Modularity and Ease of Disassembly: study of electrical and electronic equipment

This paper explores the relationship between product modularity and the ease of disassembly, specifically within the context of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). As environmental regulations like the WEEE Directive place more responsibility on manufacturers for the end-of-life management of their products, design-for-disassembly becomes a crucial strategy. The study analyzes how modular design architectures can facilitate the separation of components for recycling, reuse, or proper disposal of hazardous materials. By investigating different EEE products, the research aims to provide designers with insights into how modularity can be leveraged to improve the efficiency of disassembly processes, thereby enhancing the overall environmental performance and circularity of electronic products.

Authors: Daniel Collado-Ruiz and Salvador F. Capuz-Rizo Journal: Journal of Mechanical Design Year: 2010