The Better Mouse Trap Co. / sample paperwork

Basic design FMEA

Sample — fictitious company

Sample — fictitious company. All numbers and people are invented scenario assumptions. This is draft concept paperwork; no physical testing, customer evidence, certification, filing or sign-off has occurred.

BasicRevision C12026-10-24sample-draft6 entries
Basic design FMEA
IDItem/functionRequirement IDFailure modeEffectSeverityCausePrevention controlOccurrenceDetection controlDetectionRPNRating basisRecommended actionOwnerTarget dateResultProjected SProjected OProjected DProjected RPNResidual status
DF01Capture doorR01Door rebounds after entryMouse escapes; repeated handling increases bite exposure7Hinge rebound and latch misalignmentAdd positive over-center latch and keyed hinge pin5Cycle rig then 5 N outward retention pull6210Proposed ratings: severity based on effect; occurrence uncertain concept exposure; detection weak without physical evidenceAdd positive over-center latch and keyed hinge pinSam Reed2026-12-15Not implemented or tested73484Projected residual only; open pending evidence
DF02Ventilation ribsR02Air paths blocked by nesting materialConfined mouse distress or death9Vents all located on floor near baitRaise vents on opposing walls; add no-bedding instructions4Occlude either vent bank with paper surrogate; inspect remaining airflow path7252Proposed ratings: severity based on effect; occurrence uncertain concept exposure; detection weak without physical evidenceRaise vents on opposing walls; add no-bedding instructionsSam Reed2026-12-15Not implemented or tested92590Projected residual only; open pending evidence
DF03Release sliderR03Finger enters closing-door pathPinch or bite during release8Grip next to opening and no positive open detentExtend external slider and add hold-open detent4Video-record unloaded representative-user task6192Proposed ratings: severity based on effect; occurrence uncertain concept exposure; detection weak without physical evidenceExtend external slider and add hold-open detentSam Reed2026-12-15Not implemented or tested82464Projected residual only; open pending evidence
DF04Washable shellR04Soiled corners retain contaminationUser exposure to rodent waste8Blind corners and poor disassemblyRound internal corners; detach door cassette; hygiene instructions5Fluorescent soil inspection after hand wash; biological efficacy not claimed6240Proposed ratings: severity based on effect; occurrence uncertain concept exposure; detection weak without physical evidenceRound internal corners; detach door cassette; hygiene instructionsSam Reed2026-12-15Not implemented or tested83496Projected residual only; open pending evidence
DF05Bait pocketR05Bait holder detachesSmall-part ingestion by child or pet9Uncaptured insert fits through entranceIntegrate pocket into shell; no loose insert3Force gauge pull and foreseeable misuse inspection6162Proposed ratings: severity based on effect; occurrence uncertain concept exposure; detection weak without physical evidenceIntegrate pocket into shell; no loose insertSam Reed2026-12-15Not implemented or tested91436Projected residual only; open pending evidence
DF06Occupancy inspectionR06User leaves occupied trap uncheckedAnimal dehydration and distress9Trap hidden and no inspection habitTransparent inspection window; explicit do-not-leave-unattended warning610-user visibility/teach-back study; no live animals before ethical review8432Proposed ratings: severity based on effect; occurrence uncertain concept exposure; detection weak without physical evidenceTransparent inspection window; explicit do-not-leave-unattended warningSam Reed2026-12-15Not implemented or tested946216Projected residual only; open pending evidence