Method for Reducing Validation Test Sample Size Through Sample Manipulation

This paper presents a cost saving method for validating a product’s pre-production design. The methodology reduces the number of test samples required and increases the confidence in the product. Not only are savings realized in time and effort expended in sample production, but also in test support and evaluation. Additional information about the product can be learned earlier rather after thousands of units are produced and operating in the field. The additional information can be used for determining a product’s manufacturing yield risks, durability, robustness, compliance to design requirements, exposure to other issues that may not be easily identified using common test practices, etc. Fewer test quantity samples not only reduces the cost of sample production, but also reduces the cost of testing with fewer test chambers, less floor space for testing, reduced test equipment investment, reduced test equipment operating energy costs, less tracking paperwork, less staffing to process, handle and record data collection, etc.