A multi-objective modular design method for creating highly distinct independent modules

With the current rise in environmental concerns, customers want products that reduce environmental impacts. As a result, new multi-objective modular design methods are needed that can consider multiple design objectives, related to both the customers’ and the companies’ functional, environmental, and economical constraints and objectives. Most previous multi-objective modular design methods create module configurations, in which each module meets all of the design objectives. However, highly distinct independent modules are important for current product replacement processes. This paper presents an innovative multi-objective green modular design method that uses atomic theory and fuzzy clustering to create module configurations, in which each module meets one distinct design objective. This paper also presents case studies that demonstrate the capabilities of the new multi-objective green modular design method.