Evaluation of Product Modular Design with Grey Relational Analysis

Product modular design is a strong and effectual measure, and gives product adaptability. However, the multi-factors make evaluation more difficult. Extendibility, upgradeability, customizability of modules, part cost, assembly cost and operability are defined as the evaluation factors of product modular design, and matrix is established with relational data. The evaluation factors are normalized dimensionally and the values of the factors are obtained, consequently the weighted relational values are computed. The product modular design is evaluated with the index. Finally, the method is demonstrated with an example which indicated that the method is objective, accurate and highly operable.