Resolving equipment failure causes by root cause analysis and theory of inventive problem solving. (February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Viveros, Pablo; Zio, Enrico; Nikulin, Christopher; Stegmaier, Raúl; Bravo, Gloria
• Is Part Of: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Volume 228:Number 1(2014:Feb.)
• Page Start: 93
• Page End: 111
• Publication Date: 2014-02
• Subjects: Root cause analysis -- theory of inventive problem solving -- integrated methodology -- high-tonnage mining operation; Reliability (Engineering) -- Mathematical models -- Periodiclals; Risk assessment -- Mathematical models -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Mathematical models -- Periodicals; 620.00452
• DOI: 10.1177/1748006X13494775
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-006X

Abstract

Failure causes of production systems need to be readily identified, for effective recovery solutions. Root cause analysis can be used for this, integrated by a method for identifying coherent and sustainable solutions. In this article, root cause analysis for failure cause identification is coupled with a method of problem solving to guide the search for effective solutions, called theory of inventive problem solving. The integration of these methodologies is implemented and demonstrated on a real case concerning the solution to the potential failure of the equipment used in the torque test performed on truck engines used in high-tonnage mining operation. The incorporation of a key performance indicator analysis allows evaluating realistically the results obtained and determining the success of the solution.