This paper presents the development of new structural optimization technique and its application to flat CRT. The hybrid genetic algorithm using 4 optimization parameters is proposed to apply to the lightweight design of flat CRT. In the design procedure, a unique penalty function method is introduced in order to improve the efficiency of optimization. The optimization was carried out by taking into consideration various limiting conditions associated with strength of materials, product functions and its manufacturing. It is found that the proposed hybrid GA is effective for improvements of efficiency and stability of solution. Moreover, the prototype of the flat CRT is manufactured on the basis of the optimum solution. Then it was proved that the measured stress of the prototype corresponds with the analysis and the achieved weight reduction of the prototype was 11% of the conventional CRT.
