Researching Designs
Engineering Design Process Step 2 After brainstorming, engineers begin the process of sketching and researching the potential design solutions.
Sketches Drawings that can communicate the engineer’s idea to others.
Rough Sketches During or immediately following brainstorming Need further development through research and analysis A record of ideas in engineering notebook Overall shape and size of product
Rough Sketches Drawn to large or small scale Thumbnail sketches Provide a way for the engineer to communicate ideas
Rough Sketches Allow others to see the ideas and offer suggestions to improve the design Provide a concrete object to begin thoroughly researching the potential effectiveness of the design
Sketches are critical to begin formulating ideas for a design solution Sketching Process Sketches are critical to begin formulating ideas for a design solution Four basic steps:
1. Visualize the Solution Appearance – three dimensions or six different sides Functionality – the operation of the object
Combination of boxes, cylinders, cones, and pyramids 2. Block Out the Solution Block out rough shapes Combination of boxes, cylinders, cones, and pyramids
Isometric drawing methods make an object appear three dimensional Show front, top, side views
Boxes Cylinders Pyramids Cones
An outline is the basic shape of the object 3. Outline the Solution An outline is the basic shape of the object Lines drawn lightly, so they can be removed
4. Detail the Solution Details are the final component added to a sketch Details are components of a design that were not part of the main shape that was blocked using boxes, cylinders, and other shapes
Sketching details along with the following research steps should be included in the engineering notebook.
Researching Ideas Engineers look at how solutions have been solved in the past, review the mathematical and scientific principles used in a potential design, and survey potential users of the design.
Historical Research Engineers look at how they can adapt current technologies and tools to solve the problem.
Methods: Historical Research Library research Field visits Reverse engineering Discussions with other engineers and professionals who use the technology