Design Validation Documentation
The DFMEA, Test Procedure and DVP&R are complete!
When designing a brand new invention, like our patented ALPHA Leash, a lot of time needs to be invested into thinking through the design from every angle. One of the tools used to do this thorough analysis is the testing and validation documentation outlined below. These thought provoking documents are painstaking to create, but they are critical in creating a safe, high quality and durable product.
We started with the Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) document, which lists the functions of each part in the ALPHA Leash, what each does, how they can fail and how critical that failure is to the functioning of the leash and ultimately how it effects the end user.
In our case the ALPHA Leash’s DFMEA is over 25 pages long!
The next document, created from the DFMEA, are the Test Procedures. These procedures detail the tests that need to be carried out in order to validate the strength, durability and functions of the ALPHA Leash’s design. These tests are linked to the DFMEA because the testing needs to ensure that any potential failures that directly effect the function of the leash need to be thoroughly validated. The Test Procedure is so detailed that it fully outlines the specific loading, the number of cycles and environmental tests that the ALPHA Leash needs to endure to ensure it performs as intended out in the real world.
And finally there is the Design Verification Plan and Report (DVP&R). This document puts the Test Procedure into action. It lists how many parts are needed, what tests each assembly will go through and what the final results of the tests were.
This document has two parts. First it is a plan that helps ensure that the correct number of prototypes are ordered and assembled, and that testing is done in as efficient a time as possible. Secondly it is a report which documents the results of the testing carried out as well as any issues that occurred during the testing that may need to be addressed before the design goes into production.
All in all this documentation is a lot of dry and detailed work, however, in the end this is the type of rigour that is needed to ensure that the ALPHA Leash is a high quality product that will make our customers happy!
