A methodology to support platform parameters determination through considering main factors in product life cycle

Abstract

How to determine platform parameters properly is a key technique in product platform design, which is an effective tactic for mass customisation. First, product platform was defined as a set of modules, platform parameters and individual parameters. Modules and platform parameters embody economy of scale and individual parameters embody economy of scope. Second, a methodology about determining platform parameters, which considers seven factors such as design, die, machining, assembly, management, service and performance because different platform parameters result in different product scheme and would lead production change in product life cycle, was proposed. Third, an improved fuzzy comprehensive evaluation was employed to formalise the problem and arithmetic of determining platform parameters was also developed. Finally, the strategy and method are demonstrated applicable and effective in an instance of determining platform parameters for motorcycle-hydraulic-disk brake platform planning.

Keywords:

• product platform
• fuzzy comprehensive evaluation
• product family
• platform parameters
• individual parameters

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No. 50705087, the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No. Y105200 and the Zhejiang Provincial Science and Technology Planning Project of China under Grant No. 2009C11164.