Kimberly K. McAdamsEmgt364 - Value Analysis1
Engineering Management 364 -- Value AnalysisDr. Venkat Allada
April 2001
Value Analysis of a
Leaf Blower / Vacuum / Mulcher
Kimberly K. McAdamsEmgt364 - Value Analysis2
Table of Contents
• Objective & Background• Gantt Chart• Customer needs• Function Identification and Modeling• Next Steps
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Objective
• Project objective is to analyze the value of a leaf blower / mulcher with the goal of increasing the overall value of the product. Value may increase by either increasing functionality and /or decreasing cost.
CostFunctionValue
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Background• Leaf blowers debuted on a wide scale in the consumer
market in the early 1990’s. Over the last decade they have continued to evolve as a common tool used to clean yard waste. Many models now vacuum and mulch yard waste in addition to the traditional blowing function.
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Project Status and Gantt Chart
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Gantt Chart(last updated 3/12/01)
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Customer Needs
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Customer Needs
When & why do you use this type of product? Walk us through a typical session using the product What do you like about the existing products? What do you dislike about the existing products? What issues do you consider when purchasing the product?
Five Customers / Product Users were interviewed: Dan Michelle Julie Paul Myself
• To better understand the needs of a customer who would purchase and use this product, personal interviews were conducted. During each interview, the user was allowed to operate the product, and the following questions were asked.
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Summary of Customer Needs-1Customer Statement Customer NeedTypical Uses1. To clean off my driveways & sidewalks Cleans outdoor surfaces2. “Corral” leaves into garden to either till under or to bag Collects leaves3. Blow out gutter when it is clogged up Unclogs gutters 4. Maybe to create some mulch from dry leaves and grass Mulches leaves and grass5. I’ve never used a leaf blower. Personally don’t understand just blowing leaves. Why don’t you just pick them up?
Likes6. Like mechanism to prevent cord from coming unplugged Blower / mulcher helps prevent
inadvertently unplugging cord7. Pretty light (weight) Blower / mulcher is lightweight8. Feels pretty balanced; but seems to be designed for use with Blower / mulcher is balanced when 2 hands; sometimes I go around with the blower in one holding with one hand hand and clippers in another9. Changing from blowing to mulching is easy Modules are easy to interchange
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Summary of Customer Needs-2Customer Statement Customer Need Dislikes10. Prefer the variable speed on a gas one; Blower / mulcher has easily this is much more difficult adjustable speed control
11. “Hate” electric; can’t take them everywhere I go; can Blower / mulcher is safe to use; trip over the cord; especially dangerous on the roof Blower / mulcher can be used w/out
an extension cord
12. Too difficult to change speeds; not variable; takes 2 hands Can change speeds with one hand
Blower / mulcher has variable speed
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Summary of Customer Needs-3Customer Statement Customer Need Recommended Improvements13. Would consider a battery powered / rechargeable Product needs to be high-powered if it had high power14. Wish it was lighter Blower / mulcher is lightweight15. The orange thing that doesn’t move Blower speed is easy to adjust 16. Really need a better storage option like hooks on all pieces Blower / mulcher is easy to store17. Bag should not be white; it looks filthy. Bag stays looking clean18. Would like a more comfortable strap that could be used Product is well supported during use during blowing or mulching to better support the product 19. It should have a handle on the models so they just don’t Modules are easy to interchange; spring off and you have a nice place to hold them Module remains secure during changing20. It should have a deal so it can sit on the ground Blower / mulcher remains without falling over on its side. upright when placed on ground21. Bag should be separable so you can put it in Bag is washable / easy to clean the washing machine22. Should have a smaller, wider attachment to vacuum bushes Mulcher can vacuum bushes23. Should be more balanced for one hand operation Blower / mulcher can be used w/ 1 hand
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Function Identification and Modeling
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Overall Function Model(High-level BASIC Function)
• Human • Electricity• Gravity
• Human hands• Human shoulder • Human hip• Leaves / Grass• Cord• Dirt• Air
• On / Off
Clean Surface
• Heat• Noise• Vibration
• Air• Mulch• Dirt• Human
• On / Off• Full• Blow speed• Aligned
Energy
Material
Signal
Leaf Blower / Mulcher
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Compare & choose
product
Activity Diagram-1(Leaf Blower / Mulcher = “product”)
Unpack product
Read directions
Purchase product
Transport product
Assemble product
TIME
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Activity Diagram-2(Leaf Blower / Mulcher = “product”)
Attach cord
Attach bag
Secure bag strap
Attach vac/mulch assembly
Attach blower
assemblyPosition product
Turn on
Observe speed
Set speed
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Activity Diagram-3(Leaf Blower / Mulcher = “product”)
Guide product
Replace bag assy
Unzip bag
Empty bag
Remove vac/mulch assembly
Turn OFF
Observe cleanliness
Clean surface
Back to “position product”
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Activity Diagram-4(Leaf Blower / Mulcher = “product”)
Remove cord
Repair product
Clean product
Store product
Dispose product
Back to “attach cord”
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Function Identification1. Motor Assembly
Cord w/ socket import electricity On / Off Switch import signal; display signalHandle (1) import handHandle (2) import handRelease button release sub-assemblyLatch secure sub-assemblyCord lock secure cordMotor assembly convert energy; Fan increase velocity
2. Blower AssemblyNozzle main direct air*Nozzle end direct airBody side 1 Body side 2 Speed adjust regulate speed
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Function Identification, continued
3. Vacuum / Mulcher AssemblyNozzle main direct air*Nozzle end direct airBody side 1 Body side 2 Screws (qty6) Bag assembly
bag hold mulchzipper permit entryattach piece attach bagstrap support bag
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FAST Diagram
CLEAN
SURFACE
BLOW DEBRIS
MULCH DEBRIS
VACUUMNDEBRIS
(high-level function)
(basic functions)
MOVE DEBRIS
COLLECT DEBRIS
REDUCE DEBRIS
HOW WHY
(design concept functions)
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Next Steps
Next…..• Complete FAST Diagram• Complete Bill of Materials• Begin Cost Analysis
Then…..• Creativity and Evaluation phases