Unit 1: Engineering Design

Unit code K/615/1475

Unit type Core

Unit level 4

Credit value 15

Introduction

The tremendous possibilities of the techniques and processes developed by engineers can only be realised by great design. Design turns an idea into a useful artefact, the problem into a solution, or something ugly and inefficient into an elegant, desirable and cost effective everyday object. Without a sound understanding of the design process the engineer works in isolation without the links between theory and the needs of the end user.

The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the methodical steps that engineers use in creating functional products and processes; from a design brief to the work, and the stages involved in identifying and justifying a solution to a given engineering need.

Among the topics included in this unit are: Gantt charts and critical path analysis, stakeholder requirements, market analysis, design process management, modelling and prototyping, manufacturability, reliability life cycle, safety and risk, management, calculations, drawings and concepts and ergonomics.

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to prepare an engineering design specification that satisfies stakeholders’ requirements, implement best practice when analysing and evaluating possible design solutions, prepare a written technical design report, and present their finalised design to a customer or audience.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. Plan a design solution and prepare an engineering design specification in response to a stakeholder’s design brief and requirements.
2. Formulate possible technical solutions to address the student-prepared design specification.
3. Prepare an industry-standard engineering technical design report.
4. Present to an audience a design solution based on the design report and evaluate the solution/presentation.

Essential Content

LO1 Plan a design solution and prepare an engineering design specification in response to a stakeholder’s design brief and requirements

Planning techniques used to prepare a design specification:

Definition of client’s/users objectives, needs and constraints Definition of design constraints, function, specification, milestones

Planning the design task: Flow charts, Gantt charts, network and critical path analysis necessary in the design process

Use of relevant technical/engineering/industry standards within the design process

Design process:

Process development, steps to consider from start to finish The cycle from design to manufacture

Three- and five-stage design process Vocabulary used in engineering design

Stage of the design process which includes:

Analysing the situation, problem statement, define tasks and outputs, create the design concept, research the problem and write a specification

Suggest possible solutions, select a preferred solution, prepare working drawings, construct a prototype, test and evaluate the design against objectives, design communication (write a report)

Customer/stakeholder requirements:

Converting customer request to a list of objectives and constraints Interpretation of design requirements

Market analysis of existing products and competitors

Aspects of innovation and performance management in decision-making

LO2 Formulate possible technical solutions to address the student-prepared design specification

Conceptual design and evaluating possible solutions:

Modelling, prototyping and simulation using industry standard software, (e.g. AutoCAD, Catia, SolidWorks, Creo) on high specification computers

Use of evaluation and analytical tools, e.g. cause and effect diagrams, CAD, knowledge-based engineering

LO3 Prepare an industry-standard engineering technical design report

Managing the design process:

Recognising limitations including cost, physical processes, availability of material/components and skills, timing and scheduling

Working to specifications and standards, including:

The role of compliance checking, feasibility assessment and commercial viability of product design through testing and validation

Design for testing, including:

Material selection to suit selected processes and technologies

Consideration of manufacturability, reliability, life cycle and environmental issues The importance of safety, risk management and ergonomics

Conceptual design and effective tools:

Technologies and manufacturing processes used in order to transfer engineering designs into finished products

LO4 Present to an audience a design solution based on the design report and evaluate the solution/presentation

Communication and post-presentation review:

Selection of presentation tools Analysis of presentation feedback

Strategies for improvement based on feedback

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria