About boundary diagrams for design FMEAs

A boundary diagram is a graphical tool that facilitates the brainstorming and structure analysis of the system under consideration. You can add, edit, or delete system element representations in the boundary diagram.

You can create the following types of interface between the various system elements:

• P - Indicates a physical connection between the system elements. For example, the system elements can be welded, bolted, or clamped.

• E - Indicates that energy is transferred between the system elements. For example, there is force or heat exchanged between the system elements.

• I - Indicates that information is transferred between the system elements. For example, ECU, sensors, or signals, can be transferred between the system elements.

• M - Indicates that material is exchanged between the system elements. For example, cooling fluid, or exhaust gases, can be exchanged between the system elements.

• D - Indicates that data is exchanged between the system elements. For example, data transfer between a USB drive and a computer.

• H - Human-Machine: Indicates a human-machine interaction where data is exchanged between humans and machines.

The systems, sub-systems, and components are represented by boxes and you can connect them using arrows which represents their interaction. The boundary diagram helps you in performing the structure analysis of the system and connect it using interfaces.