An optimal concurrent product design and service planning approach through simulation-based evaluation considering the whole product life-cycle span

Abstract

A new approach is introduced in this research to identify the optimal product design and its service plan concurrently through simulation-based evaluation considering the whole product life-cycle span. In this approach, the generic product design is modeled by an AND-OR tree with parameter variables, and the specific design candidates and their design parameter values are created from the AND-OR tree. In the same way, the generic service plan is modeled by an AND-OR tree with parameter variables, and the specific service plan candidates and their service parameter values are created from the AND-OR tree. In the whole product life-cycle span, the product components, parameter values and functional performances are changed due to service activities such as maintenances and repairs. Simulation approach is employed to evaluate serviceability of the product in its whole life-cycle span considering different product designs, design parameters, service plans, and service parameters. A multi-level and multi-objective optimization method is developed to identify the optimal product design, design parameter values, service plan and service parameter values. A case study is implemented to show the newly introduced optimal concurrent product design and service planning approach.