Patent ID: 7136785

Claim:
A method for statistically analyzing the robustness of a design using predefined design criteria comprising: entering at least one design variable, wherein said at least one design variable represents at least one of a measurement and tolerance associated with a design of a structural member; evaluating said at least one design variable against one or more design criteria, said one or more design criteria having one or more respective desired values, in order to determine whether said at least one design variable satisfies said respective desired values of said one or more design criteria, thereby forming a first design result; adjusting said at least one design variable to satisfy said one or more respective desired values of said one or more design criteria by entering at least one adjusted design variable; evaluating said at least one adjusted design variable against said one or more design criteria in order to determine whether said at least one adjusted design variable satisfies said respective desired values of said one or more design criteria, thereby forming a second design result; comparing said first design result with said second design result to determine a design result that satisfies, within a predetermined range, said one or more design criteria; and for a design result that satisfies, within the predetermined range, said one or more design criteria, calculating a probability that said design result will not meet said respective desired values of said one or more design criteria, using said calculated probability to analyze the robustness of said design and storing the result.