3ds Max Modeling :: How To Model A Box Like Shape With Ripples Over Its Surface

I'm trying to model a box like shape with ripples over it's surface. The box can have rounded corners and edges. The ripples need to flow over the 6 faces of the box. I want 2 or 3 sets of ripples, originating in different places, interacting with each other.

My modelling skills in Max are not great. I generally use Inventor for modelling and Max for lighting, materials, animation and rendering. I've followed loads of tutorials on ways of doing this, but haven't quite managed it yet.

My latest attempt has been to use the patchdeform tool. What I've done is

1) modelling a plane, with many segments
2) applied the ripple modifier to the plane
3) created a box with smoothed edges/corners
4) converted the box to a patch
5) tried to patchdeform the plane to the box - get 'illegal patch' error

The above work with a sphere rather than a box. I'm not convinced this is the best way to achieve what I want.