Application of Knowledge Management Based on Quantity Dimension Indexing on the Product Design Activity (Development of the Support Tool for FTA and the Case Study in JATCO)

Abstract

In this paper the authors propose computerized support for fault tree analysis (FTA) based on new knowledge management. FTA is the method to analyze a fault of products by fault tree diagram (FT diagram) that has a tree structure on logical step. Although FTA is an effective method, it is not easy to complete the FT diagram without a mistake. To solve this problem, we propose the following approach. We define that FT diagram is divided into component failure, system failure, and control failure. The FT diagram of component failure is computerized support based on the knowledge management of quantity dimension indexing that was proposed by Murakami⁽⁹⁾. The FT diagram of system failure and control failure is computerized support by block diagrams that were made by designers. By analyzing examples based on actual design activities in our company, the possible feasibility and future promise of the proposed approach for complex system's design are indicated.