Reliability-focused parts selection in derivative product-development-processes

In this paper we propose a novel method for effective and efficient reliability-focused parts selection in time-driven derivative product development processes (PDP), synthesized by employing the reliability and quality matrix (RQM) in conjunction with the utility-based selection decision support problem (U-sDSP). The U-sDSP is a powerful multi-attribute utility analysis method that facilitates the selection of parts, based on quantitative reliability and cost estimates, under conditions of risk and uncertainty. In order to meet the stringent information requirements of the U-sDSP, however, an effective means for quantifying the uncertainty, resulting from imperfect information associated with reliability analysis, is required. RQM fulfills this need by modeling the effect of part reliability on product reliability including the aspect of uncertainty. The resulting decision support method leverages the respective advantages pertaining to each of the two constructs and is applied to a simple catalogue-based design process, focusing on the configuration of a suitable motor configuration (i.e., motor, pinion, etc.), assembled using a pre-specified process.