Solving Multiresponse Optimization Problems Using Quality Function–Based Robust Design

ABSTRACT

Given design problems today, many organizations now implement Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) initiatives. One DFSS tool is quality function deployment (QFD), which is a design approach that proactively translates customers' needs into technical design requirements. The QFD methodology has been well documented in the literature, yet few researchers have investigated how this process may be used to solve multiresponse optimization problems. Here, we demonstrate a new approach that combines aspects of QFD within the traditional robust design methodology to address this issue. The methodology is demonstrated through an illustrated example, which is compared to the traditional robust design approach.

KEYWORDS:

• goal programming
• multiple objective programming
• multidisciplinary problems
• nonlinear programming
• quality function deployment
• robust design