Engineering Design steps

1)Identification of a need
2)Problem definition
3)Search
4)Constraints
5)Criteria
6)Alternative solutions
7)Analysis
8)Decision

9)Specification
10)Communication

1)Identification of a need

Before a design process begins,someone has to recognize that constructive

action needs to be initiated.
Most products,has a life cycle from design,development,peak demand
period until the product becomes obsolute
With the obsolescence of a product there is a recognization of a need of a
new product.

2)Problem Defination

Broad Defination First

Symptom vs Cause
Solving the wrong problem

3)Search

i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)

Important Questions
What has been written about it?
Is something already on the market that may solve the problem
Who manufactures the current solution
How much does it cost?
Cost vs Urgency

Places to search

Existing solutions
Internet
Library
Government Document
Professional organization
Trade Journal
Vendors
Experts

4) Design Constraint

Cost
Weight
Temperature
Strength

5) Criteria

Cost
Reliability
Weight
Ease of operation
Appearance
Compatibility
Safety features
Noise level
Effectiveness
Durability
Feasibility
Acceptance

6)Alternative Solutions

Brainstorming3-15 members
Free expression is essential
A leader sets the tone and tempo of the session
The members of the group should be equal
There must be a recording of the session

Alternative Solution(Continue)

Analysis of alternative solutions

7)Decision

Engineering design assignment requires making possible solutions

and also making final decision on what solution to be selected
Making final decision sometimes is hard because of trade off
example if good quality product is made the cost goes up
or if you choose durability you might use more material
to construct your design that will raise your weight of product

8)Specification

Specification is the clear defination of a design to others.

a)

Specification by words
-other engineers
-managers
-government official
-non-technical officers

b)

Graphical specification
- sketch
- engineering drawing

Communication

Selling,explaining and persuading

A design engineer needs good communication skills to sell,explain and
persuade his manager or superiors on his design, so that they will allocate
the budget for his design.
Methods include

a)
Written Report.
Appropriate cover page
Abstract
Table contents
Body
Conclusion and recommendations
Appendixes

b) Oral Presentation

Be prepared,do rehersal
Be thoroughly familiar with the material while being familiar with the
technical competence of the audience
Visual aids
Start and end with important facts