Engineering Design Introduction to Mechanical Engineering The University of Texas-Pan American College of Science and Engineering

Objectives Define Engineering Design. Define and explain the Engineering Design Process. Assignment: Prepare a Gantt Chart for your Final Design Project (Project Timeline). [ See Example Report posted in my website ]

What is Engineering Design? To create, fashion, execute, or construct according to plan. It defines a natural process as “a natural phenomenon marked by gradual changes that lead toward a particular result: a series of actions or operations conducing to an end…

What is Engineering Design? The ABET Definition: It is the process of devising a system, component, or process to meet desired needs. It is a decision-making process in which the basic sciences and mathematics and engineering sciences are applied to convert resources optimally to meet a stated objective.

What is Engineering Design? The ABET Definition (cont): Among the fundamental elements of the design process are the establishment of objectives and criteria, synthesis, analysis, construction, testing and evaluation. It is essential to include a variety of realistic constraints, such as economic factors, safety, reliability, aesthetics, ethics, and social impact.

Ten-Stage Design Identify the problem/product innovation. Define the working criteria/goals. Research and gather data. Brainstorm/generate creative ideas. Analyze potential solutions. Develop and test models. Make the decision. Communicate and specify. Implement and commercialize. Perform post-implementation review.

Stage 1: Identify the Problem Establish the actual problem clearly, and identify sources of information to help understand the scope and nature of the problem. Statement of the problem.

Stage 2: Define the Working Criteria and Goals How much will it cost? Will it be difficult to produce? What will be the size, weight, and strength? What will it look like? Will it be easy to use? Are there any legal concerns? Will it be reliable and durable? Can it be recycled? Is this what the costumer really wants? Will our customers want to purchase it?

Stage 3: Research and Gather Data What information has been published about the problem? Is there a solution to the problem that may already be available? What is the ratio of time spent compared to overall costs?

Stage 3: Research and Gather Data Libraries. Professional associations. Trade journals and publications. Newspapers and magazines. Market assessment surveys. Government publications. Patent searches. Competitor’s product.

Stage 4: Brainstorm/Generate Creative Ideas Try to include engineers, scientists, technicians, shop workers, production staff, finance personnel, managers, computer specialists, and a few clients.

Stage 5: Analyze Potential Solutions Common sense. Economic analysis. Analysis using basic engineering principles. Estimation. Analysis of compatibility. Computer analysis techniques.

Stage 6: Develop and Test Models Mathematical models. Computer models. Scale models. Diagrams or graphs.

Stage 6: Develop and Test Models Durability. Ease of assembly. Reliability. Strength. Environmental. Quality consistency. Safety. Consistency of testing.

Stage 7: Make the Decision Establish a means to compare and evaluate results from the testing stage to determine which, if any, of the possible solutions will be implemented.

Stage 8: Communicate and Specify Before a part, product, or structure can be manufactured, there must be complete and thorough communication, reporting, and specification for all aspects of the item.

Stage 9: Implement and Commercialize Management and key supervisory personnel. Technical representatives Human resources, financial, purchasing, marketing, and sales personnel. Attorney and legal support staff.

Stage 10: Perform Post-Implementation Review and Assessment Review data on production efficiency, quality control reports, sales, revenues, costs, expenditures, and profits. Detail product’s strengths and weaknesses. Suggest improvements.

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Quiz - Order the steps… Perform post-implementation review Define the working criteria/goals Brainstorm/generate creative ideas Develop and test models Make the decision Communicate and specify Analyze potential solutions Identify the problem/product innovation Implement and commercialize Research and gather data