Using the knowledge of problem specification gained from the prior homework assignment, read the following scenario and then follow the instructions in the procedure relating to the passage. The purpose of this homework assignment is to practice using a problem specification method on the scenario provided to prepare the students for using a problem specification method on the problem that will be given from their customer sponsor. A problem specification method must be used when working with the customer sponsor to create a specification document, which works as an agreement between the engineering team and customer, such that meeting these specifications will result in a successful solution. The specification document, along with the problem specification method used, will be included in the final report that determines whether the student successfully complete the senior design course.

Fill out the attached template and answer the questions below. The assignment is to be typed up and submitted on Blackboard before Class on September 22^nd.

Imagine you are working as a design engineer in a design house and a customer approaches you with a problem. The customer is wanting you to create a solar powered battery pack that is also a case for an iPhone 6 plus. He plans on targeting customers that spend a lot of time outdoors. He requests that the case is lightweight, compact, and made of a material that allows for a non-slippery grip. He also requests that by leaving the phone in direct sunlight for 15 min, the phone battery can recharge at least 25%. When asking the customer why these requirements are in place, he states that the case should be light weight and compact because it would be comfortable for users to carry around while they are outdoors. Also, it could then still fit in an iPhone 6 plus armband while athletes are working out. The grip is important so that the user can hold it while moving in the sun without it slipping out of their hands. The battery recharge rate is in place because it seems like a recharge rate that would be pleasing to users.

Procedure

Use the Quality Function Deployment PowerPoint slides provided with the assignment to clarify the location of each step. Slides 1-16 introduce QFD, and slides 16-27 provide detail on how to complete the following steps. The steps should be completed and filled out in the EXCEL Templet provided. Note that because you do not have a physical customer to interview, gather research and create additional customer input by imagining what you think you would learn from the various customer constituencies while following the instructions. As you complete each step, ask yourself: “Do I understand what I am trying to accomplish through this procedure?”

• Write down a list of customers involved with the problem. (Note: The customers include anyone related to the quality or process of the problem being solved. For example, customers also include the targeted end users, the manufacturer, the marketing department, etc. (PowerPoint Slides: 16 – 21)
• In the second room, list the desired customer requirements. (PowerPoint Slides: 16 – 21)
• Rank the importance of the customer requirements in the third room. Rank the importance by increasing number, not by a scale. If you feel that two requirements are equally important, you may assign them the same number. (PowerPoint Slides: 16 – 21)
• Identify and list the competitors in the fourth room. (PowerPoint Slides: 16 & 22)
• On a scale of 1-5, where 1 doesn’t meet the requirements at all and 5 meets them completely, rank how well each competitor meets each customer requirements. (PowerPoint Slides: 16 & 22)
• In room 6, list the engineering parameters that corresponds to achieving each customer requirement. (PowerPoint Slides: 16 & 23)
• In room 7, relate engineering specifications to customer requirements on scale ranging from 1-9, where 1 is a weak relationship and 9 is a strong relationship. Leave the box blank if there is no relationship. (PowerPoint Slides: 16 & 24)
• In room 8, identify and list the interdependencies between different engineering parameters using the same scale of 1-9. (PowerPoint Slides: 16 & 24)
• In room 9, create a list of potential designs, the list may also include competitor designs. (PowerPoint Slides: 16 & 25)
• Use the ratings from the seventh room to create new target values for the engineering characteristics in the 10^th (PowerPoint Slides: 16 & 24)
• Steps 1-10 are used to create a specification document, but it is not required for a specification document to be created in this assignment.

Define engineering parameter measurable quantities associated with the customer requirements, competitors include any existing attempt to solve all or part of the same problem, Add Example, determining engineering parameters in room 6

Questions

1. What is the importance of ranking the customer requirements? Suggest reasons for ranking each customer’s requirements?

2. What benefits might this method provide in the design process?  What drawbacks can you foresee in using this method?