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