Product Development and Management Methodologies

Abstract

Systems and methods for developing and managing a product are described. The development of the product includes configuring and constructing the product such that the product can be communicated directly between an end user and an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The system further comprises developing the product to satisfy the requirements of a common carrier as to content, shape, and size of parcels. For engine driven products, this development includes developing the product for isolation of consumable materials, such as fuel, oil, and/or batteries, during shipment of the product. Such a system provides for the cradle to grave management of the engine driven product by the OEM. Accordingly, the OEM avoids the expense and complication generally associated with maintaining or associating with an engine driven device dealers. Such a system also allows the OEM to more closely monitor and assess product performance and maintenance and well as warranty and financing protocols.

1 . A method of developing a product comprising:
 conceiving a general idea of a desired product;   selecting a commercial distribution network for disseminating the desired product; and   altering the general idea of the desired product to satisfy requirements of the commercial distribution network.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein altering the general idea of the desired product includes configuring the desired product to be broken down into a number of constituent parts. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the constituent parts include one or more of an engine system, a frame system, and a control system. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the commercial distribution network specifies a type of product and parcel configuration that is transportable. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising configuring the desired product to be returned directly to a manufacturer from an end user via the commercial distribution network. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising configuring the desired product to be maintained by an original equipment manufacturer for the life of the desired product from cradle to grave. 
   
   
       7 . A method of providing an engine driven product comprising:
 manufacturing an engine driven product;   receiving an order from an end user of the engine driven product;   scheduling shipping of the engine driven product to the end user via a common carrier;   constructing the engine driven product for separation into a power component and a frame component;   separately packaging the power component and the frame component into packages that satisfy shipping requirements of the common carrier; and   shipping the separately packaged power and frame components directly to the end user.   
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the common carrier dictates one or more of a parcel size, a parcel weight, and a parcel shape. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising managing assembly, distribution, and servicing of the engine driven product at common locations. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising designing each of the power components and the frame components to be able to be broken down into a number of smaller assemblies. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising requiring the end user to provide consumable materials that are barred from transport by the common carrier. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the consumable materials are further defined as one or more of gas, oil, and a battery 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising configuring the packaging to be reusable for return of one of the frame component and the power component directly to an original equipment manufacturer. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising providing a removable fuel tank and a removable oil reservoir. 
   
   
       15 . A method of managing a product comprising:
 engineering an engine driven recreational device;   manufacturing the engine driven recreational device;   selling the engine driven recreational device direct to a consumer;   delivering the engine driven recreational device directly from a manufacturer to the consumer; and   servicing the engine driven device with personnel common to the manufacturing of the engine driven recreation device.   
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the engine driven recreational device is delivered directly from the manufacturer to the consumer via a common carrier. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the common carrier specifies at least one of a weight, a shape, and a content of packages associated with the engine driven recreational device. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17  further comprising breaking down the engine driven recreational device into a power system and a frame system. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising requiring the consumer to independently acquire consumable materials associated with operation of the engine driven recreational device. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the engine driven recreation device is one of a four-wheeler, a personal watercraft, and a two-wheeled product. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the personal watercraft is constructed to support a rider in a prone position.