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Design for adaptability in multi-variant product families
Greisel, Markus; Kissel, Maximilian; Spinola, Benjamin; Kreimeyer, Matthias
Type:
Year:
2013
Editor:
Udo Lindemann, Srinivasan V, Yong Se Kim, Sang Won Lee, John Clarkson, Gaetano Cascini
Author:
Series:
ICED
Institution:
1: Technical University of Munich, Germany; 2: MAN Truck & Bus AG
Page(s):
179-188
ISBN:
978-1-904670-47-6
ISSN:
2220-4334
Abstract:
Designing system structures for adaptability offers significant advantages for both customers and producers. But it is not simple, especially when the product is a highly complex product family, for example a heavy duty truck. This paper presents why the application of Design for Adaptability is problematic with existing approaches, if the product is complex. To close the outlined gap in methodology, a new methodical concept is proposed. This is based on Modular Function Deployment and strategic modularization, offering the opportunity for the necessary transparency, to make also very multi-variant products more adaptable. For making the complexity of high variant product families more tangible, this concept is applied on the components of a Generic Product Structure. The modularization is done by defining adaptability drivers and focusing not on interfaces, but on grouping components for distinct reasons. Therefore ‘Strategic Modules’ are defined offering a whole new perspective and transparency of component dependencies. This is shown on a real life product by MAN Truck & Bus AG. The result is a promising methodical concept that should be further developed by future research.
Keywords:
