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Part count and design of robust systems

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  • Daniel Frey
  • Joseph Palladino
  • John Sullivan
  • Malvern Atherton

Abstract

Systems engineering frequently includes efforts to reduce part count with the goal of cutting costs, enhancing performance, or improving reliability. This paper examines the engineering practices related to part count, applying three different theories—Theory of Inventive Problem Solving, Axiomatic Design, and Highly Optimized Tolerance. Case studies from the jet engine industry are used to illustrate the complicated tradesoffs involved in real‐world part count reduction efforts. The principal conclusions are that: (1) Part consolidation at the component level has generally been accomplished as technological advancements enable them which is consistent with the “law of ideality” in the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving; (2) part count reduction frequently increases coupling among functional requirements, design parameters, and processing variables while also delivering higher reliability which conflicts with the theory of Axiomatic Design; and (3) at the overall system level, jet engine part count has generally increased in response to escalating demands for system robustness as suggested by the theory of Highly Optimized Tolerance. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 10: 203–221, 2007

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Frey & Joseph Palladino & John Sullivan & Malvern Atherton, 2007. "Part count and design of robust systems," Systems Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 10(3), pages 203-221, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:syseng:v:10:y:2007:i:3:p:203-221
    DOI: 10.1002/sys.20071
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Prencipe, Andrea, 2000. "Breadth and depth of technological capabilities in CoPS: the case of the aircraft engine control system," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 29(7-8), pages 895-911, August.
    2. Don Clausing & Daniel D. Frey, 2005. "Improving system reliability by failure‐mode avoidance including four concept design strategies," Systems Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 8(3), pages 245-261, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Timothy D. Blackburn & Thomas A. Mazzuchi & Shahram Sarkani, 2012. "Using a TRIZ framework for systems engineering trade studies," Systems Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 15(3), pages 355-367, September.
    2. Yi‐Kuei Lin & Ping‐Chen Chang, 2012. "Evaluation of system reliability for a cloud computing system with imperfect nodes," Systems Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 15(1), pages 83-94, March.

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