Title: Reliability-oriented life extension of mechatronic products: theory and application

Authors: Laudelino Vieira De Matos Filho; Rodrigo Bastos Fernandes; Victor Juliano De Negri; Antonio Carlos Valdiero; Michail Papoutsidakis

Addresses: NOV FlexiblesVia 5 Projetada, Lote A12 Distrito Industrial, CEP: 28200-000 São João da Barra, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Centro Tecnológico (CTC), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), P.O. Box 476 Campus Universitário, Trindade, CEP: 88040-900 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Centro Tecnológico (CTC), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), P.O. Box 476 Campus Universitário, Trindade, CEP: 88040-900 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Centro Tecnológico (CTC), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), P.O. Box 476 Campus Universitário, Trindade, CEP: 88040-900 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil ' Department of Industrial Design and Production Engineering, University of West Attica, 250 Thivon & P. Ralli str, Egaleo Postal code 12241, Athens, Greece

Abstract: Mechatronic systems comprise physical parts, as well as digital electronics commanded by software. These devices are envisioned to provide functionalities with control, increase operational efficiency, and provide flexibility. When operational efficiency, cost, and security are no longer satisfactory, retrofitting and updating are alternatives. Yet, system alterations may impact its reliability, which can be increased to justify any investment. Therefore, an adaptation of the product development process was proposed to guide designers in life-extending mechatronic products. It encompasses reverse engineering principles and makes use of logic diagrams to support the reliability modelling used to upgrading and updating the decision-making process. The proposed process was applied to a 20 years old hydraulic power and conditioning unit, through which it was possible to identify the components that presented the highest impact on the system life expectancy and failure frequency. New concepts were proposed and modifications were performed, which resulted in a more precise and reliable system.

Keywords: mechatronic product; reliability; product design; life extension; retrofitting; product update; product upgrade.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPLM.2021.119529

International Journal of Product Lifecycle Management, 2021 Vol.13 No.4, pp.358 - 383

Received: 16 Dec 2020
Accepted: 11 Jul 2021
Published online: 08 Dec 2021 *

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