount of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions.

8. The environmental load calculation device according to claim 1 , wherein the configuration of the part includes at least one of the material, weight, and shape of the part.

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