Högskolan i Skövde

One of the largest product categories within all the electronic products is portable ­computers, also known as notebooks, is slowly replacing stationary computers and is ­predicted to be the mainstream choice in the near future. But the current state of ­notebook shows these products are not accommodated for an effective large scale ­recycling process. As the notebooks are becoming more compact, its inner ­structures have become more complicated. Permanently fastening methods, multi-material ­compositions and many other factors contribute to an ineffective, expensive and tedious recycling process.

The goal of the project treated in this report was to investigate the possibilities of a simplified structure adapted for an effective disassembly and recycling process. And to develop a conceptual notebook adapted for the stated purpose.

The project resulted in a conceptual notebook named Sixten with an enhanced and ­simplified inner structure. All permanently fastening methods was replaced by ­detachable locking and securing devices. The number of tools required for dismantling was reduced, as the usage of screws. The variation of materials used in the notebook, with ­electrical components apart, is low. These materials, ABS plastics and aluminum were chosen based on their recyclable and processing possibilities. But also because of the durability and desired mechanical properties the structure required. The limited number of materials used in Sixten makes it environmentally beneficial since every material ­requires its own specific recycling process, and by reducing the number of materials energy can be saved on using only a few recycling methods.

Sixten fulfills the principals of design for disassembly as a notebook that is easy to ­disassemble in comparison with notebooks on the market today. The disassembly time has been reduced, from the 45 minutes which may be required to fully disassemble a conventional notebook, down to an estimated disassembly time of 6 minutes, which is the time Sixten requires. It is in this short disassembly time where the economic benefits of Sixten lie.