Split a part or surface into multiple parts/Surfaces

To repeat features withing a part, patterning would be the most efficient. Without more details of what you need, it is speculation to suggest a specific approach. Post a simple sample model so we can understand the details.

If you can define the location and size of the singulated geometries, then you should be able to implement a solution using patterns.

This sounds like it should have been created as a skeleton model. 

If you create all of the parts in an assembly, you can create references to the sketches in the original part.  This would create external references.

You could also use Merge/Inheritance to import the base model into the other models.

If indeed your question is actually how to plan the design intent as @kdirth has offered some insight on, then have a look at this thread. There is a link to a pdf document that deals with defining design intent and making a plan on how to reduce it to practice in Creo. It does not include multibody but is still relevant.

The link is in the marked solution of this thread:

https://community.ptc.com/t5/3D-Part-Assembly-Design/tracking-down-a-circular-reference/m-p/709120