Product Design for ModularityModular products are products that fulfill various overall functions through the combination of distinct building blocks or modules, in the sense that the overall function performed by the product can be divided into sub-functions that can be implemented by different modules or components. An important aspect of modular products is the creation of a basic core unit to which different components (modules) can be fitted, thus enabling a variety of versions of the same module to be produced. The core should have sufficient capacity to cope with all expected variations in performance and usage. Components used in a modular product must have features that enable them to be coupled together to form a complex product. Modularity will promote: reduction in product development time; customization and upgrades; cost efficiencies due to amortization; quality design standardization; and reduction in order lead time. The purpose of this book is to develop a structured approach to the design of products using the concept of modularity, assembly, and manufacturability. The book has proposed and developed a structured and systematic approach to product and systems design using the modularity concept. Mathematical and genetic algorithm models are developed to support the developed methodology. |
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adjustment or replacement analysis analyzed assembly assigned basic Bearing cell cellular manufacturing chromosome clustering coding coefficients columns combinatorial optimization components Concept Connecting Rod constraints crankshaft crossover cu.mm customer needs customer requirements decomposed defined Design for Manufacture design process Design Structure Matrix detail design determine DFMA diagram diameter elements engineering fitness value fixtures fog lamp functional requirements Functionality Analysis GD&T Gear genetic algorithm groups house of quality identified illustrates impact incidence matrix information flow input integrated interaction machine type manufacturing systems Material removal volume method methodology metrics modular design modular products modular system modules mutation number of machines operation optimal output overall function paper clip parameters performed phase population problem process plan product design product features quality function deployment relationship represented selected sequence Shaft similarity Similarity Matrix single-use camera solution Step structure sub-problems sunroof System-Level Specifications Table tasks techniques variable weight