Alan Mavignier, Ruben Dario Solarte Bolanos, Alessandro Rosa Lopes Zachi, Leonardo Nabaes Romano, Leticia Renata de Carvalho, André Ogliari, Antonio Carlos Valdiero
Mechatronic systems may have modern technologies, enabling greater efficiency, reliability, security and intelligence functions. The conceptual design is an important phase in the mechatronic products development process, because in this phase the product concept and its main characteristics are defined in terms of solution principles for the required functions. Success in developing the chosen conception depends on the maturity of the involved technologies, the development cycle time and the costs involved in project planning. In this paper, it is proposed a method which uses of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) in the conceptual design phase of mechatronic solutions to engineering problems. This method offers decision support to choose the best alternative for a mechatronic design based on the analysis of the degree of maturity. The expected result will shed light on which technologies in the project need further development. The composition of these development needs can be compared with each other and thus show which design is the most expensive or the most viable. In conclusion, using TRL in conceptual design can enhance project planning by making it more cost-effective and efficient in terms of development cycle time.