Integrated fuzzy logic-based model for product modularization during concept development phase

Modular design is considered as a viable approach to retain the market share by offering large product variety in the minimum time frame. This paper presents a formal and integrated method for optimizing the performance attributes of prospective modules while modularizing the product architecture early in the concept development phase. A fuzzy logic-based approach is presented to handle the vague, imprecise and uncertain information available regarding a product at conceptual stage. Although the paper illustrates the procedure for minimizing the cost of modular architecture, in actual case, the methodology can also be used for optimization of other attributes such as quality, reliability, manufacturability, etc. A case example is presented to demonstrate the proposed methodology. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.