Integrated Intelligent Research (IIR) International Journal of Business Intelligents

Volume: 06 Issue: 01 June 2017 Page No.01-05

ISSN: 2278-2400

Review of Basic Principles of Embodiment Design

Tesfaye Olana Terefe
Assistant Lecturer, M.Sc. Post Graduate Student, Mechanical Engineering (Mechanical System Design),
Jimma University, Jimma Institute of Technology, Jimma, Ethiopia
Email: tesfitti2016@gmail, robatesh@gmail.com

Abstract: A number of technical research fields have grown
and matured over decades through the investigation, study,
experimentation, and validation of core principles. Accepted
research methodologies and standards similarly emerge and
mature, but also tailored to the characteristics and scope of the
field. The life and physical sciences are classical examples of
this growth and maturation process. Principles of embodiment
design is a relatively young field of research investigation.
With the first treatises published around the mid-twentieth
century, it has grown steadily in the devoted attention and
depth of investigation. Because of the broad and
interdisciplinary or trans-disciplinary nature of design
principles, numerous forms have been suggested across
disciplines, between disciplines, and at various levels of
granularity or specificity. The time is now apparent to carefully
study these efforts, seeking a formalization of embodiment
design principles, definitions, and supporting research
methodologies. In this review, I seek to make strides in
formalizing principles of embodiment design in terms of the
various disparate approaches. Ultimately, this review assists in
enabling a fundamental understanding and development of
embodiment design principles, and associated processes, as
well as guiding researchers and practitioners in advancements
and use of such principles
and its mechanical architecture, selecting materials and
processes, and engineering the various components necessary to
make the product work. The word Development refers
collectively to the entire process of identifying a customer’s
need, creating a product to appeal to the need of user, and
finally, testing, modifying and refining the product until it is
ready for production. A product can be anything from a book,
musical composition, or information service, to an engineered
product such as a computer, hair dryer, or washing machine.
This Paper is focused on review of basic principles of product
during embodiment design phase. [8]
II. BACKGROUND
Design is an innovative and highly iterative decision making
process. Engineering design is a formal discipline within the
field of engineering. It is the process of applying various
techniques and scientific principles for the purpose of defining a
device, a process, or a system in sufficient detail to permit its
relation. [2] The study of design methodologies is a sub-
discipline and requires the use of unique modes of thought and
the application of a number of specific features to ensure that
designs are both repeatable and result in products that are useful
for a specified period of service. [5]

