Product Design and Development
Description
Comprehensive support in the design and development of components, products and systems, from the specification gathering phase and concept generation to prototype construction and validation. It ranges from the application of advanced design and innovation methodologies, to the intensive use of computational simulation as a design support tool (material simulation / multibody / multidomain / multiphysics / multiscale simulation) and test laboratories for full validation and functional evaluation in the development phase (performance / structural integrity / fatigue and durability / noise and vibration / electromagnetic compatibility / environmental aging). Where necessary, specific test benches are developed for the verification and validation of the product both in the design phase and during the production process itself.
Support ranges from the design and development of individual components to complex systems (electromechanical, mechatronic, electronic and power). In these cases, Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) techniques are applied, aimed at the design, development and validation of complex systems through the use of computational models, optimising these processes, reducing design iterations, improving efficiency and obtaining a virtual prototype of the final product, which allows early validation of the system.
During the design process, its subsequent industrialisation is taken into account, taking into account aspects such as design for end of life, circularity and life extension. To this end, in addition to specific robust design tools, LCA and LCSA techniques are applied to minimise the impact of the product throughout its life cycle.
Competitive Advantages
- Development of more reliable designs with better final performance.
- Optimization of the design process, reduced development time, and increased robustness by avoiding early failures.
- Design, development, and validation of new products/functions enabled by the growing integration of electronics and software in electromechanical products.
- Lifecycle-oriented design including industrialization, impact, and recyclability using LCA and LCSA techniques.
- Wide variety of software for numerical analysis tailored to project requirements.
- High technological capability and flexible equipment.
- Continuous updates of equipment and simulation techniques to adopt cutting-edge methods.
- Added value through integration with other technologies such as materials engineering, experimental analysis, functional safety, and software technologies.
- In-depth knowledge of products in ITA’s strategic sectors, particularly lifting machinery, public works and construction, automotive, and experience in other electromechanical and electronic sectors.
- Cross-sectoral vision and innovation capacity.
- Access to unique testing facilities.
The combination of technologies and methodologies offered by ITA enables significant product innovation and differentiation, while improving competitiveness through:
- Implementation of new functionalities
- Time reduction and increased robustness in design and development processes
- Improved reliability, safety, and efficiency of new products
- Cost reduction
- Lifecycle impact reduction using LCA/LCSA
- Design considering circularity, life extension, and end-of-life characteristics
Our methodology is based on the V-model:
From the initial product ideas, virtual models are generated to simulate design variants under different scenarios. This enables the selection of optimal designs, early error detection, and reduced need for physical prototype testing.
We also have dedicated development facilities in our laboratories:
- The Smart Structures Lab is a benchmark in validation, functional evaluation, and structural durability testing.
- The Smart Systems Lab is equipped for control software and hardware development and verification using X-in-the-loop technologies.
- The Electrical Lab is fully equipped and certified for validation against regulatory, normative, and customer-specific requirements related to electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility.
Keywords
Robust design, reliability, high added value, optimisation, circularity, recyclability, life cycle analysis, product improvement, cost reduction, new functionalities.
Contact
Success Stories
- DESIGN: Geometric design and material selection for components made of technical polymers, adhesives, elastomers, paper and cardboard, composite materials, and metals.
- SENSOR INTEGRATION: Sensorization of mechanical components/systems to provide data on internal or external variables (speed, force, temperature, vibration, etc.) for monitoring or use by other systems (SHM / CBM).
- CONTROL: Implementation of actuation control systems in mechanical systems (force, pressure, speed regulation, mainly via electrical systems/actuators).
- SMART SYSTEMS: Implementation of high-precision control functions for intelligent automotive systems.
- ADAS: Advanced driver-assistance systems and teleoperation technologies for machinery in construction, logistics, and agriculture.
- AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS: Autonomous robotic vehicles for inspection in construction, mining, or agriculture, integrating onboard and infrastructure sensors for situational awareness.
- ENERGY EFFICIENCY: New solutions to optimize energy efficiency and performance of electric/electronic systems (converters, motors, inductors, storage systems, etc.).
- TEST BENCHES: Development of test benches equipped with intelligence and capacity to replicate real load cases in complex products. They have been applied to different sectors: vertical transport, automotive, ...