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Axiomatic Design is a principal based method to help reduce or eliminate conceptual vulnerabilities early in the design process by clearly linking function requirements to design parameters creating a hierarchy of Design Matrices which are then evaluated relative to two axioms. This paper illustrates the use of Axiomatic Design methods to design a Smart Inlet Control Valve for heavy-duty air brake compressors operating with highly turbocharged inlet air. The example application shows how Axiomatic Design links with two other Product Development tools - Failure Modes and Effects Analysis and Taguchi methods.

This paper presents, in a case study format, a methodology for combining the methods of Design of Experiments, Accelerated Testing, and Weibull Analysis to improve the reliability of an ABS Electronics Control Unit (ECU). While much literature focuses on each method individually, sometimes it's necessary combine all of these methods to achieve product improvement. The paper walks through the steps of using an multi-environment over-stress accelerated test routine, with DOE methods to evaluate key factors, and then applying Weibull and Weibayes methods to validate the new proposal and estimate expect life improvement.

The design and implementation of a Computer Controlled System for testing Air Brake Compressors is described. Technical challenges of converting from a manual to a computerized test system are discussed from a practical viewpoint. The accuracy and repeatability of the computer system is compared to the traditional manual system. The system automatically controls compressor operation during a variety of test routines used to approximate actual operating conditions. This requires the computer system control compressor operating parameters such as the rotational speed of the crankshaft and the discharge air pressure. The techniques used to interface the computer system with a variety of electro-mechanical and electro-pneumatic control devices are described.