1B2 Engineering Design Flashcards
Describe how engineering design defines problems, identifies critterias and constraints, and optimizes solutions.
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.
Fill in the blank:
________ is the step where engineers gather existing knowledge and insights.
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 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
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.
List two examples of trade-offs in engineering design.
- Sacrificing cost for durability
- Prioritizing speed over complexity
Trade-offs balance competing constraints to achieve optimal solutions.
Define:
optimization
It is the systematic modification of a design to improve its:
- Performance
- Efficiency
- Reliability
This often includes making modifications based on testing and feedback.
How is systematic modification used to refine a design?
By making deliberate changes to a design based on test results and analysis to enhance functionality.
This ensures continuous improvement in meeting the problem’s requirements.
Define:
reverse engineering
The process of analyzing an existing product to understand its design.
This technique can inspire new designs or improvements.
What is a design matrix?
A tool used to compare and rank potential solutions based on set criteria.
It helps objectively determine the best option among alternatives.
What is the role of systems thinking in engineering design?
It considers the interconnections and interactions ensuring holistic solutions that address all relevant factors.
How does feedback improve the design process?
It provides critical insights to refine and enhance the solution.
Feedback from users or stakeholders ensures the design meets real-world needs.
List three purposes of using data in the engineering design.
- To inform decisions
- Validate prototypes
- Evaluate performance
Data-driven designs are grounded in evidence and accuracy.
What is human-centered design?
A design approach focused on meeting the needs and preferences of users.
This approach emphasizes empathy and user feedback throughout the process.
What is the role of communication in engineering design?
Clear communication ensures collaborative problem-solving.
It involves sharing ideas, results, and solutions with stakeholders.
How is collaboration integral to the design process?
It combines diverse expertise to enhance problem-solving and innovation.
Collaborative efforts often result in more robust and creative solutions.
True of False:
Ethics influences the engineering design process.
True
It ensures solutions prioritize safety, fairness, and social responsibility.
Ethical designs prevent harm and promote trust in engineering practices.
Name an example of a sustainable engineering design.
Using renewable materials in construction.
Sustainable designs reduce environmental impact and promote long-term resource efficiency.
Define:
implementation
To produce and deploy the final product or system.
Implementation is the culmination of the design process.
