Innovation at Work

 

 

Innovation Cases

 

Navy Patrol Boats

The Problem:

It was very difficult to move heavy electronic equipment in and out of the holds of small Navy patrol boats. These patrol boats were designed and built before sophisticated electronics equipment was used for tracking other ship movements. These patrol boats were being used by an Asian country to intercept gun runners and El Quaida operatives. The vertical passageways were narrow and difficult to maneuver. In moving this heavy electronic equipment, many sailors experienced back and shoulder problems.

The Solution:

A group of sailors, led by innovation consultants, studied the problem extensively. Pairs of the sailors attempted to find other “boxes” that might hold answers. For instance, one ...