1. Chapter 2
The Process of Design

2. Design Process The 12-Step Design Process is: Define the Problem
Brainstorming
Researching and Generating Ideas
Identifying Criteria and Specifying Constraints
Exploring Possibilities
Selecting an Approach
Developing a Design Proposal
Making a Model or Prototype
Testing and Evaluating
Refining
Creating or Making
Communicating Process and Results

3. Define the Problem
At this phase of the project, the problem is identified and defined.
Discussion of problem:
Disposal and rechargeable batteries have been used to power everything from cellular phones to computers. The Hubble space telescope depends on batteries to power its electronics during night orbits.
Because the space craft has been in service for 18 years, the batteries have come to the end of their service life.
Example of solution: A new battery design that will replace existing batteries and thus extend the life of the spacecraft as well as provide more power for future instrument packages.
Information regarding the batteries used on the Hubble space telescope can be found at:

4. Brainstorming
Each team member contributes his or her unique ideas in order to generate solutions to the problem.
Nickel-cadmium batteries
Lithium ion polymer batteries

5. Researching and Generating Ideas
Used to discover prior implemented solutions to particular design problems.
Currently, the Hubble space telescope is using nickel-hydrogen batteries.
Courtesy of JupiterImages/Plainpicture

6. Identifying Criteria and Specifying Constraints
Detail what you intend to do and the imposed limitations.
The battery must:
Not exceed 460 lbs
36" x 32" x 11"
Min. of 75 amp-hours
Deliver 24 volts
Courtesy of JupiterImages/Liquidlibrary.

7. Exploring Possibilities
Exploring all possible solutions. (This phase requires attention to detail.)
Lithium ion polymer batteries varies from 2.7 volts (discharged) to 4.23 volts (fully charged).
Have to be protected from overcharge by limiting the applied voltage to no more than volts per cell used in a series combination.
Courtesy Jim B. MacDonald

8. Selecting an Approach Courtesy of JupiterImages/Workbook Stock
Perform an assessment and then choose a design path.
I don’t really think this is the right way to make an assessment.
Courtesy of JupiterImages/Workbook Stock

9. Developing a Design Proposal
Create a clear documented description of the design.
Background: During Hubble’s sunlight (or day) orbit, the solar array panels provide power to the electrical components and charge the batteries. This supplies enough power to support Hubble during its night orbit.

10. Making a Model or Prototype
With the design proposal completed, a model or prototype of the solution is constructed.
battery_story.html

11. Testing and Evaluating
The model or prototype is tested to determine how well the design meets the criteria set earlier in the project.
Courtesy of Aiolos,

12. Refining
Any problems and/or concerns indicated in the testing phase are addressed in the refining phase.
Courtesy of Workbook Stock/JupiterImages

13. Creating or Making
At this point in the process, the design is sent to production.
Courtesy of Z Corporation

14. Communicating Process and Results
At this point in the process, the final documentation is prepared.