APLICAÇÃO DE FERRAMENTAS DE GESTÃO DA QUALIDADE PARA MELHORIA DE PRODUTO EM UMA INDÚSTRIA DO RAMO AUTOMOTIVO: UM ESTUDO DE CASO

Abstract

The methodologies of quality management and their tools are essential for addressing the root causes of problems and proposing improvements within an organization. This study was applied to an automotive industry that focuses on supplying air conditioning systems for motor vehicles and serves as a supplier to several major automakers in Brazil. The present work is a case study in which the product produced a noise level higher than the customer's specification. The tests used to measure the data were conducted for two operating modes of the device with the assistance of the company's laboratory. While the customer's required level was 59.7 dB for mode 1 and 56.5 dB for mode 2, the initially found values were 60.7 dB and 57.2 dB, respectively, both above the specified range. The QRQC (Quick Response Quality Control) and PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) methodologies, along with the 5W2H tool, were applied to structure and provide a better understanding of the problem, allowing for planned and executed analysis. Subsequently, the 5 Whys and FTA tools were applied to further analyze the possible causes of the problem. During the analyses, two factors were identified as possible root causes of the problem: the material used in the sealing foam and the airflow velocity at the air intake. To solve the problem, measures were proposed, such as using a new polyurethane sealing foam with high noise absorption capacity and selecting a new flap that maintains a lower average airflow velocity. Finally, after implementing these improvement proposals, the following results are expected: 58.9 dB and 54.7 dB for mode 1 and mode 2, respectively, falling within the defined specifications. In conclusion, it is observed that the application of quality management tools was highly effective in investigating and proposing a resolution to the problem, allowing for a deeper understanding of the root causes and enabling the identification and implementation of improvements. These tools are an essential part of the company's management routines and play a fundamental role in promoting quality management.