Six Steps of Problem Solving

And

Engineering Design Process

SVES Colleges of EngineeringUML – ATP

Lecture 2

Step OneResearch the Problem

• Gather all the information needed to consider this project

• Define the Problem• Completion is realized with a

project proposal

Step TwoDefine the Problem

• Study the problem and list as many facts as possible to fully define the problem

• Completing the design specifications• Set Objectives• Outcome is a set of specifications

Step Two Develop Design Specifications

Define the Problem

• Specifications are a formal document listing the requirements of a project

• Define details that must be met• Can be used as a guide in future projects• Market Specifications

Develop Design Specifications& Specification Format

• General description• Performance• Power requirements• Packaging• Environmental• Operation• Project and production cost• Agency approvals• Special requirements

Develop Design SpecificationsPackaging

• Mechanical size limits• Environmental rating• Shape• Material• Human engineering aspects

Develop Design SpecificationsEnvironmental

• Ambient temperature• Humidity• Vibration• Shock• Electromagnetic interference (EMI)

– Immunity– emissions

Develop Design SpecificationsManufacturing Cost Goal

• Total cost of purchased parts• Labor cost to manufacture• Manufacturing overhead

• The projected costs should be stated at the volume of manufacture for the costs

Develop Design SpecificationsSoftware

• Outline of the planned method of software operation

• All operations that involve the end user• All operations that involve the hardware• Flow charts ( top level )• Flow charts ( sublevel operations )

Step ThreePlan the Solution

• Develop a Plan• Outline Strategy• List steps intended to solve the problem• Outcome is a Project Schedule

Step FourExecute the Plan

• Preliminary design• Component selection• Breadboarding• Prototype development• Outcome working Prototype

Step FiveVerify the Results

• Test design to set design specifications• Review measured results to specifications• Does it meet the specifications ?• Outcome is a reasonable solution to the

problem

Step SixDevelop a set of conclusions

• Results of the project are summarized• Design improvements and performance

monitoring• Design documentation• Outcome is a Final Report

1. Identify need or problem

2. Research need

3. Develop pos-sible solutions

4. Select best solution

5. Construct a prototype

6. Test & Evaluate

7. Present solution

8. Redesign

The Engineering Design Process…

…can be used to solve ANY type of

problem

1. Identify need or problem

2. Research need

3. Develop pos-sible solutions

4. Select best solution

5. Construct a prototype

6. Test & Evaluate

7. Present solution

8. Redesign

1. Identify need or problem

1. Identify need or problem

2. Research need

3. Develop pos-sible solutions

4. Select best solution

5. Construct a prototype

6. Test & Evaluate

7. Present solution

8. Redesign

1. Identify need or problem

2. Research need

3. Develop pos-sible solutions

4. Select best solution

5. Construct a prototype

6. Test & Evaluate

7. Present solution

8. Redesign

1. Identify need or problem

2. Research need

3. Develop pos-sible solutions

4. Select best solution

5. Construct a prototype

6. Test & Evaluate

7. Present solution

8. Redesign

1. Identify need or problem

2. Research need

3. Develop pos-sible solutions

4. Select best solution

5. Construct a prototype

6. Test & Evaluate

7. Present solution

8. Redesign

1. Identify need or problem

2. Research need

3. Develop pos-sible solutions

4. Select best solution

5. Construct a prototype

6. Test & Evaluate

7. Present solution

8. Redesign

1. Identify need or problem

2. Research need

3. Develop pos-sible solutions

4. Select best solution

5. Construct a prototype

6. Test & Evaluate

7. Present solution

8. Redesign

1. Identify need or problem

2. Research need

3. Develop pos-sible solutions

4. Select best solution

5. Construct a prototype

6. Test & Evaluate

7. Present solution

8. Redesign

1. Identify need or problem

2. Research need

3. Develop pos-sible solutions

4. Select best solution

5. Construct a prototype

6. Test & Evaluate

7. Present solution

8. Redesign

1. Identify need or problem

Work a

problem