Product modularization for parts reuse in inverse manufacturing

For reducing environmental burden of industrial products, it is mandatory t o rationalize product design and to achieve a closed loop product life cycl e by use of comprehensive parts reuse and recycling. It is difficult to int roduce parts reuse based on conventional product structure, and appropriate product modularization is necessary to efficiently manage a closed loop pr oduct life cycle. A new product modularization strategy is proposed across a family of products and successive generation of products, based on produc t functionality, product commonality and life cycle similarity. Car air-con ditioners are examined for the validity of the proposed method.