Mechanisms

Concepts 1. Engineers and engineering technologists apply math, science, and discipline-specific skills to solve problems. 2. Engineering and engineering technology careers offer creative job opportunities for individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds and goals. 3. Technical communication can be accomplished in oral, written, and visual forms and must be organized in a clear and concise manner.

Concepts 4. Most mechanisms are composed of gears, sprockets, pulley systems, and simple machines. 5. Mechanisms are used to redirect energy within a system by manipulating force, speed, and distance. 6. Mechanical advantage ratios mathematically evaluate input work versus output work of mechanisms.

Essential Questions 1. Why is it important to begin considering career paths during high school? 2. What career opportunities are available to match your specific interests?

Essential Questions 3. What are some current applications of simple machines, gears, pulleys, and sprockets? 4. What are some strategies that can be used to make everyday mechanisms more efficient? 5. What are the trade-offs of mechanical advantage related to design? 6. Why must efficiency be calculated and understood during the design process?

Performance Objectives · Differentiate between engineering and engineering technology. · Conduct a professional interview and reflect on it in writing. · Identify and differentiate among different engineering disciplines.

Performance Objectives · Measure forces and distances related to mechanisms. · Distinguish between the six simple machines, their attributes, and components. · Calculate mechanical advantage and drive ratios of mechanisms. · Design, create, and test gear, pulley, and sprocket systems.

Performance Objectives Calculate work and power in mechanical systems. · Determine efficiency in a mechanical system. · Design, create, test, and evaluate a compound machine design.

The Engineering Notebook

What is an Engineering Notebook? An engineering notebook is a book in which an engineer will formally document, in chronological order, all of his or her work that is associated with a specific design project. Each engineer maintains an engineering notebook. All necessary project work is recorded by hand.

An Engineering Notebook Records Written ideas Sketches (preferably annotated) Work session summaries Research findings Interview information: who was contacted, when, and what was discussed or learned

Engineering research and development organizations usually require their engineers to keep a running record of their activities. An engineering notebook is recognized as a legal document that is used in patent activities to Prove the origin of an idea that led to a solution Prove diligence in turning the idea into a solution Prove when an idea became a working solution (“reduced to practice”) Why Keep An Engineering Notebook?

Organizations must also deal with the fact that priorities change, and people come and go. The engineering notebook provides continuity when A project is put on hold for weeks, months, or years. A project member resigns or is assigned to another project. A project member dies. Why Keep An Engineering Notebook?

Bound quadrille-lined (grid) pages Individually labeled page numbers Location for designer’s signature and date Location for witness signature and date Locations for identifying contents as continued from and to another page Statement of the proprietary nature of the notebook Standard Page Layout

Engineering Notebook Standards 2. Bind notebooks. Cannot add pages Cannot remove pages without disrupting the binding 3. Do not remove pages from the engineering notebook for any reason. 1. Sequentially number pages in ink on the top outside edge of the page. accessed 3/1/06

accessed 3/2/06 4. Store the notebook in a safe location. 5. When the notebook is full, begin a new notebook and archive the old one. 6. Clearly label all figures and calculations. Engineering Notebook Standards

accessed 3/1/ accessed 3/1/06 7. Begin entries at the start of the page. Work left-to- right and top-to-bottom. 8. Do not use markers that will bleed through the paper. 9. Permanently attach inserted items (glue is preferred). Loose leaf items do not belong in the notebook. Engineering Notebook Standards

10. Clearly indicate the date for each entry. 11. Do not erase or remove information. Cross out, initial, and correct any mistakes. 12. Use consistent recording methods for ideas, references, test results, etc. Engineering Notebook Standards

13. Each page is signed and dated before the next page is begun. 14. A colleague or mentor should corroborate the events and facts on each page and sign off as a witness in the appropriate location. Engineering Notebook Standards