Design Process
Why must engineers clearly identify the problem before brainstorming?
So solutions are focused and meet the actual need
Why is “must be lightweight” considered a criterion instead of a constraint?
It describes what the design must achieve
How does an inclined plane reduce the force needed to lift an object?
Increases distance to reduce force
How does increasing force affect acceleration?
Increases acceleration (Newton)
Why might a mechanical engineer need to understand simple machines?
They design machines using those principles
How does the testing step help improve a design?
It shows if criteria are met and reveals problems
How can a constraint directly impact whether criteria are met?
Limits (materials, cost) can prevent meeting goals
Why is a pulley useful for lifting heavy objects vertically?
Changes direction of force and can reduce effort
Why does increasing resistance reduce current in a circuit?
Ohm’s Law relationship
How does an electrical engineer apply Ohm’s Law in real work?
Designing and analyzing circuits
A prototype meets most criteria but fails one. What should happen next and why?
Improve; fix the part that doesn’t meet criteria
A design fails because it exceeds the budget. What type of issue is this and how should it be addressed?
Constraint issue; redesign to stay within budget
A wheelbarrow combines multiple simple machines. Explain how this makes work easier.
Lever + wheel/axle reduce effort and allow movement
How does Pascal’s Principle allow machines like hydraulic lifts to work?
Pressure is transmitted evenly through fluid
Why is teamwork considered a critical skill in engineering projects?
Engineers collaborate to solve complex problems
How are the build and test steps connected in the design process?
Build creates the model; test evaluates if it works
Explain the relationship between criteria and constraints in a successful design.
Must meet goals (criteria) while staying within limits (constraints)
Compare a wedge and an inclined plane. How are they similar?
Both use force over distance to make work easier
Explain how Bernoulli’s Principle creates lift on an airplane wing.
Faster air above = lower pressure → lift
Give an example of how poor communication could affect an engineering project.
Misunderstood designs, errors, failure
Explain how the design process is iterative and why that matters.
Steps repeat to improve design until criteria are met within constraints
Given: “Hold 50 lbs, under $10, made of paper.”
Explain which are criteria vs constraints AND how they affect design decisions.
Criteria = hold 50 lbs; Constraints = cost/materials; limits design strength/options
You must move a heavy object quickly vs with minimal effort. Which machines would you choose and why?
Speed → fewer mechanical advantages; Effort → inclined plane/pulley to reduce force
Compare Newton’s Laws and Bernoulli’s Principle. How are they used differently in engineering?
Newton = motion/forces; Bernoulli = fluid/air movement
Explain how technical knowledge and soft skills work together in engineering success.
Knowledge builds solutions; soft skills allow teamwork, communication, and execution