Towards a Reference Architecture Model for the Perpetual Innovative Product

In view of shrinking resources, stricter climate targets, and rising customer expectations, circular product development is a key lever for decoupling economic growth from raw-material consumption. At the same time, the innovation potential in product engineering must be maintained at an adequate level. Although initial concepts exist, processes and methods that integrate product modeling, architecture analysis and cross generational circularity strategies are still lacking. This study proposes a systematic analysis procedure to support the development of a reference architecture model for circular system generations. The analysis activities are initially applied on three generations of a mechatronic system from the power tool domain. After a systematic teardown, the subsystems of each generation are mapped to the property, function and physical structure view, resulting in three instantiated product models. These models are then analyzed to show common and varying elements and to reveal how structural changes propagate across generations. The resulting artefacts provide a systematic approach as a basis for developing a system-specific reference model that can support future circular design decisions and the planning of circular system generations.