1A2 Engineering Design Flashcards
Describe how engineering design defines problems, identifies criteria and constraints, and optimizes solutions. (39 cards)
Define:
engineering design
A set of structured steps engineers use when developing a product.
This iterative process combines creativity and technical knowledge to develop effective solutions.
What is the primary goal of the engineering design process?
To develop practical, efficient, and innovative solutions to real-world problems.
Each step contributes to refining and validating the final solution.
List the steps in the engineering design process.
- Define the problem
- Research
- Brainstorming
- Determine the best solution
- Prototyping
- Testing
- Iteration
- Implementation
Each step contributes to refining and validating the final solution.
Why is defining the problem the first step in engineering design?
It is important to understand the challenge and identify criteria for success and constraints.
Proper problem definition ensures that efforts are focused and solutions are practical.
Define:
success criteria
Measurable objectives or standards that a solution must meet to be considered effective.
Examples:
- Durability
- Efficiency
- Cost-effectiveness
Define:
constraints
Limitations that state what can and cannot be included in the design.
Examples:
- Budget
- Time
- Resources
How do engineers identify a problem?
- By defining the challenge
- Understanding constraints
- Gathering background information
Clear problem definition involves asking questions like:
- What needs improvement?
- What challenges do users face?
Why is identifying constraints important in engineering design?
To ensure the solution is feasible and within practical boundaries.
Constraints limit the design options and must be considered.
True or False:
All constraints in engineering design are technical.
False
Constraints can be technical, economic, environmental, or social.
For example, building a bridge must consider material strength (technical), budget (economic), local laws (social), and ecological impact (environmental).
Fill in the blank:
____ is the step where engineers gather existing knowledge.
Research
Research ensures solutions are informed by current science and technology.
What is the importance of brainstorming?
It fosters creativity and innovation in order to solve a problem.
This step includes generating a wide range of ideas to solve a problem. This step encourages diverse perspectives to explore all possibilities.
What is convergent and divergent thinking in engineering design?
- Divergent thinking: Explores multiple solutions.
- Convergent thinking: Narrows options to the best solution.
Divergent thinking fosters creativity by generating ideas, whereas convergent thinking applies logic to select the most effective solution in problem-solving.
What does it mean to determine the best solution?
Choosing the most feasible and effective idea from the brainstormed options.
Feasibility is assessed based on:
- Constraints
- Potential impact
- Available resources
List two common mistakes made in the engineering design process.
- Skipping research before brainstorming
- Ignoring user needs in design
Lack of research may lead to reinventing existing solutions, and ignoring user needs can result in ineffective products.
What are specifications in engineering design?
Technical information that define the product.
Specifications ensure that the final product aligns with client needs and complies with industry standards.
List four parameters included in product specifications.
- Size
- Dimensions
- Energy efficiency
- Durability
The parameters depend on the type of product.
Other parameters include:
- Materials standards
- Energy efficiency
- Safety standards
- Environmental considerations
List three types of models that can be built during the design process.
- Prototypes
- Mathematical models
- Computer simulations
Models help:
- Visualize concepts
- Assess feasibility
- Refine solutions
Define:
prototyping
Creating a preliminary model or sample of the chosen solution.
Prototypes help visualize and test the design before full-scale production.
What is the purpose of creating a prototype?
To reduce risks by identifying issues early in the process.
A prototype tests and refines the design.
What is testing step of engineering design?
Assessing whether the prototype meets design criteria and functions as intended.
This step ensures the solution is reliable and effective.
Why should engineers test multiple prototypes?
To get comparative data to refine the best solution.
Multiple prototypes help identify strengths and weaknesses of different designs.
Fill in the blank:
________ is the process of refining a design based on testing feedback.
Iteration
Iteration often involves multiple cycles to optimize the final product.
Define:
iterative design process
A cyclical approach where designs are repeatedly tested and improved.
It allows for continuous improvement of the solution.
What process identifies design failures and improvements in engineering?
Failure analysis
Failure analysis helps prevent future design flaws and ensures safer, more reliable solutions.