A design methodology for mechanical-bus-based product platform development.

摘要

Modular products consist of detachable modules that can be manufactured, assembled, and serviced separately and may be reusable, recyclable, or remanufacturable upon product retirement. Platform based product lines exploit commonalities between different products, often using modules to achieve these goals. A design methodology has not previously been documented for mechanical products that produce multiple functions through the use of add-on modules which attach to a base platform. This thesis presents a novel methodology for the development of Mechanical Bus (MechBus) based Product Platforms. Core characteristics and features of platforms have been identified, and the Mechanical Bus design method has been chosen as a means of achieving these goals. A design method, with a supporting software and data modeling implementation, for product platform design using Mechanical Buses has also been developed. Examples and a case study are included to illustrate the Mechanical Bus and modular platform product design method.