Quality modelling and analysis of a mechatronic system

This paper gives a new direction in quality modelling of a mechatronic system. Quality of a mechatronic system refers to its conformance to requirements of the customer. The voice of the customer should be translated to technical requirements and these should be satisfied/met at different levels, i.e. subsystem, sub-subsystem up to component level, of a mechatronic system. In the process of implementing quality at subsystem level, quality interactions among the subsystems are also important. A mathematical model which considers subsystems along with their interactions simultaneously is proposed. A quality graph for a mechatronic system is developed and is translated into quality matrix and finally a variable permanent function is obtained. These models are useful in achieving six sigma standards. Analytical tests derived from these models are useful in optimal selection of qualities of subsystems and interactions for designing competitive mechatronic systems. Coefficient of similarity and dissimilarity is developed for comparison among the alternative mechatronic systems. A step-by-step procedure useful for the designer as well as manufacturing engineers during conceptual and manufacturing stages of mechatronic system is proposed.