The Engineering Design Process – Review 1. Define the problem (“Ask”) 2. Gather pertinent information (“Understand”) 3. Generate multiple solutions (“Imagine”) 4. Analyze and select a solution (“Plan”) 5. Test and implement the solution (“Create”) 6. Communicate results and refine the solution (“Improve”)

Define the Problem Need a clear & unambiguous definition of the problem. “Ask” the question – what is it that I am trying to accomplish? Design-problem definitions might require many refinements as you develop understanding of the situation.

Is There a Need? What does a “need” look like? Marketplace need for new/improved product Citizens’ need for more water or electricity BUT – be sure this is the “real” need! Don’t try to solve the problem before you know what the problem is!

Problem Statement Strategies Go beyond attacking the current solution Yes, you might improve the current solution, but you might also miss opportunities for innovative and creative solutions

SEE NOTES BELOW Scenario A company that manufactures automobile airbags has a problem with an unacceptably high rate of failure in the inflation of the bag. During testing, 10% of the bags do not fully inflate. The company assigns an engineer to redesign the inflation mechanism. SEE NOTES BELOW NOTE: Discuss with class and see if they can find the flaw in this approach. The flaw is that the assumption was made that the inflation mechanism was to blame. The problem with the airbag system was not the inflation mechanism, but rather that the bag was folded inconsistently due in part to being hand-folded. A machine was designed to improve folding consistency and solved the problem.

A Classic Problem “Design a Better Mousetrap” Is this a good problem statement? Why or why not?... While it establishes a vague dissatisfaction with existing mousetraps and suggests a need for something better… …it is not clear and unambiguous, nor does it establish criteria for success

Better Mousetrap Suppose we believe that mousetraps need improvement because they don’t provide protection from disease carried by mice “Design a mousetrap that allows for the sanitary disposal of the trapped mouse, minimizing human exposure to disease.” Much clearer and specific, and establishes at least one major criterion (“sanitary disposal”)

Establish Criteria Criteria provide direction toward the solution They provide a way to measure success later (“test and implement”) Criteria are often added, changed, or discarded during the engineering process Criteria should be prioritized to maintain flexibility and avoid conflict.

A Better Mousetrap Problem Statement: “Design a mousetrap that allows for the sanitary disposal of the trapped mouse, minimizing human exposure to disease.” · The design must be low cost. · The design should be safe, particularly with small children. · The design should not be detrimental to the environment. · The design should be aesthetically pleasing. · The design should be simple to operate, with minimum human effort. · The design must be disposable (you don't reuse the trap). · The design should not cause undue pain and suffering for the mouse. Are these criteria prioritized well?

Define the Problem (“Ask”) Write a clear and unambiguous statement defining the problem Don’t use the problem statement to propose the solution Establish (and prioritize) criteria that will determine the success of the solution Revise statement and criteria as needed

Activity Redesign the game rock, paper and scissors. What is your focus for the new design? What is the purpose? Write a Problem Statement

Please Share Your Engineering Discipline Reports With Your Group Use Engineering Career Investigation Summary worksheet to summarize the information collected by the others in your group. Discuss with your group the similarities and differences you found between the four disciplines. Keep the Summary Worksheet, place Report in homework bin before leaving.

EXIT QUIZ 15-Jul-19 What are the two steps of Defining the Problem? Please put your Exit Quiz in the Homework bin before leaving. Have a good day!

PLEASE TURN IN BELLWORK TODAY! HOMEWORK 15-Jul-19 Write a thoughtful problem statement for the situation of your choice. Specify criteria that the solution should meet. Is this a design or analysis problem? (Due Tuesday 07 SEP 10) You will continue to solve the problem you choose, as we study the design process further over the next two weeks. Select a problem that is interesting to you, but simple enough that you can adequately develop each step before each class period. You will turn in your “project” for a grade after Step 6. Some ideas are on the next slide, or you can choose your own. BELLWORK 15-Jul-19 Which is easier: design or analysis? Why? PLEASE TURN IN BELLWORK TODAY!

Some ideas… or choose your own! Devise a way to ensure that cars drive at a safe speed in your neighborhood. Design an attraction for a theme park. Develop a device to aid in the prevention of crime. Redesign something in the school to make it more accessible to the handicapped. How could you prevent small children from drowning in swimming pools?