Chapter 13: Engineering DesignSection 13.1 – What is Engineering Design?

In order to create and build things, engineers must be involved in a design process

ABET definition of design:“…the process of devising a system,

component, or process to meet desired needs

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Chapter 13: Engineering DesignSection 13.2 – The Design Process

10 Stage Design Process:1. Identify the problem / product innovation2. Define the working criteria / goals3. Research and gather data4. Brainstorm / Generate creative ideas5. Analyze potential solutions6. Develop and test models7. Make the decision8. Communicate and specify9. Implement and commercialize10. Perform post-implementation review /

assessment

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It is critical to establish the actual problem clearly

Less likely to be an issue in an academic setting, where the professor provides structure

In industry settings, very important to clarify what the problem is before attempting to solve it

Chapter 13: Engineering DesignSection 13.2 – The Design Process

Stage 1: Identify the problem / product innovation

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Chapter 13: Engineering DesignSection 13.2 – The Design Process

Stage 2: Define the working criteria / goals

Examples of working criteria include:1. How much will it cost?2. Will it be difficult to produce?3. What will be the size, weight, strength?4. What will it look like?5. Will it be easy to use?6. Will it be safe to use?7. Are there any legal concerns?8. Will it be reliable and durable? And

more

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Chapter 13: Engineering DesignSection 13.2 – The Design Process

Stage 3: Research and Gather DataHaving good, reliable background

information is necessary for the team to begin exploring all relevant aspects of the problem

Team members must determine

• What types of information will be needed

• The best sources of that information

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Chapter 13: Engineering DesignSection 13.2 – The Design Process

Stage 3: Research and Gather DataExamples of research/data gathering

include:1. What information has been published about

the problem?2. Is there a solution to the problem that may

already be available?3. If there is an available solution, who is

providing it?4. What are the advantages / disadvantages of

their solution? 5. What is the cost? Is cost a significant issue?6. What is the ratio of time spent compared to

overall costs?

And more

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Brainstorming: to creatively develop as many potential solutions to a problem as possible

Every idea that is spontaneously contributed from the group is recordedNo preliminary judgments are made about any member’s idea, no matter wild that idea may beGoal: to develop a long list of possible alternative solutions to the problem at hand.

Chapter 13: Engineering DesignSection 13.2 – The Design Process

Stage 4: Brainstorm / generate creative ideas

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Once brainstorming ideas have been narrowed, further narrowing to a few ideas can be accomplished by:

Examining the list and eliminating duplicatesAllow the group to ask clarifying questionsAsk the group to evaluate the ideas.

Chapter 13: Engineering DesignSection 13.2 – The Design Process

Stage 5: Analyze Potential Solutions8

Forms of analyzing potential solutions include:

Common SenseEconomic AnalysisAnalysis using basic engineering principles and lawsEstimationAnalysis of compatibilityComputer Analysis techniquesConservative Assumptions

Chapter 13: Engineering DesignSection 13.2 – The Design Process

Stage 5: Analyze Potential Solutions9

Brainstorming and further Analysis have narrowed options to just a few. The remaining options will now be developed and tested.

Models used by engineers to develop and test include:Mathematical modelsComputer modelsScale modelsDiagrams or graphs

Chapter 13: Engineering DesignSection 13.2 – The Design Process

Stage 6: Develop and Test Models10

Testing Prototypes will help determine:DurabilityEase of assemblyReliabilityStrengthEnvironmentalQuality consistencySafetyConsistency of testing

Chapter 13: Engineering DesignSection 13.2 – The Design Process

Stage 6: Develop and Test Models11

Team members must establish a means to compare and evaluate the results from the testing stage

Common Method Used to Make the Decision:Decision Table Helps members to visualize the merits of each option)Decision Table Columns include (a) Working Criteria, (b) Weighted Point Totals, (c) Individual Point Totals

Chapter 13: Engineering DesignSection 13.2 – The Design Process

Stage 7: Make the Decision12

Before manufacture of a part/ product/ structure, there must be thorough communication, reporting and specification of all aspects of that item

Types of communication include:

Chapter 13: Engineering DesignSection 13.2 – The Design Process

Stage 8: Communicate and Specify13

• Written Reports• Summaries of

technical presentations

• Diagrams

• Drawings / Sketches

• Computer Printouts

• Charts• Graphs

Next-to-last stage of the design processFinal Opportunity for revision (or termination) of projectProject manager, team leaders and the following key individuals are involved in this step:Management / Key Supervisory PersonnelTechnical RepresentativesBusiness RepresentativesAttorneys / Legal Support Staff

Chapter 13: Engineering DesignSection 13.2 – The Design Process

Stage 9: Implement and Commercialize

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At this stage, project is assumed to be in full production

This stage involves the termination of the design project team (since the product is now part of the company’s overall product line).

Product’s performance is reviewed, an assessment report is prepared, and future suggestions provided

Chapter 13: Engineering DesignSection 13.2 – The Design Process

Stage 10: Perform Post-Implementation Review and Assessment

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