Failure prediction at the product design stage can improve product quality and reduce input costs. Many existing failure analysis methods were susceptible to staff brainstorming during failure excavation, resulting in distortion of results. To overcome the shortcomings of the existing failure analysis methods, according to the interaction characteristics of substance attributes from the functional perspective of TRIZ theory, and drawing on the analysis process of anticipatory failure determination (AFD) method, a general model which was suitable for mechanical products and can effectively determine the potential failure modes and causes of components was established. The feasibility of the model was verified by the example of the fixed-bed gas-gas heat exchanger.