Subtract and operate

Dr. Tarek A. Tutunji

Subtract and Operate Procedure

1.

2.
3. 4. 5.

Disassemble one component Operate the system Analyze the effect Deduce the sub-function of the component Replace the component and repeat n times

Step 1: Disassemble one component

Remove (subtract) a component Might be necessary to remove other components in order to

remove the desired one. These should be reassembled

Step 2: Operate the system through its full range

Test the product through the range of the customer needs For each customer need, test the product to verify the effect

of removal

Step 3: Analyze the effect

This can be done by visual inspection Other times, measurement might be needed

Step 4: Deduce the sub-function of the missing component

From step 3, the sub-functions can be deduced A change in any Degree-of-Freedom (DOF) should be

examined
Check redundancies

Step 5: Replace the component and repeat

Re-assemble the removed component Repeat n times where n is the number of components in the

assembly
Sometimes sub-assembly removal effects are studied (rather

than components)

Stapler: Exploded View

Mechanical device that

joins sheets of paper by driving a thin piece of metal and folding the ends

Stapler: Component Hierarchy Tree

Standard , Personal Stapler

Base Assembly

Top Assembly

Pin

Spring Assembly

Base Plate

Base Cover

Jaw Support

Stake Rivet

Base Spring

Top Plate

Top Locator Cover Plate

Stake Rivet

Carriage

Spring

Magazine cartridge

SOP: remove components and analyze effect

Base Assembly
Base plate: press-force is not supported Base cover: press-force goes to surface Jaw support: the movement is not solid Stake rivet: the staple is not formed

Base Spring: The arm does not move back

SOP: remove components and analyze effect

Top Assembly
Top plate: the spring assembly is loose Top cover: the hand grip is not comfortable Locator plate: the spring assembly is loose Stake rivet: not enough force is created for staples

SOP: remove components and analyze effect

Pin: the top and bottom assemblies are not held together Spring Assembly
Carriage: the cartridge does not move Spring: the staplers do not move forward Magazine cartridge: no place to put the staples