The QFD-based modular product design with linear integer programming – a case study

Modular product design is an engineering methodology that considers both physical and functional relationships among components within product life cycle. In this study, fourteen modular drivers based on available literature are proposed. In addition, Quality Function Deployment is deployed to accomplish modular product design with two major phases. Phase one is the exploration of design requirements, which combines customer needs, company development strategies, and designers' preference to select proper modular drivers through competitive analysis. In phase two, modular product analysis and linear integer programming are used to establish final configuration. Furthermore, the process and application is illustrated by a real case of electrical consumer product provided by an Original Design Manufacture based manufacturer. The result demonstrated that designer can direct a new approach to establish product modules from the relative importance of those chosen modular drivers.