Consumer Products

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Consumer Products
Note This engineering instructional material
was created by Boise State University with
support from the William and Flora Hewlett
Foundation's Engineering Schools of the West
Initiative. Educators may use or copy this
document free of charge on the condition that
they credit Boise State University and the
William and Flora Hewlett Foundation as creators.

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Consumer Products Unit

• Part I Single Use Camera
• BSU Engineering Consulting Firm
• Contract with Fuji to
• Reduce cost of manufacturing.
• Reduce environmental impact.
• Part II Test and analyze the performance of a
  product of your choice

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The Single-use Camera

• Photography is historically a high-tech, high
  margin, high cost field
• Kodak pioneered a new field of low-cost,
  acceptable quality devices to be used once
• Single-Use Camera Requirements
• Film, optics, shutters, film handling
  mechanisms, ergonomic design to be sold near the
  cost of a roll of film.

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Cost of Film
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Cost of Single-Use Camera
Distribution
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Engineering Assessment Single Use Camera

• Objective - Identify ways to reduce cost and
  environmental impact of product
• Activities
• Familiarize yourself with the device
• Dissect the device
• Identify ways to meet objectives (above)
• Recommend additional next steps in assessing the
  camera
• Deliverable a written report to your bosses
  at Acme Engineering summarizing your
  recommendations

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Assessment Process

• Objectives and Deliverables guide your product
  analysis and data collection
• Take a systems approach in analyzing the camera
• Film handling and advance
• Shutter
• Optics
• Flash, electronics
• Case

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Record your findings!

• Sketch or photograph the parts critical design
  features
• Record materials used
• Identify the major components
• Find Part Count
• Record the assembly

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Product Analysis Ideas

• Examine the device and use it. (we wont develop
  the film)
• Pay attention to the devices usability
• How does the shutter operation feel?
• How does the film advance feel?
• How quickly does the flash recharge?
• Disassemble the camera
• Note the assembly method
• Disassembly process
• Material selection manufacturing process

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Flash System

• CAREFUL The capacitor (large cylindrical device)
  charges to 350 V!
• Document the electric circuit - black boxes are
  OK
• Make measurements
• What is the voltage of the battery?
• At what voltage does the flash discharge?
• Theorize as to the operation of the flash system

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Part I Deliverable

• Written report to BSU Engineering Management
  including
• Executive Summary
• overview of entire report, often written last
• Introduction
• Objectives of your investigation, product
  overview, uses, customers
• Data summary
• Parts lists, subassemblies, product drawings or
  photographs, etc.
• Recommendations 2 each (unique ideas!)
• Cost reductions
• Reduce environmental impact
• Further investigation
• Summary
• Restate key findings of research

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Report Writing

• One report per group, all group members are
  expected to contribute equally
• Grammar, punctuation, format and readability all
  matter.
• Microsoft Word features allow for easy
  collaboration on projects
• Track changes
• Compare and merge document
• Version tracking

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Common Errors

• Executive summary
• NOT an introduction
• Often only part of report read by high-level
  people
• Report not consistent and contradictory
• Drawings, data tables photos not explained
• Summary does not restate conclusions

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Consumer Product Testing

• Part II Test and Analyze the Performance on a
  Consumer Product

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Consumer Testing

• Pioneered by Consumer Union, a nonprofit
  organization
• Publish Consumers Report magazine and web site
• Very scientific and valid approach to the testing
  process
• Numerous other sources on the web

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Example Blenders
Consumer Reports - Blenders Consumer Search
Blenders
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Consumer Products Testing Part II

• Objective Test and analyze the performance of a
  consumer product
• Activities
• Select a product that is readily available
• Define purpose of device
• Discover and discuss common and unique features
• Develop appropriate performance measures
• Evaluate Performance
• Deliverable a PowerPoint presentation to the
  class to share your results

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Consumer Product - Example

• Product Knives
• Tests
• Measure the blade length
• Determine blade composition
• Test blades for electrical conductivity

• Several Issues
• Potential safety issues with product selected.
• Tests 1 and 2 arent really tests, rather product
  attributes or observations.
• Test 3 does not test a relevant feature.

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Another Example

• Product - Blenders
• Tests
• Peanut butter challenge can blender grind
  peanuts into butter?
• Crush ice cubes how small will ice chunks be?
• Noise level assessment which one is loudest?
• Ease of use can user make a milkshake?

Observations All tests evaluate important
product features. Several test results are
quantifiable (measurable). Remember to conduct
well designed experiments!
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Consumer Product Analysis Process

• Conduct some research
• Choose a product youll need 3 or more samples
• Develop Performance Measures (at least 3)
• Run Tests one must be quantitative
• Report Results
• Consumer Search - Blender Comparison Chart

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Deliverable

• Group oral presentation during class
  PowerPoint-based
• Describe the product, performance measures and
  test methodology
• Present results in clear, graphical means
• Present clear conclusions
• All group members contribute