A method of optimum product platform parameters planning

Mass customization, MC, needs to be realized in order to fulfill the requirements of customization and global competition. The product family design based on common product platform is an available means for mass customization, and the planning of product platform is the core and focus research in the design methodology of product family at present. In the categories of product family design approach, the model variable-based platform design is one kind of methods among them. As to a series of standard variable-based product platform planning, a method of optimum was brought out to satisfy a set of customer requirements. Without determining product common parameters and variable attributes beforehand, the proposed method focuses on improving the commonality of the product family within the satisfactory of the diverse customer needs , and then determines the variable product attributes and their numerical values , as well as the common parameters of product platform and their optimal value. This method of product platform planning is validated by a case study of belt conveyors designing.