Reliability engineering-an integrated approach at Daimler Chrysler

Innovative technologies for automobiles are not only subject to extreme demands as to robustness and reproduceability but also challenged by cost and time to market. Especially today the unprecedented increase of electronic devices and parts and the accelerating growth of complexity in automotive systems require a new understanding of quality and reliability. Reliability engineering at Daimler-Chrysler as a qualified interface for DC-suppliers provides technical and mathematical tools to efficiently verify and improve quality and reliability. Comprising comprehensive definitions of mission life stress profiles and long term stability attributes for products and processes, technology and risk assessment as well as reliability prediction the reliability engineering concept starts with virtual and fractal decomposition of the product, followed by a systematic application of conform analysis and verification methods at relevant decomposition levels. Risk technologies, processes, components, systems etc. will be indicated, critical elements eliminated or optimized to exclude systematic and/or stochastic failures in parts and manufacturing flows. By applying consistent qualification and ramp up procedures and continuous observation, the approach provides early indicators for product and process quality with respect to anomalies and trends as well. Summarized reports of results will support corrective actions based on a deep understanding of failure physics to optimize sensitive paths and to minimize field returns