Research Abstract |
In order to reduce environmental burden due to the production of artifacts, a concept of inverse manufacturing is proposed, where a closed loop product life cycle is realized based on a new product concept. This research tried to investigate a method for designing closed loop manufacturing systems by designing a product life cycle in parallel with product functionality, and by simulating various possible life cycle scenarios to optimize life cycle performance. The following research items are studied. (1) Realization of closed loop products based on a concept of "Products with Information" A new product concept is studied, where 111 the information related with product functionality, planning, design, manufacturing, usage, maintenance and disposal, is stored within a product memory or it can be down-loaded from information network. Such concept is now feasible because most of the products today are produced by use of CAD/CAM. By such concept of product with information, and also by a con
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cept of product modularization, a pertinent product structure can be realized for optimal life cycle management based on product life cycle simulation. (2) Designing and evaluating life cycle scenarios for supporting closed loop products For electric household appliances, such as washing machines and refrigerators, or information devices, such as faxes and PC's, various possible life cycle scenarios are considered, such as maintenance-free, very long-life, or leased-based very short life cycles. Some life cycles are better than the others in certain circumstances, and this evaluation is not simple. A comprehensive life cycle simulation is performed to predict and assess such candidate life cycles to determine a feasible ones. Effects of reuse, quality assurance and maintenance in manufacturing systems are fully investigated. (3) A method for designing closed loop manufacturing systems Based on the above research, an integrated method for closed loop manufacturing system design is summarized. The method is evaluated with respect to a wide range of artifacts. Less
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