2007 Volume 15 Issue 6 Pages 102-107
A functional evaluation by quality engineering was undertaken in the development of a new power window. The evaluation was made by using standard signal-to-noise ratios, treating load, load position, and power-source voltage as noise factors, time as a signal factor, and vertical distance of window travel as an output characteristic. Life tests were carried out simultaneously and the results were compared with the functional evaluation results; the comparison showed that functional evaluation can also be used to estimate lifespan. A comparison of the improvement over a previous power window as measured by the life test and the improvement as measured by functional evaluation also confirmed that a quick functional evaluation provides an adequate indication. In order to develop a highly reliable product, it is necessary to evaluate the product during the initial stage of its development. The test results obtained in this study revealed that product life can be estimated in a short time by functional evaluation.
