HOPE Theory and JMP Software for Robust Design
Takenori Takahashi, PhD, Professor – Keio University
Nowadays, robust design is an indispensable tool for manufacturing. Until recently, the Taguchi method has been mainly used for it. However, this paper proposes Hyper-structure Optimization for Prospective Engineering (HOPE). Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) solution drawn from the Taguchi method is included as a special case solution in HOPE theory. By using the same crossed array experiment data, multiple reasonable solutions are created by HOPE theory, while an SNR solution is obtained uniquely by using the Taguchi method. All of the solutions are candidates for the final solution and, therefore, the reproducibility has to be examined by confirmation run. The final solution is selected from confirmed candidates whose reproducibility is clearly proven. The combination of JMP and HOPE software, which is a JSL application for JMP 8, is developed for both methods, and it enables us to perform robust design and the confirmation of reproducibility easily and quickly. It is new software based on JMP 8 and is developed in cooperation with Takahashi and SAS Japan. Many advantages of HOPE theory are demonstrated by examples of paper helicopter designs, which are used as an educational exercise worldwide. Education and implementations of HOPE theory are held in many Japanese enterprises. The presentation will demonstrate use of this software in real, successful cases.