Cause and Effect Cascade

Design

Environmental Exposure

Moisture

Corrosion

Poor Contact (High Resistance)

Insufficient Current

Dim Bulb

Cause

Effect

Cause

Effect

Cause

Effect

Cause

Effect

Cause

Effect

Cause

Effect

Cause = Design

Effect = Env. Exposure

Cause = Env. Exposure

Effect = Moisture

Cause = Moisture

Effect = Corrosion

Cause = Corrosion

Effect = High Resistance

Cause = High Resistance

Effect = Insufficient Current

Cause = Insufficient Current

Effect = Dim Bulb

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In the progression of time, a Failure Mode comes between a Cause and an Effect. One of the most confusing issues for new practitioners of FMEA is that any Cause that itself has a Cause might be a Failure Mode. Any Effect that itself has an Effect might also be a Failure Mode. In different contexts, a single event may be a Cause, an Effect, and a Failure Mode. Consider for example, a series of events that could occur during the life of a disposable penlight.

In an analysis of the exterior casing of a penlight, "Allows excess moisture" might be a Failure Mode. One of the intended functions of the penlight case is to protect the internal components from excess moisture during normal operation. A failure to prevent moisture during normal operation is a Failure Mode since protective casings and other design features are intended to prevent moisture.

FMEA and Control Plans Forum Discussions

	The. Deming PDCA Cycle	QMS Implementation	FMEA Information	APQP Information
Auditing Information	8-D Problem Solving	Statistics	Error Proofing (Poka Yoke)	Brainstorming
Identifying Waste	Pull Systems	Lead Time Reduction	Planned Maintenance	Quick Setup
Discovering Change	Process Capability - Cp vs. Cpk	Histogram. Animation	Process Loop Animation	Taguchi Loss Function
		Fishbone / Cause and Effects Animation

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