Lecture on Engineering Solutions

Introduction

• Focus on solutions rather than problems.
• Engineers start with a problem that needs solving.

Defining Success for Engineers

• Success is defined in relation to the problem being solved.
• Example of general success: graduating from a good school, getting a bonus, winning macaroni and cheese.

Understanding Solutions

• A solution is something designed or built by engineers to solve a problem.
• Examples of engineering solutions:
  • Telephone: solves communication over distances.
  • Refrigerator: solves food preservation.
  • Light bulbs: solve lighting at night.

Criteria for a Successful Solution

• Engineers brainstorm potential solutions and decide on the most successful one.
• Criteria for success include:
  1. Solves the problem (e.g., gets the person to the other side of the canyon alive).
  2. Uses resources that are readily available.
  3. Reusability of the solution.

Example Problem and Solution

• Problem: How to fly across a deep canyon.
• Criteria identified:
  • Get to the other side alive.
  • Use easily accessible resources.
  • Reuse the solution.

Fake Solution: Hang Glider

• Using a tent to create a hang glider.
• Tent is a resource already available.
• Solution meets criteria: safeness, availability, reusability.
• Superman as a hypothetical solution does not meet all criteria (e.g., not available).

Conclusion

• The most successful solution meets all or most criteria.
• Actual construction is a different step in the engineering process.
• Reminder: Don't attempt dangerous actions inspired by hypothetical solutions.