Systematic estimation of disassembly difficulties: application to computer monitors

The paper describes a disassembly evaluation scheme that translates form properties of a design into quantitative scores and provides a means of identifying weaknesses in the design and comparing alternatives. The methodology centers around a spreadsheet-like chart where disassembly data is recorded and used for redesign. The disassembly evaluation chart consists of two major components: first, an informative section describes the operations, tools, directions, and other factual information; and second, subjective estimations are given of the degree of difficulty associated with each part-removal operation. The chart is explained and its application to disassembly of computer monitors demonstrated. The evaluation results are discussed and future research directions outlined.