Design Methodology for Modularity Based on Life Cycle Scenario

Abstract

Minimizing the environmental load and cost throughout the product life cycle requires appropriate life cycle design as well as product design. In life cycle design, we must determine the life cycle scenario at an early stage and design the product to realize this scenario. Modularity is a key to linking life cycle scenario to an appropriate product architecture because modular architecture increases performance in life cycle processes, such as disassembly, recycling, maintenance, reuse, and upgrading, by unifying components applicable to the same lifecycle scenario. We propose a method for determining modular structure based on life cycle scenario by evaluating the similarity among lifecycle-related components attributes. We also evaluate the modular structure's geometric feasibility using an index indicates rigidity and compactness of the modules.