Product variety optimization under modular architecture

In this paper, product variety design is discussed under an optimization viewpoint. Product variety design means the challenge to simultaneously design multiple products for achieving higher optimality beyond ordinary design methods for a single product. When the possibilities of computational optimization for product variety design under fixed product architecture are explored, optimization is demanded to determine the contents of modules and their combinations under fixed modular architecture. This indicates that product variety optimization includes three classes of optimization problems: attribute assignment, module combination, and simultaneous design of both. Following problem classification, the domains and situations of such optimization problems are investigated. Then, two typical optimization examples are demonstrated through aircraft design for simultaneous optimal attribute assignment and through design of television receiver circuits for optimal module combination, respectively. The discussion concludes with the roles of problem classification and the direction of future works. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.