This paper discusses prerequisites and effects of structural design optimization methodologies for electric appliances and verifies a practical case under such a discussion. Since real product design and development are restricted by time, methods, tools and resources, the selection of an appropriate methodology must be a key for the successful result. At least, methodologies of structural design optimization are ranged from experiment-based trial-and-error, CAE-based, and mathematical optimization-based ones. In this paper, a procedure and criteria for selecting an appropriate one based on the characteristics of a specific problem are structurized from a practical viewpoint. Then, the optimal design of a carved image device, which was newly developed toward advanced miniaturization of cellular phones, is studied for demonstrating the roles and effectiveness of such a procedure and criteria.
