Patent attributes
The invention provides a simulation process and method of utilizing it to time to better estimate when a component of a product is about to fail by tracking varying “environmental factors” related to the severity of conditions to which product is exposed over a period of time. The invention includes the steps of:(a) determining a distribution of mean times between failures or failure rate for each component of the product;(b) using statistical techniques to select a fail point for each component;(c) applying an aging factor for each component for conditions to which the product is subjected; and(d) calculating an estimated time for failure for a component using information comprising time periods the component was subjected to conditions, and aging factors relating to the conditions.
