Design of a Modular Housing Platform to accommodate the remanufacturing of multiple cellular telephone models

Abstract

Concern over the negative environmental impacts associated with the production, use, and end-of-life (EoL) of cellular telephones is particularly high due to large production volumes and characteristically short time scales of technological and stylistic obsolescence. Landfilled or incinerated cellular telephones create the potential for release of heavy metals or halocarbons. While recycling of components other than batteries is still not a widespread activity, cellular telephone remanufacturing is becoming a reality. In fact, third party re-manufacturers of cellular telephones are already making significant profits from sales in emerging markets. The acquisition of OEM cosmetic parts, such as housings, is among the highest costs of the remanufacturing process, especially when considering the large number of different cell phone variants that re-manufacturers must be able to accommodate. To address this issue, the research described in this paper involves the design and prototyping of a Modular Housing Platform (MHP) for cellular telephones. The MHP has the capability to accommodate components from different cellphone models as a means of achieving cost savings and increased efficiency in the remanufacturing process.