Generate problem statements that focus on the function to be achieved by any viable design solution.
Potential Problem Statements:
1. Customers need filament for 3D printing.
2. Customers want to be more eco-friendly while 3D printing.
3. Customers need a way to be more sustainable and recycle more frequently.
4. Customers want to achieve these goals without costly products or much additional effort.
Necessary functions include:
1. Fully autonomous / function without human intervention
2. Deconstruct PET bottles as source material
3. Create high-quality printer filament
4. Spool filament for easy use in a 3D printer
Apply a number of techniques and strategies such as the statement-restatement technique, the source/cause approach, the revision method, present state-desired state (PS-DS) strategy, and Duncker diagrams.
Statement-Restatement:
Real problem - Customers want a way of being more sustainable.
Constraints/boundaries - Cost, Effort, Time, Use
Goals - Create a way for customers to reuse plastic while saving themselves time and money.
Inputs -> Outputs - Fully autonomous method of recycling plastic for reuse.
Why-Why:
Problem - About 400 million tons of plastic is produced each year and is polluting our environment.
Why? - Plastics are strong, water-proof, and versatile materials, so they are used very frequently.
Why? - Single use plastics are convenient and inexpensive. Sustainable options are more costly and require effort.
Why? - Recycling can be confusing and difficult. DIY reusing is time consuming and not very reliable.
So - Customers need an easy way to reuse plastics that does not compromise their end-product and is cost effective.
Perform Kepner-Tregoe (KT) situation analysis to evaluate various aspects of a situation in terms of three criteria (timing, trend, and impact), thereby determining what is known, which tasks should be performed, and in what order these tasks should be completed.
KT Situation Analysis:
Problem Description - Customers need a eco-friendly and inexpensive alternative to typical 3D printer filaments.
Possible Causes - Recycled filament for purchase is expensive and not the most sustainable option. Exorbitant amounts of plastic gets wasted every year. Recycling can be difficult and confusing.
Most Likely Cause - 3D printer users want to be sustainable without having to expend extra effort.
True Cause - 3D printer users want to be sustainable without having to expend extra effort or money.
Tasks -
a) Autonomous (HIGH)
b) Deconstruction of source material (HIGH)
c) Create high-quality filament on a spool (HIGH)
d) Safety (MODERATE)
e) Remote monitoring (MODERATE)
f) Process time (LOW)
Perform KT problem analysis to determine possible causes of a problem.
KT Problem Analysis:
What? - Customers need a eco-friendly and inexpensive alternative to typical 3D printer filaments.
When? - Around the clock through autonomous processes
Who? - 3D printer users (hobbyist), Waste Management Companies, College Campuses
Where? - Anywhere that can house a 15" x 15" x 15" product. Likely near a 3D printer for ease of use.
Why? - To be more sustainable and create high-quality filament.
How? - Grind PET bottles into uniform pellets, melt pellets into filament, cool & smooth filament, spool filament for use.