House of Modular Enhancement (HOME): A Design Tool for Product Modularization
Date
1999
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ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
The intent of modularization is to develop products with modules that are easy to develop, while improving the overall design, manufacturing and operational characteristics of the product. The greater the reduction of inter-modular interactions, the more successful the modular outcome. A product that has been modularized, can greatly assist the reconfiguration of the product, reducing the lead time of design and manufacturing while providing benefits like upgrading, maintenance, customization and recycling.
In order to achieve the aforementioned benefits of modularization, a methodology is required to modularize products. This thesis provides a detailed description of a new modular design methodology called the House Of Modular Enhancement (HOME). HOME is a modular design tool that assists the designer with the modularization of a product. Information from all aspects of
the design is incorporated into the procedure to help ensure a modular outcome that is best suited to the product under consideration. The HOME methodology has been implemented in a software system that manages all aspects of the procedure. Two case studies were carried out to illustrate the HOME process in its entirety.
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Citation
Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
Mechanical Engineering
Program
Mechanical Engineering