Keywords: Design, Embodiment, Product Development

I. INTRODUCTION

Product design is the solving of design problems from the

assignment to the final product. Many design methods may
leads to the final product but also the design process which
includes the embodiment design. First the answer should be
given on the question, “what is embodiment design?”
embodiment design may be understood as the design phase
where ideas get just some matter added and consequently a
product structure, a product layout and a working principle. The
goal of product design is creating a product that fulfills its
function which can be produced economically and sustainable.
[7] Embodiment design is well known in product development.
Kesselring (1654) was the first to refer to embodiment design
and introduced a set of principles: minimum manufacturing
costs, minimum requirements, minimum of weights, minimum
losses and optimal handling. [4] The definition of embodiment
design according to Pahl and Beitz (1996) runs as follow as:
“Embodiment design is the part of design process starting from Fig. 1. Product design model, with embodiment design
the principle solution or concept of consumer product. The model enclosed. [1]
design should be developed in accordance with engineering and
economical criteria’s.” [6] The embodiment design phase is the part of the design process
which is concerned about the production of the product concept,
Product development is defined as the process of creating a new the engineering and the economical feasibilities. The production
product to be sold by a business or enterprise to its customers. contains the parts making and product assembling. The
The word Design refers to those activities involved in creating complete design process, from start to finish, is often outlined
the styling, look and feel of the product, deciding on the product as in Fig.1. The process begins with an identification of a need
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Integrated Intelligent Research (IIR)
and a decision to do something about it. After many iterations,
the process ends with the presentation of the plans for satisfying
the need. Depending on the nature of the design task, several
design phases may be repeated throughout the life of the
product, from inception to termination.
The last step in your product is done by making the
documentation: technical drawing, part list and general
drawing. But before this is done, the designing of the product
has to be completed. The construction is highly dependent on
your product, there is not really blueprint to follow. But after
going through the design process the product is almost
completely defined. [8] Now every detail needs to be declared
and documented with drawings, part lists and manufacturing
instructions. To help with three exist rules, principles and
guidelines that assist with process. In reviewing the current
research efforts to extract design principles, effective
techniques and areas for improvement and development of
greater rigor can be identified toward a more formalized
principles of embodiment design research methodology.
III. METHODOLOGY USED FOR REVIEWING
This paper is both a literature review and original critical
analysis of the state of the art with the goal of advancing and
formalizing the field of principles of embodiment design
research. To gain an understanding of the types and prevalence
of each type of methodologies for exploring, deriving and
validating embodiment design principles, including
monographs, books, journal publications, and conference
publications. References were chosen based on either their
seminal nature to the foundation of the field or their publication
in leading design engineering journals or conference
proceedings.
IV. DISCUSSION OF EMBODIMENT DESIGN
It is a process where the structural development of the design
concepts takes place. And in this phase that decisions are made
on strength, material selection, size shape and spatial
compatibility beside, where the design concept is invested with
physical form. Embodiment design is concerned with three
major tasks - product architecture, configuration design, and
parametric design
A. Product Architecture
The product architecture begins to emerge in the conceptual
design phase from such things as diagrams of functions, rough
sketches of concepts, and perhaps a proof of concept model.
And also determining the arrangement of the physical elements
of the design into groupings, called modules. [8]
B. Configuration Design
In configuration design we establish the shape and general
dimensions of components. The design of special purpose parts
and the selection of standard components, like pumps or
motors. [8]
C. Parametric Design
In parametric design the attributes of components identified in
configuration design become the design variables for parametric
design. Determining the exact values, dimensions, or tolerances
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Volume: 06 Issue: 01 June 2017 Page No.01-05
ISSN: 2278-2400
of the components or component features that are deemed
critical to quality. [8]Since it is at these stages that decisions
regarding materials and shapes are made, this is the design stage
which has the greatest influence on the materials flow cycle,
production processes that are used, as well as many of the
details. Design of the product in a modular form allows for easy
disassembly. The arrangement of the overall layout can make it
easier to perform the necessary steps in remanufacturing. The
principle of division of tasks (function separation) used in
embodiment design [10], should concentrate wear on parts
which can be easily reconditioned. Surface treatments should be
designed for the total life of the product, including
remanufacturing. Otherwise they should be easily renewable
during remanufacturing. Design should aim for extending
product life, i.e., design for ease of maintenance extend part life
by providing easy lubrication, cooling, design for easy parts
replacement, preferably by user. Use of same and similar parts
leads not only to lower cost design, but also to ease of re-
manufacturability. Types of information, which can be useful to
the designer at this stage are, for example, properties of joints.
V. THE BASIC RULES OF EMBODIMENT DESIGN
The final design phase will finish the development of the
product. At the end it has to be completely defined. For this
process, the engineer has helpful principles, guidelines and the
three basic rules: simple, unambiguous, reliable.
A. Unambiguous: -
The use of product has to be clear and uncomplicated
(fulfillment of technical function)
B. Simple: -
There are no unnecessary functions or shapes other than
fulfilling the main function (economic realization)
C. Reliable:-
The product is usable in a myriad of conditions without
harming the user or environment (safety for both humans and
