Engineering design for disassembly: test of a time-based methodology and the LeanDfD software tool

This study evaluates the performance of a time-based methodology and the associated software tool (i.e., LeanDfD) developed for assessing product disassemblability. LeanDfD enables design engineers to analyze disassembly sequences and times, and to derive targeted redesign recommendations to enhance disassembly efficiency. The methodology is applied to two case studies: a low-complexity electric blender and a high-complexity soda vending machine. Tool-generated disassembly time estimates are validated against experimental measurements, and the impact of implementing LeanDfD’s redesign suggestions is assessed. Results indicate that LeanDfD predicts disassembly times for the electric blender with an average error of 8%. Furthermore, applying LeanDfD-based redesign recommendations to the soda vending machine results in a roughly 20% reduction in disassembly time.