This paper presents a preliminary study on the feasibility of developing a new mechanical product based on an existing well-known product. It is carried out following a modified dynamic reliability theory. In this approach it proposes a relationship between hazard rate function and reliability of the system. The importance of several parameters, such as the relative capacities of design, manufacture and prototype problem-solving, are discussed based on the complexity and maturity of the mechanical product we are interested in. These parameters are estimated through fuzzy-set operations about intrinsic and extrinsic scaling of the technology adopted in the new product development.