environment)
VI. PRINCIPLES OF EMBODIMENT DESIGN
A. Principles of Division Tasks
The divisions of tasks make the system overall more efficient. It
is easier to calculate abilities, do repairs, simpler and thus
delivers higher utilization levels. Division of something (e.g. an
object, a process, work, etc.) means to divide, chop or break it
up into smaller parts to facilitate a better understanding, easier
handling and operation, and focused observation on a fixed set
of goals. It is a way to separate things apart based on some
established criteria like quality, quantity, nature of work, so on.
It untangles, simplifies, and narrows down various complexities
that were involved prior separation. It helps to ease and enhance
the efficiency of managing a giant complex task through
smaller chunks that are easy to handle. Work is any assigned
job, task, duty, goal or an objective one is supposed to
accomplish (achieve) before the deadline (on-time) and as
expected at the expense of one's mental and physical labour to
earn the desired reward (usually monetary but not always) in
return. With this understanding, division of work means;
 To divide or break up a single complicated job into different
smaller specialized tasks
Integrated Intelligent Research (IIR)
 Here, each of these smaller tasks is handled separately
probably by an expert or a team working under his
command
 In case, these tasks are dependent on each other's
completion, they are achieved separately and procedurally
one after another
 When all smaller tasks complete as expected, they all
together help to accomplish the single complicated job
B. Principe of Help Desk
The idea of formulating the self-help principle was first
suggested by the Bredtschneider Uhde self-sealing cover, which
is particularly suitable for pressure vessels [7]. Fig. 2 shows
how it works. A relatively small force provided by the central
bolt 2 suffices to press the cover1against the metal seal. The
initial effect of this force ensures that the parts make the proper
contact. With increasing operational pressure, a supplementary
effect is produced, which ensures that the sealing force between
cover and tank is increased appropriately. The internal pressure
thus provides the required sealing force automatically.
Fig. 2. Self-sealing cover [6]
1. Cover
2. Central bolt
3. Cross member
4. Element with saw tooth thread
5. Metal sealing
a)Self-reinforcing:-
Under normal load, the design ensures that main or auxiliary
factors provide a reinforcing overall effect. In self-reinforcing
solutions, the supplementary effect is obtained directly from a
main or associated force and it adds to the initial effect to
produce a greater overall effect. This group of self-helping
solutions is the most common. Under part-load conditions, it
ensures greater service life, less wear, higher efficiency, etc.,
because the components are only loaded to an extent needed to
fulfil the function at any particular moment.
b)Self-compensating-
Under normal load the design ensures that an auxiliary factor
counteracts the original effect and therefore provides
compensation to achieve a greater overall effect. And also,
self-help provides for greater effect by arranging the forces to
work in the same direction as each other, or for relief by
arranging the forces to offset each other. In emergency
situations (overloading), self-help provides for greater
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Volume: 06 Issue: 01 June 2017 Page No.01-05
ISSN: 2278-2400
protection and safety, the overall effect is made up of an initial
effect and a supplementary effect.
c) Self-protecting-
Self-protecting solutions derive their supplementary effect from
an additional different force transmission path that, in case of
excess loading, is generally created after a given elastic
deformation has taken place. As a result, the distribution of the
flow lines of force is altered, which changes the nature of the
loading and thereby increases the load carrying capacity.
Admittedly, in that case, the functional properties associated
with normal conditions may become altered, limited or
suspended. The load on the devices increases its load bearing
capability.
C. Principle of Force and Energy Transmission
a) Flow Of Force And Equal/Uniform Strength
The problems solved in mechanical engineering generally
involve forces and/or motions and their connection, change,
variation or channeling, and involve then conversion of energy,
material and signals. The generally applicable function
“channel forces” includes the application of loads to, the
transfer of forces between, and the transmission of forces
through components and devices. The idea of “flow lines of
force” aids the visualization of the force transmission paths
(load paths) through components and devices, and is analogous
to flow lines in fluid mechanics. Leyer [9] has dealt with the
transmission of forces at some length, so we can dispense with
a detailed discussion of the problem.
Designers are advised to consult these important texts. Leyer,
moreover, emphasizes the complex interaction between the
functional, embodiment and production aspects. The concept of
force transmission can be summarized as described below.
Force transmission must be understood in a broad sense; that is,
it must include the application, transfer and transmission of
bending and twisting moments. First, it is important to
remember that external loads applied to a component produce
axial and transverse forces as well as bending and twisting
moments at every section. These set up stresses (direct and
shear) that produce elastic or plastic deformations (longitudinal,
lateral (Poisson), and shear strains, along with bending and
twisting).
The section dimensions transmitting the forces are obtained by
“mental dissection” of the components at the point under
consideration. The sum of the stresses over these sections
produces internal forces and moments which must be in
equilibrium with the external loads. The stresses, determined at
the relevant section, are then compared with the material
properties of tensile strength, yield strength, fatigue strength,
creep strength, etc., with due regard being paid to stress
concentrations, surface finish and size effects.
The principle of uniform strength aims, with the help of
appropriate materials and shapes, to achieve uniform strength
throughout a mechanical device over its anticipated operational
life. Like the principle of lightweight construction, it should be
applied whenever economic circumstances allow. [7] This
important consideration often misleads designers into
neglecting the deformations (strains) associated with the
stresses. It is, however, these very deformations that often
Integrated Intelligent Research (IIR)
throw light on the behavior of components and tell us what we
need to know about their integrity.
b) Principle Of Direct And Minimum Force Transmission
