Introduction to the Major Design Project (MDP)

University of Western Ontario

Faculty of Engineering Science

Introduction to Engineering Design, ES 1050

November 5, 2009

Problem Statement

Design an interactive display to demonstrate one green technology.

Problem Statement

The problem is NOT to design or implement a green technology. It is to demonstrate an existing technology

Problem Statement

Some areas to consider:

Who is the audience (kids, students, professionals, general public?)

Where is the display (museum, science centre, mall?)

Which technology (energy, recycling, pollution?)

Steps in MDP

Problem definition Background research (SOTA) Specifications Detailed Design Prototyping

Problem definition

Things to consider: What area will we focus on? Who is the user? What does the user need? (What are we trying to teach?) Do not define the problem to limit the solution. Consider a multi-disciplinary approach.

Constraints

Things to consider: Size (50cm x 50cm x 50cm) Weight (10kg) AC Power (max 100W, CSA approval required) Safety (no hazardous chemicals or hazardous motions) Should survive its expected working life

Budget Constraints

The budget is limited to: No more than $100 per team member cash contribution ($400 per team) One hour UMS time Maximum $200 borrowed/scavenged/donated parts Computers do not count towards budget

Project organization

The MDP is organized as follows: Work in studio teams Work during studios and in team meeting times throughout semester Design reviews (for credit) in studio Deliverables and progress reports

Phase I Report

One report per team: Similar to CV submissions Problem definition Identification of objectives and constraints Concept generation (creativity and innovation) Concept selection (using structured techniques)

Background research (SOTA)

State of the Art (SOTA) investigates: Other solutions to similar problems Emerging technologies that may help

Make sure your SOTA contains analysis, not just data.

Individual submission

Design reviews

Graded by team: Occur three times throughout project Two informal discussions One formal presentation Allow instructors to monitor milestones

Final Report

One report per team: Should report on the whole project Includes design specifications and drawings Includes modeling and experimental data Should include a user’s manual

MDP Showcase

The MDP prototypes are displayed to the University community and the public at the showcase.

Here are some photos from previous years:

MDP Showcase

The angular momentum swing

MDP Showcase

Autonomous robot

MDP Showcase

The solar powered roller coaster

MDP Showcase

The turbine display

Evaluation

You will be evaluated based on: Three design reviews SOTA Design notebook Prototype/Showcase Design reports Operating manual

Upcoming Schedule

November Lectures: Introduction to disciplines Discipline specific case studies Safety

November Studios: Background research Problem definition Concept generation

Upcoming Schedule

January/February Lectures: CAD Empirical and theoretical modeling

January/Feburary studios: Modeling Prototype design

Upcoming Schedule

March Lectures: Discipline specific case studies

March studios: Prototype construction Testing Model validation