Engineer Design Process

Thinking like an Engineer …

Scientist vs. Engineer

“Scientists discover the world that exists; engineers create the world that never was."

~Theodore Von Karman (aerospace engineer)

Design Criteria – a principle or a standard by which something is judged; a RUBRIC with which a product can be graded on

Factors engineers consider when determining a product’s design criteria include:

Customer – (Who is the product intended for?)

Aesthetics – (What will make the product appealing?)

Function – (What functions must this product be able to perform?)

Environment – (Is the manufacturing of this product eco-friendly?)

Quality – (How will I ensure a high-quality product?)

Useability – (How easy is it to use the product? Will a user guide be needed?)

Safety – (How will you make sure the product is safe to use?)

http://www.digitaldandt.org/index.php/electronics/design-develop-manufacture/exploring?start=6

Design Constraints – rules/restrictions of design that cannot be broken

Factors engineers consider when determining a product’s design constraints:

Economic Concerns – (e.g. cost of materials)

Environmental Concerns – (e.g. pollution)

Sustainability Concerns – (e.g. availability of raw materials)

Legal Concerns – (e.g. patents)

Health & Safety Concerns – (e.g. radioactive waste)

http://engineering.missouri.edu/mae/files/realistic_constraints.pdf

Constraint vs. Criteria

Criteria are GOALS which must be met in order to satisfy a challenge

Constraints are factors that LIMIT how you can solve a problem

Criteria are what you should do,

constraints are what you cannot do

More Engineering Terminology … Brainstorming – an individual/group creativity technique

where people focus on finding solutions to a specific problem by gathering a list of ideas from all group members

Prototype – an early sample or model of a product built to test an idea/design OR to serve as something to be copied or learned from

Tradeoff (Trade-off) - losing one feature of a product in order to gain another feature; (getting an upside for a downside)

Troubleshoot – a systematic approach to problem solving used fix failed products/processes by identifying the source of the problem

Hazardous Air Quality Forces Beijing Residents Indoors (ABC News)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mobU0j331DY

Some Technical Definitions

(Particulate) Air Filter - a device composed of stringy materials which removes solid particulates such as dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria from the air

Atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM) - tiny pieces of solid or liquid matter suspended in the Earth's atmosphere

Micrometer (Micron) – metric unit which is equal to 1×10−6 of a meter or 0.001 mm; expressed as µm

Measurements in micrometers

MERV Min. particle size Typical controlled contaminant [2] Typical Application [2]

17–20[3] < 0.3 μm Virus, carbon dust, sea salt, smoke

Electronics & pharmaceutical

manufacturing cleanroom

13–16 0.3–1.0 μm

Bacteria, droplet nuclei (sneeze), cooking oil,

most smoke and insecticide dust, most

face powder, most paint pigments

hospital & general surgery

9–12 1.0–3.0 μm

Legionella, Humidifier dust, Lead dust, Milled

flour, Auto emission particulates, Nebulizer

droplets

Superior residential, better commercial, hospital

laboratories

5–8[4] 3.0–10.0 μm

Mold, spores, dust mite debris, cat and dog dander, hair spray,

fabric protector, dusting aids, pudding mix

Better residential, general commercial, industrial

workspaces

1–4 > 10.0 μm

Pollen, dust mites, cockroach debris,

sanding dust, spray paint dust, textile fibers,

carpet fibers

Residential window AC units

“Cleaning the Air” Indoor Air Filter Design Challenge

Challenge: Design an air filter that filters out the most particulate matter without blocking the air flow

(Challenge Accepted! )

Air Filter Design Criteria & ConstraintsCriteria:

1. Filter cannot block more than 50% of the air flow

2. Filter must be designed to fit into the testing apparatus

3. Must test filter (at least) once

Constraints:

4. Can only use materials provided by teacher

5. Budget of $3.00

Air Filter Testing Apparatus

1. Aerospace Engineering - Aerospace engineers design, analyze, model, simulate, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and rockets. Aerospace technology also extends to many other applications of objects moving within gases or liquids. Examples are golf balls, high-speed trains, hydrofoil ships, or tall buildings in the wind. Aerospace engineers are typically specialists in fields with fancy names such as aerodynamics, propulsion, navigation, flight testing, and more.