Path
In agreement with Leyer [9] we consider the following principle
to be of great importance: If a force or moment is to be
transmitted from one place to another with the minimum
possible deformation, then the shortest and most direct force
transmission path is the best.
This principle, which leads to the minimum number of loaded
areas, ensures:
 Minimum use of material (volume, weight)
 Minimum deformation.
This is particularly true if it is possible to solve a problem using
tensile or compressive stresses alone, because these stresses,
unlike bending and torsional stresses, produce smaller
deformations. When a component is in compression, however,
special attention must be paid to the danger of buckling. If, on
the other hand, we require a flexible component capable of
considerable elastic deformation, then a design using bending or
torsional stresses is generally the more economical.
c) Principles Of Harmonized Deformation
Designs matched to the flow lines of force avoid sharp
deflections of the transmission path and sudden changes in
cross-section, thus preventing the uneven distribution of
stresses with high stress concentrations. A visualization of the
flow-lines of force, though very graphic, does not always reveal
the decisive factors involved. Here, too, the key is the
deformation of the affected components. The principle of
matched deformations states that related components must be
designed in such a way that, under load, they will deform in the
same sense and, if possible, by the same amount.
d) Principle Of Force Compensation
Those forces and moments that serve the function directly, such
as the driving torque, the tangential tooth force, and the load
torque in a gearbox, can, in accordance with the definition of a
main function, be described as functionally determined main
forces. In addition, there are many forces or moments that do
not serve the function directly but that cannot be ignored, for
instance:
 the axial force produced by a helical gear
 the force resulting from a pressure difference, for instance
across the blades of a turbine or across a control valve
 tensile forces for producing a friction connection
 inertia forces due to linear acceleration or rotation of
components
 fluid flow forces, in as much as they are not the main forces
Such forces and moments accompanying the main ones are
called associated forces, and may either produce a useful
auxiliary effect or else appear merely as an unwanted effect that
has be taken into account.
D. Safety and Reliability Principles
a) Safe life principle
The safe-life principle demands that all components and their
connections be constructed in such a way as to allow them to
operate without breakdown or malfunction throughout their
anticipated lives. This is ensured by:
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International Journal of Business Intelligents
Volume: 06 Issue: 01 June 2017 Page No.01-05
ISSN: 2278-2400
 Clear specification of the operating conditions and
environmental factors, such as the anticipated loads, service
life, operating conditions, etc.
 adequately safe embodiment based on proven principles and
calculations
 numerous and thorough inspections during production and
assembly
 analysis of components or systems to determine their
durability when they are overloaded (load levels and/or
running time) or subjected to adverse environmental
influences
 determination of the limits of safe operation, with due
regard being paid to possible breakdowns
b) Fail safe principle
The fail-safe principle allows for the failure of a system
function or for a component fracture during the service life by
ensuring that grave consequences do not ensue. To that end:
 a function or capacity, however small, must be preserved to
prevent dangerous conditions
 a restricted function must be fulfilled by the failing
component or by some other component until such time as
the plant or machine can be removed from operation without
danger
 the failure or breakdown must be identifiable
 the effect of the failing component on the overall safety of
the system must be assessable
c) Principle of multiple or redundant arrangement
The redundancy principle provides another means of increasing
both the safety and the reliability of systems. In common usage,
redundancy means superfluity or excess. In information theory,
redundancy refers to that fraction of a message that may be
eliminated without loss of essential information. Redundancy is
often used deliberately to allow for transmission losses, and
hence to safeguard the system. The fact that this safety principle
is common in electronics and information technology is useful
when integrating these technologies with mechanical
engineering systems. Redundant safety arrangements lead to an
increase in safety, provided that the breakdown of a particular
element of the system is not dangerous in itself, and that other
elements, arranged in parallel or in series, can take over its
function fully or at least in part.
d) Indirect safety
Indirect safety measures involve the use of special protective
systems and protective devices. They are applied whenever
direct safety measures prove inadequate. A detailed discussion
of indirect safety measures for technical systems can be found
in [6]. Indirect safety measures have to fulfil the following basic
requirements:
 Operate reliably
Reliable operation means that: the working principle and the
embodiment allow unambiguous operation; the layout follows
the established rules; production and assembly are quality-
controlled; and the protective systems and devices are
rigorously tested. The safety modules and their functional links
should be based on direct safety principles and demonstrate
safe-life or fail-safe behavior.
 Function when danger occurs
Integrated Intelligent Research (IIR)
This requirement means that: The protective function has to be
available from the start of the dangerous situation and must last
throughout the period of danger The protective function should
not cease or the protective device should not be removed before
the dangerous situation has completely ended
 Resist tampering
Resistance to tampering means that the protection cannot be
reduced or removed by unintended or intended actions.
VII. CONCLUSION
International Journal of Business Intelligents
Volume: 06 Issue: 01 June 2017 Page No.01-05
ISSN: 2278-2400
[5] Adams K., 2015, “Nonfunctional Requirements In Systems
Analysis And Design,” India
[6] Pahl G. et al. 2007, “Engineering design; a systematic
Approach,” Germany, 3rd ed.
[7] Ulrich, T.K. and S.D. Eppinger, 1995 “Product Design and
Development,” McGraw-Hill, New York.
[8] Dieter, G.E., 1991 “Engineering Design,” McGraw-Hill,
New York
[9] Leyer, A., 1974 “Machine Design,” Blackie, London
[10] MS Hundal. 1997, “Systematic Mechanical Designing: A
Cost and Management Perspective”, NewYork

