The Disassembly Map: A new method to enhance design for product repairability

Designers and engineers need better tools methods to create highly repairable products. Design for disassembly reassembly is an important product related design feature that can enhance repair. In a product, the components fail most often should be easily accessible repair or replacement. This paper describes development of method visually map showing different routes towards target components. These those with high potential failure rate (important repair), embodied environmental impact recycling) economic value (relevant component harvesting), depending on circular strategy under consideration. The ‘Disassembly Map’ set up guide aligned recent research standards repairability. ease assessed Four main parameters are considered in this assess of: sequence/depth, type tools, fastener reusability/reversibility, time. contrast literature found, Disassembly Map not based use algorithm automatic calculation optimised sequences. It asks designers analyse each step using standardized visual elements Metric (eDiM) Maynard Operation Sequence Technique (MOST). Insights gathered from analysis resulting visualisation used iterative process. was developed by analysing seven vacuum cleaners. Its effectiveness then tested redesigning one them, enhancing its • Mapping architecture essential identify features hindering simple intuitive Repair, mapping. To products, consider early stages. A key improve repairability optimising accessibility. Different types interdependences between disassembly.