Chapter 8: Problem Solving Section 8.1 – Introduction Engineers, by definition, need to be good at solving problems and making things Filling your toolbox with the right tools, and knowing how to use them are critical components to becoming a successful engineer

Chapter 8: Problem Solving Section 8.2 – Analytic and Creative Problem Solving 2 Most students are more comfortable with analytic problem solving---where there is one correct answer Creative Problem Solving does not have a single right answer 2

Chapter 8: Problem Solving Section 8.2 – Analytic and Creative Problem Solving 3 In a group, identify one topic related to electrical engineering that does not have one single, simple solution. List the possible solutions Give advantages and disadvantages to each proposed solution 3

Chapter 8: Problem Solving Section 8.2 – Analytic and Creative Problem Solving 4 Design Process 10 Step Process: Identify the problem Define the working criteria / goals Research and gather data Brainstorm Analyze Develop and test models Make the decision Communicate and specify Implement and commercialize Perform post-implementation review / assessment 4

Chapter 8: Problem Solving Section 8.2 – Analytic and Creative Problem Solving 5 By definition, design is open-ended and has many different solutions The design process as a whole is a creative problem-solving process Most engineering curricula involve many opportunities to develop analytical skills Most real-world problems require a combination of analytical skills and other skills to solve 5

Chapter 8: Problem Solving Section 8.2 – Analytic and Creative Problem Solving 6 A Long List of Tools/Strategies that help in Solving Problems: Look for a pattern Construct a table Consider possibilities systematically Act it out Make a model Make a figure, graph or drawing Work backwards Select appropriate notation Restate the problem in your own words Identify necessary, desired and given information Write an open-ended sentence Identify a sub-goal First solve a simpler problem Change your point of view Check for hidden assumptions Use a resource Generalize Check the solution; validate it Find another way to solve the problem Find another solution Study the solution process Discuss limitations Get a bigger hammer Sleep on it Brainstorm Involve others 6

Chapter 8: Problem Solving Section 8.3 – Analytic Problem Solving 7 Analytic Method Steps used by Engineers: Define the Problem / Make a Problem Statement Diagram and describe Apply theory and equations Simplify the assumptions Solve the necessary problems Verify accuracy to required level 7

Chapter 8: Problem Solving Section 8.3 – Analytic Problem Solving 8 Analytic Method Steps used by Engineers: Define the Problem / Make a Problem Statement Restate the problem in your own words Double-check that your impression of the problem is the one that matches the original problem 8

Chapter 8: Problem Solving Section 8.3 – Analytic Problem Solving 9 Analytic Method Steps used by Engineers: Description / Diagrams Describe the problem and list all that is known Unlike most textbook problems, real-world problems typically include more information than what is needed to do the calculations Diagrams & sketches may help in your understanding of the problem 9

Chapter 8: Problem Solving Section 8.3 – Analytic Problem Solving 10 Analytic Method Steps used by Engineers: Theory State theory and/or equations needed to solve the problem It may be useful to solve a simplified version of any equations involved 10

Chapter 8: Problem Solving Section 8.3 – Analytic Problem Solving 11 Analytic Method Steps used by Engineers: Simplifying Assumptions Exact solutions may be costly and/or impractical Simplifying assumptions can make the problem easier to solve, yet still retain accuracy A “conservative” assumption is one the introduces errors on the safe side 11

Chapter 8: Problem Solving Section 8.3 – Analytic Problem Solving 12 Analytic Method Steps used by Engineers: Problem Solution Calculations may be done by hand or by computer When using computer simulations, develop a way to document what you have done in deriving the solution. 12

Chapter 8: Problem Solving Section 8.3 – Analytic Problem Solving 13 Analytic Method Steps used by Engineers: Accuracy Verification It is important that the solution an engineer develops is accurate Within engineering, degree of accuracy is a variable to consider and analyze constantly 13

Chapter 8: Problem Solving Section 8.3 – Analytic Problem Solving 14 Analytic Method Steps used by Engineers: Accuracy Verification: Estimation Estimation is a skill typically developed only after years of working as an engineer Estimation can provide bounds for potential answers: “Am I in the ballpark?” Estimation can be used to help decide if a detailed analysis is needed 14

Chapter 8: Problem Solving Section 8.4 – Creative Problem Solving 15 Many engineering problems are open- ended and complex These types of problems require creative problem solving 15

Chapter 8: Problem Solving Section 8.4 – Creative Problem Solving 16 The creative problem solving method should focus on answering the following 5 questions: What is wrong? What do we know? What is the real problem? What is the best solution? How do we implement the solution? 16

Chapter 8: Problem Solving Section 8.4 – Creative Problem Solving 17 Divergence vs. Convergence: Divergent Process: Start at one point and reach for as many ideas as possible Convergent Process: Use analytical and evaluative tools to narrow the possibilities to the ones most likely to yield results 17

Chapter 8: Problem Solving Section 8.6 – Brainstorming Strategies 18 Brainstorming: a technique used to stimulate as many innovative solutions as possible Goal in Brainstorming: to stimulate your mind to trigger concepts or ideas that normal problem solving might miss Brainstorming goal is always to generate as many potential solutions as possible without judging any of them 18

Chapter 8: Problem Solving Section 8.7 – Critical Thinking 19 Many of life’s issues are complex and have no single solution Engineers need to keep a critical eye on the context and direction of his/her work Creating opportunities to gain perspective is as important as the problem solving methods described in this chapter Periodically take a step back and ask Why? or What? 19