Rapid Response! Investigating the Effects of Problem Definition on the Characteristics of Additively Manufactured Solutions for COVID-19

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Abstract
  • Designers from around the world have proposed numerous engineering design solutions for problems related to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of which leverage the rapid prototyping and manufacturing capabilities of additive manufacturing (AM). While some of these solutions are motivated by complex and urgent requirements (e.g., face masks), others are motivated by simpler and less urgent needs (e.g., hands-free door openers). Previous research suggests that problem definition influences the creativity of solutions generated for the problem. In this study, we investigate the relationship between the definition of problems related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the characteristics of AM solutions that were openly shared for these problems. Specifically, we analyze 26 AM solutions spanning three categories: (1) hands-free door openers (low complexity problem), (2) face shields (moderate complexity problem), and (3) face masks (high complexity problem). These designs were compared on (1) DfAM utilization, (2) manufacturability (i.e., build time, cost, and material usage), and (3) creativity. We see that the solutions designed for the high complexity problem, i.e., face masks, were least suitable for AM. Moreover, we see that solutions designed for the moderate complexity problem, i.e., face shields, had the lowest build time, build cost, and material consumption. Finally, we observe that the problem definition did not relate to the creativity of the AM solutions. In light of these findings, designers must sufficiently emphasize the AM suitability and manufacturability of their solutions when designing for urgent and complex problems in rapid response situations.
TitleRapid Response! Investigating the Effects of Problem Definition on the Characteristics of Additively Manufactured Solutions for COVID-19
CreatorMasia, J. S.
Prabhu, Rohan
Meisel, N. A.
Berthel, J. T.
Simpson, T. W.
PublisherJournal of Mechanical Design
Academic DepartmentMechanical Engineering
DivisionEngineering
OrganizationLafayette College
Date IssuedMay 2022
Date Available2022-01-07
TypeArticle
LanguageEnglish
KeywordCOVID-19
design for additive manufacturing
design for manufacturing
problem definition
creativity
creativity and concept generation
design evaluation
Bibliographic CitationPrabhu, R., et al. (2022 May) "Rapid Response! Investigating the Effects of Problem Definition on the Characteristics of Additively Manufactured Solutions for COVID-19." Journal of Mechanical Design 144 (5): 054502.
Standard IdentifierHandle 10385/2f75r947x
DOI 10.1115/1.4052970
Permalinkhttp://hdl.handle.net/10385/2f75r947x
Rights Statement In Copyright In Copyright
Rights HoldersASME
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