Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Limited

Ford Motor Company Limited

John King

Charles Paul Depp

Joseph A Mauney

Nathan R Soderborg

Mahesh Vora

J Patrick Dunbar, Jr

Toni Brockers

Carolyn Zelek

Bernadette Y Palmer

A method and computer-implemented system for optimizing a product. Based on the 'voice of the customer', aspects of the product that are critical to the customer satisfaction, and target values, therefore, are identified. Aspects are characterized in terms of their contributing factors. Each contributing factor is characterized in a transfer function in terms of control and noise factors impacting the contributing factors. Contributing factors are optimized during product design by shifting nominal design values for control factors with respect to the transfer function such that target contributing factors are attained with minimum variability due to existing noises and variability in control. Where target values cannot be obtained through design optimization, conventional methods of manufacturing optimization are implemented. The extent to which the target values are attained and maintained over the life of the product are assessed.

Method and system for product optimization

A junction box assembly for a vehicle having a junction box, a positive conductive terminal, a bus bar and a conductive jump-start terminal that are coupled to a battery cable in a manner wherein high-current electrical energy does not flow though the junction box during a jump-start event. The jump-start terminal is configured with a blade portion that provides the user of the vehicle with a convenient point to which the positive lead of a jumper cable may be attached during jump-starting operations.

Vehicle junction box having power distribution center with terminal for jump-starting vehicle

Growing community of inventors

Northville, MI, United States of America

John King