Engineering Design Process Notes

Introduction

• This lecture focuses on the engineering design process, specifically moving from defining the problem to defining criteria and constraints.
• Previous session covered design statement and problem definition.

Criteria and Constraints

Criteria

• Definition: What you want your design to accomplish and what its purpose is.
• Importance: Essential for ensuring the design functions as intended.
• Example: For a pet carrier, criteria might include
  • Safety for transporting the pet
  • Provision for food and water
  • Adequate air supply for breathing

Constraints

• Definition: Rules or limitations that impact the design process.
• Importance: Helps keep the design realistic and focused.
• Types of Constraints:
  • Materials: Availability of resources like cardboard, wood, or metal.
  • Time: Deadline for completing the design, such as getting a pet to the vet by a specific time.
  • Cost: Budgetary limits to avoid unrealistic expenses.

Application Example

• Using a pet carrier as an example:
  • Criteria include safety, provision for necessities like air, food, and water.
  • Constraints include material choice, time limits, and cost considerations.

Importance of Defining Criteria and Constraints

• Spend adequate time defining both to maintain focus and realism in design.
• Helps in moving to the next steps of the design process such as brainstorming.

Next Steps

• Upcoming topic: Brainstorming process.
• Need to consider problem, research, criteria, and constraints during brainstorming.

Conclusion

• Defining criteria and constraints is a critical step in the design process, guiding subsequent steps and ensuring realistic and practical outcomes.