Life cycle simulation for the inverse manufacturing

Abstract

This paper proposes a methodology for configuring modular products and planning its product life cycles at the conceptual design stage by simulating their life cycle models. Based on the simulation results we also discuss feasibility of the inverse manufacturing, from the integrated viewpoints of the environmental consciousness, corporate sustainability, and customer's cost compared to a traditional life cycle with four types (recycling type, reuse+recycling type, maintenance+recycling type and maintenance+reuse+recycling type) using the data of a refrigerator. Modularization of product is a hopeful approach for reducing maintenance costs and reuse costs. To assist modular design, we also developed optimized modular configuration of a product.