Hazard Identification and Characterization in Vehicles: A Comprehensive FMEA-Based Approach for Error Identification and Mitigation

Abstract

Ensuring the safety and reliability of vehicles is paramount in the automotive industry. This research presents a systematic approach for hazard characterization in vehicles, employing the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) methodology. The goal is to identify potential failure modes, assess their effects, and propose effective mitigation strategies, thus enhancing vehicle safety and performance. A cross-functional team of experts from various domains, including engineering, design, manufacturing, and safety, collaborates to define the scope of analysis and pinpoint specific vehicle components, subsystems, or systems for evaluation. Through brainstorming sessions, potential failure modes are identified, encompassing a wide range of scenarios that could lead to safety hazards. Each failure mode is rigorously assessed for its potential consequences, assigning severity ratings to gauge the gravity of their impacts. Occurrence ratings are assigned to estimate the likelihood of each failure mode, while detection ratings assess the ease of detecting these modes before they become hazardous. These ratings enable the calculation of the Risk Priority Number (RPN) for each failure mode, helping prioritize them based on their risk levels. High-priority failure modes undergo a thorough analysis of their root causes and mechanisms, paving the way for the development of effective mitigation strategies. These strategies may involve design modifications, process enhancements, or the implementation of additional safety features. The proposed methodology not only facilitates the identification and mitigation of potential hazards but also establishes a framework for continuous monitoring and improvement. Regular reviews and updates ensure that the hazard characterization remains aligned with evolving vehicle designs and emerging safety concerns. This research offers a robust FMEA-based approach for hazard characterization in vehicles, providing automotive engineers and safety experts with a systematic framework to enhance vehicle safety and reliability while reducing the likelihood of errors and their adverse effects.