Qualitative and quantitative approaches to analyse reliability of a mechatronic system: a case

Rajiv Kumar Sharma,Pooja Sharma

doi:10.1007/s40092-015-0098-6

Abstract

The main research intent of this paper is to introduce the use of fault tree analysis (FTA) and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) in conjunction to ana- lyse the risk and reliability of a complex mechatronic system in both qualitative and quantitative manner. The major focus is on handling imprecise and vague informa- tion with the help of fuzzy synthesis of information. A complex mechatronic system, i.e. modular automated production system (MAPS), composed of mechanical, electronic, and embedded software subsystems is consid- ered to study the reliability aspects using hybrid FTA. From the results, it is found that the proposed approach models both subjective issues such as human errors along with hardware failures. The in-depth analysis and priori- tizing of failure modes using a risk ranking approach based on fuzzy inference system and grey relation approach not only integrate expert judgment, experience, and expertise in more flexible and realistic manner, but also address the limitations associated with traditional procedure of FMEA.

Highlights

Every technological system where ‘‘mechanics’’, ‘‘electronics’’, and ‘‘control’’ harmonize in a mutually supportive way to the overall performance belongs to the family of the ‘‘mechatronics’’ systems
The main research intent of this paper is to introduce the use of fault tree analysis (FTA) and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) in conjunction to analyse the risk and reliability of a complex mechatronic system in both qualitative and quantitative manner
The paper presents the application of hybrid FTA and failure mode effects analysis, as failure analysis techniques to examine the risk and reliability needs of a complex mechatronic system, i.e. Modular Automated Production System (MAPS), which consists of mechanical, electronic and embedded software subsystems

Summary

Introduction

Every technological system where ‘‘mechanics’’, ‘‘electronics’’, and ‘‘control’’ harmonize in a mutually supportive way to the overall performance belongs to the family of the ‘‘mechatronics’’ systems. According to Bolton (2010) ‘‘A mechatronics system is not just a marriage of electrical and mechanical systems and is more than just a control system; it is a complete integration of all of them’’ New developments in these traditional disciplines are being absorbed into mechatronics design at an ever increasing pace. Claudia and Matthias (2011) conducted component-based hazard analysis for complex mechatronic system used in rail cab by specifying the architecture of components, their ports and connectors For each component, they determined the flaws and built a failure propagation model (as a set of fault trees), which relates failures at the ports of the components with internal errors. Based upon the above studies in general, the authors believe that system risk and reliability assessment (SRRA) is a fundamental research problem in the field of mechatronics for the following reasons (Chen et al 2009; Zhong et al 2010; Sierla et al 2012; Khalaj et al 2013; Rao and Naikan 2014)

Functional dependency

Uncertainty

F71 Missing

Conclusion