Problem Solving Engineering Technology Mr. Austin

Objectives Understand different approaches to Problem Solving Identify different characteristics of Problem Solving Enhance vocabulary by using engineering language

How we learned Draw a picture Math Problems “Work Backward” make the end product first then go back and draw it up and forge the design work Guess and Check No effort—just write down a guess and then check the back of the book for congruency

Types of Problem Solving Analytical Problem Solving Creative Problem Solving

Analytical Problem Solving The “Scientific Method” Define the problem Gather the facts Develop a hypothesis Perform a test Evaluate the results

Downfall of the Scientific Method The process ends when an acceptable understanding of the studied phenomenon is achieved Once the first solution is found the search is over

Engineering Approach to… The “Scientific Method” Define the problem and make a problem statement Diagram and describe Apply theory and equations Simplify the assumptions Solve the necessary problems Verify accuracy to required level

Problem Statement Restate the problem in your own words This ensures that you are solving the correct problem Check your impression to see if it matches the original problem

Description Describe the problem and all that is known List the information given and what needs to be found This will help you see if you need to find more information than just the solution

Theory State the theory or equations needed to solve the problem Examples are constants and variables like gravity and density

Simplifying The Assumptions Makes problem solving easier and still provide an accurate answer You could go through each scenario or assume the worst and design to that Swing set example through age groups

Problem Solution Perform calculations to solve the problem Put all of the information together to come up with the best solution

Accuracy Verification Estimate the answer Simplify the problem and solve Compare with similar problems and previous work Ask questions Compare to research Compare to personal experience Repeat calculations Run a simulation Redo calculation backwards

Estimation Provides quick answers to complex problems Can be used to check an analysis Becomes better with more experience

Creative Problem Solving What is wrong What do we know What is the real problem What is the best solution How do we implement the solution

What’s wrong Defining the issue Identify if the problem is worth solving Identify if there is a problem Restate problem

What do we know Gather all the facts Do not evaluate whether the information is central to the problem List all facts known Get help from someone with a different point of view

What Is The Real Problem Most overlooked step in the solution process Identify why the problem exists Don’t address the symptoms of the problem but rather the root of the problem The why must be answered

What Is The Best Solution Make a list of all possible solutions Talk with group members or a non bias person about possibilities The best solution should be decided by a group after a presentation of the information

Implementing The Solution Putting the best possible solution into use Requires a good amount of resources (mostly money) To implement a solution you must be able to sell the idea

Evaluating The Solution Identify what makes an acceptable solution establish a criterion for success A neutral party should evaluate the solution to ensure a non bias report Congruent to feedback in the USM