A methodology for integrating design for quality in modular product design

Author： Nepal Bimal Monplaisir Leslie Singh Nanua

ISSN： 1466-1837

Source： Journal of Engineering Design, Vol.17, Iss.5, 2006-10, pp. : 387-409

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Abstract

With inspection-based quality control techniques, the quality of a product remains undetermined until the product is built and tested, an expensive process that also delays the release of new products to the market. This paper brings the quality issues at early stages of product development, and enhances the existing work on design for quality by integrating with modular design concepts. Conceptually, modular design theory optimizes product quality at the conceptual phase by considering the underlying principles of axiomatic design and robust design along with the perceived quality of the product. Fuzzy logic is employed to estimate cost and quality performance indices of the candidate modules by analysing ambiguous product information at the conceptual stage. We consider two objectives for product modularization: minimization of modularization costs, and maximization of overall product quality. The Chebychev's goal programming model is used to solve the multi-objective optimization problem. The methodology is demonstrated using an example of a coffeemaker. The results of the case study identify the optimal number of modules, which are intuitive and also offer more design resolution for forming the product development teams.