2 - Engineering Design and Innovation

Question 1

Define:

engineering design

Answer 1

A process to solve problems by refining solutions.

Engineering design involves identifying problems, setting criteria and constraints, and testing solutions to address real-world needs.

Question 2

Explain:

How are science, engineering, and technology interdependent?

Answer 2

Science informs, engineering builds, technology advances.

This relationship drives innovation and addresses societal challenges through collaborative advancements.

Question 3

True or False:

Engineering design always leads to perfect solutions.

Answer 3

False

Engineering design focuses on optimizing solutions within constraints, but real-world limitations often prevent perfection.

Question 4

Fill in the blank:

Engineering design begins with defining and ________ the problem.

Answer 4

understanding

Clearly defining the problem is crucial to developing effective, realistic solutions in engineering design.

Question 5

Identify:

What is a limitation or restriction in engineering design called?

Answer 5

constraint

Constraints define the boundaries of a design, such as cost, materials, time, and environmental impact, ensuring solutions are realistic and achievable.

Question 6

Explain:

What role do criteria and constraints play in engineering design?

Answer 6

• Criteria focus on what the solution must achieve.
• Constraints address limitations like cost, materials, and ethics.

Question 7

Explain:

What are 2 important aspects of successful engineering design?

Answer 7

1. Creativity: generates innovative ideas.
2. Practicality: ensures those ideas can be implemented within real-world constraints.

Question 8

Describe:

What does defining a problem involve in engineering design?

Answer 8

Identifying the need, criteria, and constraints for success.

Defining the problem is the first step in engineering design, requiring a clear understanding of the problem, the desired outcome (criteria), and any limitations (constraints).

Question 9

Identify:

What constraints come from resources like budget, time, and materials?

Answer 9

practical limitations

Practical limitations are essential to consider during engineering design to ensure feasibility and efficiency.

Question 10

Explain:

Why is it important to identify constraints early in the design process?

Answer 10

To ensure solutions are realistic and achievable.

Identifying constraints early prevents wasted time and resources by focusing efforts on feasible solutions.

Question 11

Describe:

What is the role of prototyping in the design process?

Answer 11

To test and refine ideas.

Prototyping helps identify flaws and improve designs before full-scale implementation.

Question 12

Define:

trade-offs

Answer 12

Involve comparing the pros and cons of different options to select the most viable solution.

Question 13

Explain:

How does science contribute to engineering design?

Answer 13

By providing knowledge of natural principles and phenomena.

Engineers apply scientific principles to create solutions that address real-world problems.

Question 14

Explain:

What is the purpose of feedback in the design process?

Answer 14

To improve and optimize the design.

Feedback from testing or stakeholders helps refine solutions and address weaknesses.

Question 15

Describe:

How does failure influence engineering design?

Answer 15

It provides valuable insights for improvement.

Failures reveal weaknesses in designs, guiding engineers to refine solutions and achieve better results.

Question 16

Explain:

Why is it important to evaluate solutions in engineering?

Answer 16

To meet criteria, constraints, and ethical standards.

Evaluation helps refine designs and verify their effectiveness before implementation.

Question 17

Define:

ethical considerations

Engineering design process

Answer 17

• Moral principles and values that guide the entire design process.
• They ensure that the resulting product or system is not only functional and efficient but also safe, sustainable, and beneficial to society.

Example: Prioritizing user safety means designing products and systems that minimize risks of injury or harm to users, operators, and the public.

Question 18

Define:

What does optimizing a design mean in engineering?

Answer 18

Improving a design to better meet criteria and constraints.

Optimization involves refining the design through testing and adjustments to maximize performance and efficiency.

Question 19

Define:

systematic modification

Answer 19

Making planned changes to improve the design.

Systematic modification uses feedback and testing data to guide adjustments.

Adjusting a car’s engine performance based on fuel efficiency test results is an example of systematic modification.

Question 20

Identify:

What are two aspects that optimization focuses on improving?

Answer 20

1. Performance
2. Efficiency

Performance measures how well the design meets its purpose, while efficiency minimizes resource usage.

Question 21

True or False:

Optimization is only necessary for large-scale engineering projects.

Answer 21

False

Optimization is critical for projects of all sizes to ensure effective and resource-efficient solutions.

Question 22

Explain:

What is the importance of scalability in engineering design?

Answer 22

To ensure solutions can be adapted for larger or smaller applications.

Scalability allows designs to meet the needs of different users or settings efficiently.

Question 23

Explain:

Why is testing important in the optimization process?

Answer 23

To identify weaknesses and areas for improvement.

Testing provides data to refine the design and ensure it meets criteria and constraints.

Question 24

Describe:

How does iteration improve design optimization?

Answer 24

By allowing repeated testing and refinement.

Iteration ensures the design becomes more effective with each cycle of improvement.

Question 25

# Explain: How do **technological advances** contribute to scientific discoveries?

Answer 25

By providing **tools** and **methods** for research. ## Footnote **Innovations** like telescopes and particle accelerators have enabled major scientific breakthroughs.

Question 26

# Identify: What **invention** enabled the discovery of **microorganisms**?

Answer 26

microscope ## Footnote The **microscope** allowed scientists to observe organisms invisible to the naked eye, revolutionizing biology.

Question 27

# Describe: What role did the **telescope** play in scientific discovery?

Answer 27

It enabled breakthroughs in **astronomy** by observing celestial bodies. ## Footnote The telescope enabled *discoveries* like the moons of Jupiter and the structure of the Milky Way.

Question 28

# Explain: How does science drive technology?

Answer 28

By **enabling** **new tools** and applications. ## Footnote *Scientific principles*, like electromagnetism, enable the creation of technologies such as electric motors and wireless communication.

Question 29

# Explain: How do **patents** benefit technological advancement?

Answer 29

By protecting inventions and encouraging innovation. ## Footnote Patents give **inventors** exclusive rights, motivating the creation of novel technologies while ensuring fair use.

Question 30

# Explain: How does technology **accelerate** scientific progress?

Answer 30

By **improving** data collection, analysis, and experimentation. ## Footnote Technologies like automated DNA sequencers enable faster and more accurate scientific research.

Question 31

# Fill in the blank: What **revolutionized** **communication** and information sharing in science?

Answer 31

internet ## Footnote The **internet** allows scientists to collaborate *globally*, accelerating discoveries and innovations.

Question 32

# Explain: How does **renewable energy technology** benefit from scientific research?

Answer 32

By applying **discoveries** in materials and energy efficiency. ## Footnote *Innovations* like photovoltaic cells and wind turbines rely on advancements in material science and aerodynamics.

Question 33

# True or False: Renewable energy designs **ignore** ethics and the environment.

Answer 33

False ## Footnote *Renewable energy* designs must address ethical and environmental concerns to ensure sustainability and fairness.

Question 34

# Describe: What is an **example** of science leading to a technological breakthrough?

Answer 34

The discovery of **semiconductors** enabled the development of computers. ## Footnote Understanding *semiconductors* allowed engineers to create transistors and microchips, revolutionizing technology.

Question 35

# True or False: Technologies like **GPS** rely on principles of physics, such as relativity.

Answer 35

True ## Footnote GPS systems account for *time dilation*, a prediction of Einstein’s theory of relativity, to provide accurate positioning.

Question 36

# Explain: How does **AI** advance science and technology?

Answer 36

By enabling data analysis and **automating** complex tasks. ## Footnote AI systems process large datasets quickly, aiding in research areas like genetics, climate modeling, and robotics.