A Weighty Matter Designing a Way to Minimize the Loss of Bone Density Experienced by Individuals Living in Low Gravity Environments

What is the Engineering Design Process? “The thoughtful development of objects that perform desired functions within given limits” (Clive Dym & Patrick Little Engineering Design) A step-by-step approach to creating products (“artifacts”) that fit specific needs There are eight steps in the design process

Steps of the Engineering Design Process Identify the need or Problem Step 2 Research the Need or Problem Step 3 Develop Possible Solution (s) Step 4 Select the Best Possible Solution(s) Step 5 Construct a Prototype Step 6 Test and Evaluate the Solution(s) Step 7 Communicate the Solution(s) Step 8 Redesign Steps of the Engineering Design Process

Step 1: Identify the Need or Problem Ask questions to determine what the client needs or wants What are the objectives of the design project? (Objectives are to be – product has to be…) What functions are important? (Functions are to do – product has to do…) What constraints may limit or restrict the design? (Constraints are parameters you have to work within)

Step 1: Identify the Need or Problem Problem- The long term effects of living where the surface gravity is much lower than the Earth’s will weakened the skeletal system due to a loss of bone density Caused by a reduction in gravitational forces exerted on the body Could possibly keep an individual from returning safely to Earth Need- Design a way to minimize the loss of bone density experienced by individuals living in low gravity environments

Step 2 : Research the Need or Problem Explore what’s already known about the problem What is osteoporosis? What happens to bone density in space? What’s currently used as a solution for this, or similar, problems? Use the internet or library to help you come up with options for solving your problem Information on bone loss in space Information on increasing bone density

Step 3: Develop Possible Solutions Brainstorm ideas with your partner(s) Based upon your research and brainstorming, come up with 2 different solutions to your design problem Use drawings to illustrate each of your possible solutions/designs Refine the possible solutions

Step 4: Select the Best Possible Solution Reevaluate your possible solutions Which solution most closely meets the established objectives? Do the functions of your design solution meet the established needs? Will your design meet the constraints? Identify the design solution that best fits your criteria

Step 5: Construct a Prototype Using the materials provided, construct a model of your selected design solution Needs to be able to model the basic functions established for the design Make sure you stay within the limits set forth by the constraints

Step 6: Test and Evaluate the Solution After testing, ask yourself the following to evaluate your solution: Is this a workable solution? Does the prototype meet the established objectives? Does it function as planned? Did it stay within the original design constraints?

Step 7: Communicate the Solution Prepare a presentation that will describe the benefits of utilizing your design How does your prototype work? What was it designed to do? Explain what makes your design the best solution

Step 8: Redesign Using information obtained from testing and feedback from your presentation, refine your design solution This is where you put it all together to improve your design