Product Design for Modularity

From The Critics

Kamrani (University of Michigan) and Salhieh (University of Amman) propose a modular approach to the design of complex products using similar components that facilitates a quicker response to changing market demands. The approach focuses on decomposing the overall design problem into functionally independent elements, among which interactions are minimized. The second edition moves the case study of a four gear speed reducer into its own chapter. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Booknews

The concept of modularity offers organizations the ability to design products that can respond rapidly to market needs, and allows changes on product design to happen in a cost-effective manner. Modularity can be applied to the design processes to build modular products and to create modular manufacturing processes. In this book, Kamrani (University of Michigan) and Salhieh propose a new methodology for modular design. The approach focuses on decomposing the overall design problem into functionally independent sub-problems, among which interactions are minimized. Another key aspect is the creation of a basic core unit to which components can be fitted, enabling a variety of versions of the same module to be produced. Case studies apply variations of the method to the design of a four-gear speed reducer, a fog lamp, and a crankshaft. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)