Estudos dos efeitos do projeto modular sobre a manutenção automotiva por reparadores independentes

Abstract

There are several international studies on the use of modular product engineering practices in the automotive industry. In these studies, the evolution of modular design is identified from the Baukasten concept (repository of building blocks) to the concept of modular platforms and product families. In Brazil, research in this area has been carried out by groups of Brazilian universities, aiming to translate these concepts into a local vocabulary in cases of different products. However, there is still no clear understanding of the effects of the modularization of automotive engineering on maintenance practices and the trade of spare parts for motor vehicles. This study aims to carry out research and qualitative analysis of key factors to understand the influence of the design of modular automotive platforms beyond factories and assemblers, seeking to explore the reality of the vehicle maintenance market and the mobilization of the automotive supply chain for engineering of vehicles on modular platforms. For this purpose, qualitative research was used as a methodology, combined with bibliographical research and (anonymized) interviews with independent repairers. Among the main results obtained, it can be seen that modular architecture has fundamental technical relevance in automotive companies and their future, being part of a new generation of technological revolution, representing the main direction of transformation and development of the global automotive industry. The bibliographical research allowed the understanding that the adoption of modular platforms optimizes the design and innovation processes in the market, also translating into easier maintenance and economic advantages with the commonization of spare parts, tools and procedures, which benefits consumers and workers. independent vehicle maintenance. In addition, from the interview with the repairmen, a great difficulty and lack of knowledge was identified, demonstrating that knowledge about modular architecture is still an exclusive competence of automakers.