Modular function deployment

Abstract: This thesis introduces a method and procedure for thedevelopment of modular products including a tool for evaluationof modular concepts based on case studies, empirical data foundin test examples and accepted design theories.The method is called Modular Function Deployment (MFD) andconsists of five major steps. It starts with Quality FunctionDeployment (QFD) analysis to clarify customer requirements andto identify important design requirements with a specialemphasis on modularity. The functional requirements on theproduct are analysed and technical solutions are selected. Thisis followed by systematic generation and selection of modularconcepts, in which the Module Indication Matrix (MIM) is usedto identify possible modules by examining theinterrelationships between "module drivers" and technicalsolutions. The expected effects of the redesign can beestimated and an evaluation can be carried out for each modularconcept.MFD has been used in a number of real industrial cases ofwhich five are discussed in this thesis. MFD does not replaceor exclude the use of successfully applied, Design forManufacture and Assembly methods (DFM/DFA/DFMA), butcomplements, reduces the shortcomings of, and reinforces theimpact of these methods.Keywords:Product modules, modular design, modularity,variety, DFX, design evaluation, assembly system.