A new methodology for a model-based and holistic failure analysis for interactions of product and environment by the example of an electrical linear induction motor

Insufficient consideration of failures caused by the product while interacting with its environment during the use-phase can lead to critical accidents as the well-known Tesla car accident has made it clear, where the "autopilot" system of the car was unable to differentiate between the background of the bright sky and the white side of the truck causing a violent crash and the death of the driver. This demonstrates that failures caused by the interaction of the product and its environment do not only affect its quality but also - in the worst case - can lead to human injuries or even death. Even though there are already several methods for failure analysis in the product development process, e.g., FMEA, FTA, Ishikawa, none of them sufficiently consider the interaction between the product and its environment. It is, therefore, necessary to develop a new methodology that can systematically identify potential failures resulting from these interactions. As support for the methodology, it is also important to develop an enhanced system model relying on the fundamental principles of Systems Engineering.This paper introduces a new methodology for a model-based failure analysis that examines the interaction between a technical product and its environment and identifies its potential failures during the use-phase. The methodology is evaluated using a case study from the electric industry (linear induction motor).