A robust calibration methodology for an On-Board Diagnostic car system
New car models are now by law equipped with on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems aimed at monitoring the state of health of strategic components that ensure low levels of polluting exhaust emissions. During development phases, for each new car model, the OBD system must be finely calibrated. This article presents a robust calibration methodology taking into account sources of variability mainly due to production process, operating, and environmental conditions. The methodology enables us to evaluate the false alarm and failure to detect risks intrinsically related to the adopted calibration. An application concerning an upstream oxygen sensor monitored by the OBD is presented.
Beyond robust design: an example of synergy between statistics and advanced engineering design
Higher efficiency and effectiveness of Research & Development phases can be attained using advanced statistical methodologies. In this work statistical methodologies are combined with a deterministic approach to engineering design. In order to show the potentiality of such integration, a simple but effective example is presented. It concerns the problem of optimising the performance of a paper helicopter. The desgin of this simple device is not new in quality engineering literature and has been mainly used for educational purposes. Taking full advantage of fundamental engineering knowledge, an aerodynamic model is originally formulated in order to describe the fligh of the helicopter. S…
A statistical monitoring approach for automotive on-board diagnostic systems
The current generation of vehicle models are increasingly being equipped with on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems aimed at assessing the ‘state of health’ of important anti-pollution subsystems and components. In order to promptly diagnose and fix quality and reliability problems that may potentially affect such complex diagnostic systems, even during advanced development prior to mass production, some vehicle prototypes undergo a testing phase under realistic conditions of use (a mileage accumulation campaign). The aim of this work is to set up a statistical tool for improving the reliability of the OBD system by monitoring its operation during the mileage accumulation campaign of a new vehi…