Product design improvement through Design for Assembly (DFA) methodology and Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) approach

Abstract

In making decision for improving product design, Design for Assembly (DfA) methodology are widely used and the aim of DfA is to simplify and ease to assemble the product so that the cost of assembly is reduced. Besides the reduction in cost, DfA promises additional benefits in increased quality, increased reliability, and shorter manufacturing time. However Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) is a philosophy, a process and a series of tools based primarily on the concept of resolving contradictions and function of the product. In general, TRIZ solution base on the actual problem converted into engineering problem and then refer to past invention to find the best solution. In order to find the better result in improving product design or improving the design efficiency, the used of integration of both method produced the best design efficiency. To proven the integration of both methodology, a consumer product are selected as a case studies. A study of Air Freshener Dispenser, proved the use of both method are capable in term of components reduction, assembly cost and time reduction and improving the design efficiency. As a result the DfA analysis improved the design efficiency and TRIZ are refined the DfA analysis.