A methodology for optimizing modular design considering product end of life strategies

Abstract

Product modularity is a concept of clustering the independent components into logical units that are relatively independent to each other in functions. With the growing interest in environmental protection, the inclusion of product end of life issues during product design has been seen as a promising method to improve product utilization after its retirement. There are very few methodologies that deal with modularity at the conceptual design stage in which incorporate product end of life strategies and end of life cost in the literature. The lack of information during conceptual design will cause failure in overcoming drawbacks that will be apparent later in the detail design. The motivation of this study is to identify the relationship between product end of life strategies and modular design, and to formulate an optimization method to assist designers in designing products with appropriate end of life strategies to reduce environmental impact during product retirement. This paper proposes a practical method in optimizing modular design with different end of life strategies by using an Excel based approach that will be usable by designers.

An integrated product modularity method based on transfer network of failure mode‐recycling decision for remanufacturing

“…Cheng et al 15 proposed a module division method of the heavy‐duty machine tool for green remanufacturing based on axiomatic design, and extended the process of remanufacturing to design domains, but did not consider the characteristics of various stages of the product life cycle. Sakundarini et al 12 identified the relationship between product end of life strategies and modular design from the aspects of functionality, structure, disassembly ability and materials. Ma and Kremer 1 developed a modular product design approach that used cost, environmental impact, and labor time as indicators of economic, environmental, and social sustainability dimensions.…”

“…For example, Zuidwijk and Krikke 30 identified three EOL options: the remanufacturing on a component level, recycling after complete disassembling of the product, recycling after partial disassembling of the product, and the setting in discharge. Sakundarini et al 12 identified also three EOL options: component lifetime, material compatibility, and recyclability. Li et al 22 considered three environmentally conscious option: reuse, recycle, and disposal, Ijomah et al 4 presented three remanufacturing drivers: environmental concerns (the need to reduce waste), legislation (international agreement to reduce the environmental impact of products), and economics.…”

“…Product modularity is often considered a crucial driver for the improvement or development of new product. Nowadays, modularity in product design has been expanded to wider applications in the industry 12 . Modular design is also an effective method to support green manufacturing, including product end of life, remanufacturing, and so on 13‐15 .…”

End‐of‐life vehicle recovery factors: Malaysian stakeholders' views and future research needs

“…According to Rose et al (1998), product recovery can be enhanced by proper design planning. This is important because incorporating design strategies such as ease of disassembly and material selection during the early stages of product design and development provides different options for recovery once the product has reached its EOL (Sakundarini, Taha, Ghazilla, & Abdul-Rashid, 2015;Simic, 2016). Products should be designed for ease of disassembly in order to reduce the likelihood of the parts being damaged when the products are disassembled (Guide, 2000), as well as to reduce time and costs (Afrinaldi, Saman, & Shaharoun, 2010;Ghazilla, Taha, Yusoff, Abdul-Rashid, & Sakundarini, 2014;Go et al, 2012;Saman, 2008).…”

Adoção da arquitetura modular na inovação de produtos: uma análise preliminar da literatura

“…Chiu et al (2016) desenvolveram um método de projeto para verificar a quantidade ideal de módulos de um produto para minimizar os impactos ambientais sem impactar no desempenho produtivo. Sakundarini et al (2015) formularam um método de otimização para auxiliar os projetistas na concepção de produtos com estratégias de fim de vida adequadas e reduzir o impacto ambiental durante a retirada do produto do mercado. Assim, com o constante aumento da preocupação com o impacto ambiental dos produtos, estratégias modulares tendem a oferecer mais benefícios neste aspecto para as empresas num futuro próximo.…”