What Is Engineering

What is Engineering? • Webster’s Dictionary defines engineering as “the practical application of science and mathematics” as in the design and construction of machines, vehicles, structures, roads and systems.

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Engineers are … • Problem-based innovators that find answers to ‘how things work. Innovation 1. Doing things differently, exploring new territory, taking risks. 2. Something new or improved, including research for development of new technologies, refinement of existing technologies, or development of new applications for existing technologies. 3. A creation (a new device or process) resulting from study and experimentation Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.

Engineers are … • Pragmatic scientists taught to problem solve using process skills to implement designs based on resources available.

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Engineering Process What is a process? A procedure: a particular course of action intended to achieve a result; A designed sequence of operations or events, possibly taking up time, space, expertise or other resource, which produces some outcome.

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Engineering Process Identify and Define the

Identify the Problem

Define the Problem Brainstorm Propose Solutions

Develop Prototypes

Test Prototypes

Prepare for Design Review

Receive Feedback

Choose a Solution

Design Working Model Test Model Make Improvements Based on Feedback Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.

Engineering Process Develop Ideas (IDEATION)

Identify the Problem

Define the Problem Brainstorm Propose Solutions

Develop Ideas Develop Prototypes

Test Prototypes

Prepare for Design Review

Receive Feedback

Choose a Solution

Design Working Model Test Model Make Improvements Based on Feedback Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.

Engineering Process Refine the Design

Identify the Problem

Define the Problem Brainstorm Propose Solutions

Develop Ideas Develop Prototypes

Test Prototypes

(REFINEMENT)

Refine the Design

Prepare for Design Review

Receive Feedback

Choose a Solution

Design Working Model Test Model Make Improvements Based on Feedback Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.

Engineering Process Develop the Solution

Identify the Problem

Define the Problem Brainstorm Propose Solutions

Develop Ideas Develop Prototypes

Test Prototypes

(IMPLEMENTATION) Refine the Design

Prepare for Design Review

Receive Feedback

Analyze the Solution

Choose a Solution

Design Working Model Test Model Make Improvements Based on Feedback Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.

Engineering Process Test! (REFINEMENT)

Identify the Problem

Define the Problem Brainstorm Propose Solutions

Develop Ideas Develop Prototypes

Test Prototypes

Refine the Design

Prepare for Design Review

Receive Feedback

Analyze the Solution

Choose a Solution

Design Working Model Test Model

Test, Test, Test

Make Improvements Based on Feedback Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.

Engineering Process Test! (REFINEMENT)

Identify the Problem

Define the Problem Brainstorm Propose Solutions

Develop Ideas Develop Prototypes

Test Prototypes

Refine the Design

Prepare for Design Review

Receive Feedback

Analyze the Solution

Choose a Solution

Design Working Model Test Model

Test, Test, Test

Make Improvements Based on Feedback Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.

Engineering is an iterative process Iteration is the repetition of a process. It is the action or process of repeating. It is a procedure in which repetition of a sequence of operations yields results successively closer to a desired result.

Problem

Engineering

Innovation

Solution

Feedback

Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.

Engineering – continual improvement Problem

Engineering

Innovation

Solution

Feedback

When the development cycle is complete successful companies complete market studies and look for ways to improve their products.

Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.

Engineering is: The practical application of applying math and science to solve problems. Innovation – a creation resulting from study and experimentation. A process - a particular course of action intended to achieve a result. Iterative - the process of making gradual improvements until the best solution is achieved. Continual improvement.

Vex 1.0 © 2005 Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Inc.