A combinatorial cost-benefit analysis methodology for designing modular electronic products for the environment

This paper presents a technique to analyze the efficiency of designing electronic products for the environment. The efficiency of each design is indicated using a Design for Disassembly Index (DfDI). DfDI uses a disassembly tree (DT) which relies on the product's bill of materials as its structural blueprint. DfDI can be used to compare the efficiency among alternative designs, identifying the best alternative for a product retirement plan. In addition, the index offers designers with an important measure to help improve future products.