Embodiment design is the phase in the design process where the

design concept is invested with physical form. It is the stage
where the most analysis takes place to determine the physical
shape and configuration of the components that make up the
system function, form, fit, and finish of design. The rules of
unambiguous, simplicity, and reliability are qualitative rules
generally applicable to all engineering disciplines and should be
considered constantly throughout the embodiment design phase.
Unambiguous speaks to the aim of having a clearly defined role
for each component and sub-component in the design.
Simplicity refers to the aim to keep the overall design (and the
design of each component) as simple as possible while still
accomplishing the overall goal. Complexity in shape makes the
outcome more difficult to predict, while adding more parts and
sub-assemblies complicates assembly and maintenance. The
principles of Force Transmission, Division of Tasks, Self-Help
and principles of safety are just four of many general principles
that mechanical engineers should be attune to. Assigning a
single function (or task) to a specific component allows for
better exploitation of the component, provides greater load
capacity, and ensures unambiguous behavior. The Self-Help
principle is especially broad in its application. By the
conclusion of embodiment design a full scale working
prototype of the product will be constructed and tested. This is a
working model, technically and visually complete, that is used
to confirm that the design meets all customer requirements and
performance criteria.

Acknowledgment

First of all foremost, my gratitude goes to Dr. Tamirat Tesfaye

(PhD, Addis Ababa University, Mechanical Design
Engineering, email: tamrattes@yahoo.com) sharing his rich
experience and knowledge without reservation. His
encouragement, lecturing excellent, and critical comments have
greatly contributed to this seminar review.

References

[1] Langeveld L. 2012 “Product Design with Embodiment

Design as A New Perspective,” Delft University of
Technology, Netherlands.
[2] Jeffrey W. H. et al. 2004 “New Direction In Design For
Manufacturing,” Salt Lake City, Utah USA.
[3] Khedkar N. et al. 2014 “Product Detailing, A Key to
Implementation of Product Design Concepts for
Sustainable Design,” ARPN, India.
[4] Kesselring F., 1954, “Technical composition,” springer,
Berlin.