ME553 - Product and Process Design

A4: Concept Generation and Selection

Project: War-Gaming Hobby Box

Due by: 03.28.2021

Group 6:
Zachary Cable
Spencer Roberts
AJ Hocker
Logan Tatman
 1

Table of contents

Morphology Chart 1

Design Concepts 2

Evaluation and Ranking 8

 2

Morphology Chart

The above morphology chart was adapted from our previous functional decomposition
chart. Many of the previous functions and sub functions had overlapping qualities solved by one
of the possible means. To remedy the situation and make the process more efficient, we changed
the functions to represent more of the physical actions and qualities of the product. Some
concepts had to be generated by hand while others were readily accessible for comparison and
modeling.
Once we agreed on the chart we each set out to create a new solution. Each member
selected one of the cells per row and tried not to overlap too much with anyone else in order to
create more diverse ideas. Once completed, we drew each of the concepts and discussed their
functions/aesthetics. Next, we highlighted some of the more innovative or creative aspects of
each design to create a combined/ team design to compare with the other solutions. Finally, we
moved on to the weighted ranking matrix to select a design to pursue going forward..
 3

Design Concepts

Solution 1

Solution 1 was designed by Logan from the morphology chart using the following subfunctions:
A. Collapsible Plastic Sticks
B. MOLLE System
C. Hinge
D. Pelican Latch with Lock
E. Backpack Straps
F. Magnetic Trays
Combining the desired sub functions, the design consists of a rigid backpack, that is filled
with layers of removable magnetic trays. Each magnetic tray is covered in a layer of collapsible
plastic sticks to keep components from shifting while in the bag, as well as to allow for a
variable fit for different miniatures. The layer is possibly made of a silicon material to provide a
protection from the rigid metal surface. Furthermore, the bag opens using hinges and
Pelican-type latches to maintain structural rigidity. The bag is also covered in MOLLE as a way
to add additional modular pouches and containers for whatever purposes the user has in mind.
 4

Solution 2

Solution 2 was designed by AJ from the morphology chart using the following subfunctions:

A. Springy foam noodles

B. Accordion folder and modular pouches
C. Front and top faces fold open
D. Clasp and Buckle
E. Backpack straps
F. Collapsible carrying tray
The solution is almost an all in one concept. Its design allows for personalization in regards to
the kinds of pouches you can attach with varying sizes and positions. There is a horizontally
collapsible carrying tray that fits inside the case. Additionally, the layers that hold the mini’s are
two halves of very springy foam. Each half is cut to form individual columns of springy foam
that then contour to the different miniature sizes which holds them in place. There is also a
clasp/buckle for security in transit and at events.
 5

Solution 3

Solution 3 was designed by Zack from the morphology chart using the following subfunctions:
A. Lego Foam
B. Carabiner Pouches
C. Hinge
D. Pelican Latch with Lock
E. Collapsible Handle
F. Fully Detachable Lid
The concept takes the form of a hardshell case with luggage wheels and a collapsible handle, locking
latches, a lid that hinges open, and loops to attach carabiner pouches to. The lid can be removed at the
hinges and function as a carrying tray. The foam inside has pins that interlock together that allows the user
to customize the foam layout in a reusable way for any number or type of armies. Foam trays can be
stacked to increase capacity of figure storage.
 6

Solution 4

Solution 4 was designed by Spencer Roberts with a combination of the following concepts:

Solution 4 is a case with a zipper on top that unzips to allow the top to come off and act as a
carrying tray. The inside of the case has trays with 3D pin art metal pins that push out of the way of the
mini and form a shape to cradle the mini. A collapsible handle on top allows the case to be carried and get
out of the way for the carrying tray. The sides are rocking MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying
Equipment) to allow external bags to be added. Two draws are located on the bottom to allow books and
other items to be stored.
 7

Solution 5

Case with Top lid attached Top Lid Converted to Carrying Tray

Solution 5 was designed by the team in combination, and the design came from the morphology chart
using the following subfunctions:
A. Springy Lasagna Foam
B. Drawers/Pouches
C. Front Folds Down and Attaches to the Bottom, Top is attached by 4 latches
D. Pelican Latch
E. Collapsable/Detachable Shoulder-Strap Handle
F. Rigid Top that is Detachable Tray
The solution is a bag with collapsible handles as well as optional shoulder strap loops. The rigid bag has a
pelican style latch that opens to the main compartment through the front of the bag, allowing easy access
to multiple layers of removable springy lasagna-shaped foam containers. These containers allow for the
miniatures to be held in place by custom shaped, reusable foam. The top layer of the bag is also fully
detachable, and acts as a tray that can be easily carried around any events. Furthermore, the option of
multiple drawers and pouches allows for easy storage for additional necessary equipment.
 8

Evaluation and Ranking

To come to a decision, our design team spent time reviewing the opportunities presented
by the different group members. We then worked together to create a combined version of all
the ideas. After discussion of the product concepts, we used our Criteria and Weights from the
QFD, to make a modified 1:5 scale. Finally, each team member individually ranked the different
opportunities, and by averaging the rankings from the four team members and applying the
weighted criteria, we were able to choose Solution 5 as the highest ranked concept.

Overall, the Team solution seems to be the best concept for our team. It was a close
contest but the capabilities and versatility of the collaborative solution proved to make the
difference. Its compact and modular nature reduces the amount of components needed and
increases the versatility between miniatures. It also fulfills the needed transportation function
with its top lid that converts into a carrying tray. There is an additional feature in which the
carrying tray has pockets and enclosed spaces for books and dice or other equipment needed.
 9
Lasagna Foam Picture