Creative Problem Solving

Creative vs. Analytical Analytical – one solution Creative

Many possible solutions Divergent Phases

Search for ideas More = Better!

Convergent Phases Narrow the possibilities Define “Best”

Engineering Problem Solving

Identify the need Define the problem Search for information Develop alternative solutions Analyze the alternatives Decide which solution is

“best”

Identify the Need

What is wrong? Look for the

underlying need. Ask “Why” several

times. Challenge “needs” that

are really solutions.

The operators of a 40-ton punch press have had several near misses and one serious accident where the press activated while the operator’s arm was inside. The owner wants you to design a guard to limit how far the operator can reach into the press.Owner thinks he needs a guard. Why?Note solution in definitionNeed?

What’s Wrong?

Define the Problem Use a broad

problem statement.

Use “decision tree” to define the range of possibilities.

Symptoms vs. Causes

Avoid jumping to a solution.

Avoid Obstacles

Limit constraints Dump old paradigms Divide complex

problems into parts Allow for incubation Consider non-

engineering solutions

Constraints Affect DecisionsTom, Dick, Harry, and Al are married to May, June, Sue,

and Bea, though not necessarily in that order. Given the following information, who is married to whom?

May June Sue Bea

Tom

Dick

Harry

Al

June, who is Dick’s sister, has five children. Tom has never introduced his wife to Sue, who is carrying on

an extra-marital affair with Dick. (May is considering telling Dick’s wife about it.)

Tom’s wife want to wait a few more years before starting a family.

Dick and Harry are twin brothers.

Problem Definition

The client needs a means to prevent the 40-ton press from activating with the operator’s arm inside.

Constraint: existing 40-ton press must be used

Paradigm: operator places parts in press

– or –

The client needs a means to prevent employee accidents while producing cab frames.

Search for Information Existing Solutions Internet Library

Indexes Thomas Register or Sweets

Catalog Journals

Government Documents Professional Organizations Vendor Catalogs Individuals

Alternative Solutions

More ideas = Better chance for success

Brainstorming Affinity Diagram Morphological

Diagram

Brainstorming Small to medium-sized

groups List all possible ideas May be written or oral Comments on ideas

are not allowed! Write down everything! One idea may lead to

others - build!

How to kill an idea... That’ll never work! We tried that once, but it

didn’t pan out. When you’ve been here a

bit longer you’ll understand the problem better.

Get Marketing and Finance to agree and we’ll talk.

Affinity Diagrams Write ideas on Post-it

notes Group them on a board to

broadly identify concepts Allow time to review ideas

and build related ones Good for larger groups

Identifies related thoughts Recorder not overloaded

Morphological Diagram

Blade Reel String

Gas

Electric

Analyzing Alternatives Function - Does it solve the

problem? Physical Specifications Human Engineering Marketing Production Economics

Human Engineering

Human/machine Interfaces

Ergonomics Safety

Decision Criteria - What’s

Best? Decision matrix

Decision Matrix

Option A Option B Option C

Cost 8 6 4

Safety 7 8 9

Reliability 6 8 5

21 22 18

Decision Criteria - What’s

Best? Decision matrix Weighted matrix

Weighted Matrix

Wt. Option A Option B Option C

Cost 4 8x4 = 32 6x4 = 24 4x4 = 16

Safety 3 7x3 = 21 8x3 = 24 9x3 = 27

Reliability 2 6x2 = 12 8x2 = 16 5x2 = 10

65 64 53

Decision Criteria - What’s

Best? Decision matrix Weighted matrix Intangibles?

Rank order “Show Me the

Money!”

Rank Ordering

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3

Mary 1 2 3

Ray 2 1 3

Oscar 3 2 1

6 5 7

“Show Me the Money!”

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3

Mary 10 6 4

Ray 4 15 1

Oscar 4 8 8

18 29 13

Works well for Affinity Diagrams- Give each person $20 to distribute