Title: Bi-level optimisation model of modular product family with adaptability consideration

Authors: Xianfu Cheng; Minhua You; Xiaotian Ma

Addresses: Key Laboratory of Conveyance and Equipment, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang, 330013, China ' Key Laboratory of Conveyance and Equipment, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang, 330013, China ' Key Laboratory of Conveyance and Equipment, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang, 330013, China

Abstract: Considering the adaptability of product platform in product family optimisation, the product module can be divided into common module, adaptable module and customisation module. Some of the design parameters in adaptable module have bi-level relationship with leader-follower characteristics. The objective function of the upper-level is to optimise the product family design, and that of the lower-level is to optimise the single product design. The bi-level optimisation algorithm is designed, the genetic algorithm is designed to solve the upper-level model and the Fmincon function is designed to solve the lower-level model. For the overall optimisation of modular product family with bi-level relationship, the upper-level module is to reflect the universality and adaptability of the product, and the lower-level module is more to meet the customisation needs of customers. The upper-level and lower-level models can be solved by genetic algorithm. Finally, the feasibility of the method is verified by the example of the hoisting system.

Keywords: modular design; product family; adaptable design; bi-level optimisation; parametric design; genetic algorithm; hoisting system; adaptability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCSM.2021.120688

International Journal of Computing Science and Mathematics, 2021 Vol.14 No.4, pp.357 - 368

Received: 15 Jun 2020
Accepted: 07 Dec 2020
Published online: 03 Feb 2022 *

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