CONSUMER PRODUCT FAILURE

Consumer products are also prone to failure in some instances. Several different types of causes may arise relating to the failure of a consumer item. Some examples include:

• Table top failure; analysis was conducted in order to determine the cause of a glass table top failure.

• Unstable garbage dumpster lid; the geometry and operation of a garbage
dumpster lid were analyzed as it had fallen onto an individual's head. The lid's
maximum fall speed and instability were technically assessed.

• Crutch collapse; an individual was using an adjustable crutch that had collapsed under normal use. The crutch was examined in order to technically assess the cause of the collapse.

• Machine topple; a top-heavy coin machine toppled onto a 4-year old child. The machine was examined in order to technically determine its geometry, instability and reason for falling over.