Industrial engineering tool for failure analysis: FMEA — Lesson 4

This lesson covers the fundamental aspects of Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), a systematic approach to identify and prevent potential failures in a product, process, or software. The lesson delves into the process of identifying failure modes, analyzing their effects, and understanding the causes leading to these failures. It also discusses the importance of assessing the severity, occurrence, and detection levels of these failures. The lesson further explains how to calculate the Risk Priority Number (RPN) and use it to prioritize actions to reduce the possibility of failure. An illustrative example of applying FMEA in a front seat belt installation scenario is also provided.

Video Highlights

00:18 - Introduction to the subject of failure analysis and prevention, and the concept of failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA).
03:17 - Explanation of the concept of failure mode and its identification.
13:09 - Discussion on when to conduct FMEA.
26:29 - Discussion on the team-based approach of FMEA.
29:37 - Example of FMEA application in front seat belt installation.

Key Takeaways

- FMEA is a systematic approach to identify failure modes, analyze their effects, and understand the causes leading to these failures.
- The process involves assessing the severity, occurrence, and detection levels of these failures.
- The Risk Priority Number (RPN) is calculated by multiplying the severity, occurrence, and detection levels. This number helps prioritize actions to reduce the possibility of failure.
- FMEA can be applied in various scenarios, including new product development, modification of existing designs, and process improvement.
- The effectiveness of implemented actions can be assessed by observing changes in the RPN.