2. Acoustical Engineering - Application of acoustics (the science of sound and vibration) in technology. Acoustical engineers are typically concerned with the design, analysis and control of sound. Projects they can work on include improving noise control, developing medical ultrasound equipment, programming digital sound synthesizers, and enhancing building acoustics & sound systems.

http://www.engr.utexas.edu/wep/Precollege/Whats_engineering/engineering_disciplines.htmr

3. Biomedical Engineering - This is an interdisciplinary field combining mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering to study the human body. Biomedical Engineers study biology and medicine to develop technologies related to health care. They develop medical diagnostic machines, medical instruments, artificial organs, joint replacement parts, and prosthetic devices.

4. Chemical Engineering - Chemical Engineers use their knowledge of physics, chemistry, and biology to discover and manufacture better plastics, paints, fuels, fibers, medicines, fertilizers, semiconductors, paper, and all other kinds of chemicals, by carrying out chemical reactions and purifications.

5. Civil Engineering - The design and construction of buildings, dams, water treatment and carrying systems, air pollution controls, and transportation systems are the responsibilities of civil engineers.  Subcategories of civil engineering include: structural, geotechnical, environmental, transportation, materials, and project management.

http://www.engr.utexas.edu/wep/Precollege/Whats_engineering/engineering_disciplines.htmr

6. Construction Engineering – A field which deals with the designing, planning, construction, and management of infrastructures such as highways, bridges, airports, railroads, buildings, dams, and utilities. Construction Engineers are unique because that they are a cross between civil engineers and construction managers.

7. Computer Engineering - Computer engineers are involved in the development of both hardware and software for computers. They work on computer-related systems like CD-ROMs, modems and monitors, as well as cutting-edge projects including robotics and virtual reality systems.

8. Environmental Engineering - Keeping the water, air and soil healthy are the responsibilities of environmental engineers. To accomplish this goal they deal with issues including waste management, pollution control and irrigation. 9. Electrical Engineering - Electrical engineering deals with electricity, magnetism, and light and how it is used. Electrical engineers work for many different kinds of companies including the computer, communications, and automotive industries.

http://www.engr.utexas.edu/wep/Precollege/Whats_engineering/engineering_disciplines.htmr

10. Mechanical Engineering - Engineers within this discipline tend to focus on one of three aspects of mechanical engineering: design, manufacturing, or energy/power. Cars, airplanes and toys are just a few of the areas in which mechanical engineers work. 

Taken from:  www.discoverengineering.org

11. Nuclear Engineering - Nuclear engineers design, implement and maintain systems relating to nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. This can range from the construction of a nuclear power plant to researching medical applications of nuclear technology. A nuclear engineer will be involved at every step of the nuclear process, from fission or fusion to the disposal of nuclear waste products. The work of nuclear engineers takes the theoretical research of nuclear physicists and helps to provide practical uses for the public.

http://www.carbodydesign.com/2012/03/the-design-process-at-the-bmw-group/

Components of an Air Filter

Electrostatic Precipitator

The customized filter is just 1 part of the MinusA2's robust 6-stage air filtration system. Other components include:

Washable Pre-Filter - Traps large dust particles, pet hair, and other allergens. This filter is washable to help save you money on replacement filter costs.

Medium Filter - Traps particles larger than 1 micron, including mold spores, pollen, and pet dander. This filter also helps extend the life of the HEPA filter.

BioGS HEPA Filter - A standard in allergen control, the BioGS true HEPA filter removes 99.97% of allergen particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Activated Carbon Filter - This charcoal-based activated carbon filter absorbs common household odors, VOCs, and chemicals.

Negative Ion Generator - The negative ion generator produces millions of healthy negative ions to improve the air you breathe and freshen your indoor environment. This feature can be turned on and off.