Quality Function Deployment is an extremely useful tool which can be applied
within the Systems Engineering Process, to optimize product design and the design
process. The use of cross functional teams to analyze customer needs; translate them
into design attributes; and subsequently deploy them through every facet of product
design, development, and production, can significantly enhance the effectiveness and
efficiency of the entire process. Unfortunately the few examples of Quality Function
Deployment application, in the academic literature, are generally simplistic and lack any
significant depth.
The objective of this report is to investigate the application of Quality Function
Deployment to a relatively complex product design requirement in an actual
manufacturing environment. Specifically, the design and production of engine main
bearings at the Federal Mogul plant in Blacksburg, Virginia, are considered.
The report examines the use of Quality Function Deployment, as a general design
tool; the functional requirements and design constraints of engine main bearings; and the
application of one variation of Quality Function Deployment to the evaluation of
proposed changes to a bearing's design configuration and the bearing production process.
The report concludes with recommendations concerning the implementation of
Quality Function Deployment at Federal Mogul, the conduct of Quality Function
Deployment instruction at Virginia Tech and a possible avenue for future research.
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