Data processing: measuring – calibrating – or testing – Measurement system – Performance or efficiency evaluation
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-09
2002-10-29
Hoff, Marc S. (Department: 2857)
Data processing: measuring, calibrating, or testing
Measurement system
Performance or efficiency evaluation
C700S097000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06473720
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to a method for monitoring product performance and in particular to a method for monitoring product performance using criteria derived through a design for six sigma (DFSS) process. An existing design practice is to design products in an attempt to achieve a six sigma quality level (less than 3.4 defects per 1 million parts). Design for six sigma (DFSS) is the process for creating quality in the product and for developing a “build & test plan” at the component, assembly, sub-system and finally product system level. The DFSS process utilizes a variety of quality concepts including defining critical to quality (CTQ) parameters or CTQ's. The CTQ's identify features of the product that should be present in order to meet customer requirements. A number of key control parameters (KCP's) are identified as having an effect on the CTQ's. Once the product is defined, the CTQ's are verified at all levels (component, assembly, sub-system and system). One form of CTQ verification is the control of the KCP's in the manufacturing process which insures manufacturing to the CTQ's.
In locomotive diesel engines, for example, one of the top level CTQ's is compliance with EPA required emissions levels. In other words, one of the customer's main requirements is that the engine complies with EPA emission levels. Failure to meet the emissions levels for new products will threaten the ability to sell the product. In addition, the customer has efficiency or specific fuel consumption (SFC) requirements. Utilizing the DFSS process creates a list of key control parameters, such as compression ratio, manifold air pressure and temperature, start of injection timing and fuel injection quantity, which can and should be controlled at the point just before the engine/locomotive is tested for EPA and SFC compliance. Using the DFSS process generates a database of key control parameters that insures compliance with the EPA requirements and creates the highest SFC for a given product. Deviation of the design from the developed database will indicate a manufacturing failure.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for monitoring performance of a product. In a design phase, a design for six sigma process is used to design the product and generate a plurality of design for six sigma elements representing characteristics of the product. The design for six sigma elements are stored in a design for six sigma database. In a service phase, performance of the product is monitored based on the design for six sigma elements stored in the design for six sigma database.
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Charioui Mohamed
DiConza Paul J.
General Electric Company
Hoff Marc S.
Patnode Patrick K.
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