Introduction to Engineering Design - Report Example

INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN By Name Course Instructor Institution City/State Date Table of Contents INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN 1 INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN 18 1 Table of Contents 2 1.0 Abstract 3 Introduction to Engineering Design 4 2.0 Introduction 4 3.0 The Outcomes 4 4.0 Grad Nomination 8 5.0 Conclusion 8 6.0 Appendix 10 6.1 Sample CAD drawings 10 6.24 Reflective Journal 12 Week 1 12 Week 2 13 1.0 Abstract This portfolio key purpose is discussing the subject outcomes covered during the semester. Importantly, the main undertaking during the semester was developing three design challenges namely; the Electric Circuit Design, the Ocean Vessel Design, as well as the Structural Design Activity. Without a doubt, the above-mentioned challenges have resulted in realization of numerous results. For this reason, the portfolio comprehensively talks about eight outcomes. In this report, the outcomes have been discussed with regard to this subject and at the end some reflective journals for the first to last week has been provided. Introduction to Engineering Design 2.0 Introduction At the moment, much has been comprehended since the outset of this course, and currently I can reason like engineers. This unit main purpose was designing three design challenges by utilizing the most effective approach in the first four weeks. In consequence, a lot of confidence has been gained and we have learnt that each problem always has numerous solutions, but a solution that is more appropriate is needed. For this reason, eight outcomes have been created from this subject, and are the portfolio’s key subjects. 3.0 The Outcomes Below is an analysis of the eight outcomes 3.1 Engineering design tactical approach During the introduction to engineering design, we used certain constant term with the intention of designing all proposed challenges. Normally, solving any form of task needs adherence to a particular standard procedure for the realization of high quality performance. So as to fit all challenged designs, this constant term may be made flexible through a number of steps. A challenge can be solved by creating a team and subsequently choosing the day of meeting as well as other details that may facilitate the happening of the first meeting. In this case, challenge analysis in this part required students to analyze carefully the challenges they are experiencing as well as to search for a design that is the more effective, and that could facilitate them reduce the challenges. Still, analyses need all students to perform a comprehensive research that can facilitate them raise awareness about the challenge. They must not disregard any information that can facilitate them curb the challenge. After concluding the research, they should at least meet once so as to discuss about the gathered information. During the meeting, they brainstorm collectively in attempt to ascertain the design that is most appropriate. Subsequent to applying design, the best approach will have been identified by the students, and it will be applied to facilitate them overcome the challenge they are facing. 3.2 Information searching and evaluation on engineering design challenges By having a range of challenge designs, I had to carry out a number of researches that could facilitate my understating to the designs, and this understanding would place me in a better position of selecting the best suitable design. In view of this, the Web- CT activity folder provides the most crucial information with regard to the designs, but more information from additional sources exists in other resources, and are referenced according to Harvard style referencing system. 3.3 Identification and analysis of the effect of different factors on solution of engineering design problems The basic of challenges design utilised in this subject can be incorporated on various other projects. In this course, we were expected to design a model truss bridge by utilising simple materials. We were required to work as a group and utilise simple materials so as to make a truss bridge that can holding extreme pressure. The key emphasis of this challenge was developing and improving the group members’ skills on how to utilise mathematical calculations in the real world. The group was divided into different teams so as to ease the work and all teams were expected to evaluate different design. Our team, focussed on the Warren truss bridge. 3.4 Applying Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software with the intention of developing design solution Initially, we learnt the introduction of CAD in the introduction to engineering design. We noted that CAD is exceedingly advantageous to engineering workplace given that it makes allowance for the modelling of 3D objects as well as the physical viewing of the final object look even devoid of having to build it physically. By referring to CAD CD’s, my portfolio exhibits that I have gained a deep understanding of the role of CAD as well as how it may be utilised in presenting design solutions. 3.5 Communicating effectively through engineering drawings During the course we were required to carry out a number of different tasks, which included formal reports writing and reflective writing. As a consequence, we were able to understand how to formal report make a structure and this understanding is beneficial since even engineers are expected to prepare report, and therefore, it is easy for me since I have the format at hand. Basically, there are reasons as to why the reports’ formulaic structure must be followed always. In the report, the executive summary key purpose is giving a short overview of what has been discussed on the report, or the outcomes of the project. Besides that, the contents page is for helping the reader find what he/she is looking for in the report with much ease. The introduction as well as conclusion parts are crucial in the report because they show what is proposed or achieved in the report. An engineering report must be written with a technical tone; for instance, in the battery charger report technical language such as amps, volts, circuitry were utilised. Evidently, there is a difference between a formal report and a weekly reflective writing, give that a reflective writing utilises a personal tone so as to display our individual feelings every week. 3.6 A Proof of ability to learn in a team environment both independently and as a team In order to attain best, a person must learn to work both independently as well as in a team. By working independently, a person can dedicate him/herself in research; gathering information, which may be presented later for discussion with the team members. In the team, brainstorming takes place as evidenced by my notes. Communication with my teammates was through phone. Therefore, in report writing, the work is divided equally and every person is responsible for his/her part. 3.7 Ability to use reflective journal to improve learning ability This has been addressed in the reflective journal (see appendix), which provides reflected journals from first week to the twelfth week. 3.8 Responding to various learning situations in consideration to cultural and social backgrounds Considering that students are from different backgrounds, religions and cultures, it is without a doubt that working in a team setting is very challenging. Since people are different, the opinions offered on how to carry out research is different. They also have different view on the present topics as well as on how to approach various designs. In consequence, we got lots of experience because of working in diversified team where conflict always arose on particular issues. When conflict materialised, the team member are expected to learn how to listen as well as not to be judgmental. I learned that it is important to consider other team members ideas, reflect on them and even integrate them with my own ideas so as to realise a perfect solution. Engineering challenges must be reviewed severally since their solutions are dynamic; therefore, it is imperative to be patient and understanding. 4.0 Grad Nomination This term has facilitated me to possess a new line of thinking, and although it has been criticised severally, it has consequently broadened my knowledge scope. My regular application as well as completion in all projects and participation in the classes will as well be mirrored by the high grade. Specifically, I have enhanced my knowledge of understanding the significance of generic skills utilised in engineering trade. These skills are sought when an individual works in every environment. This portfolio presentation has offered me a strong belief of attaining high distinction. A clear explanation as well as complete analysis of the attainment of learning objectives has been enhanced by the supporting documentation within the appendix. 5.0 Conclusion In conclusion, I have learned a lot from this course such as searching, teamwork, designing. In the report, I have demonstrated how key designing skills in engineering can be developed, and how these skills are crucial for a person seeking to become a successful engineer. In the future, I utilise majority of these outcomes in my life and studies. Through the entire exercise, I have consequently made a lot of friends and will keep sharing much even beyond the exercise. In addition, since the work, I have gained lots of confidence which helps me perform lots of work, particularly in Engineering. 6.0 Appendix 6.1 Sample CAD drawings 6.24 Reflective Journal Week 1 The first week was great and every person was excited to study. Every student is anticipating getting HD in all classes. Personally, this week helped me closely analyze my goals have facilitated me to start working towards them from the onset. This is so, particularly after failing in some subjects in the previous semester. I agree that was attributed by some mistakes I did, but I learned a lot from those mistakes and transformed myself so as to become more responsible and prevent such mistakes from reoccurring. After meeting the lecturer, I was given outlines for all subjects. The introduction designing was fascinating and I think it will be thought-provoking endeavor since am prepared for Fundamental give that it is a new thing and somewhat complicated. Week 2 The study become more serious in the second week where we were introduced to mathematics and physics, and also got introduced to Auto CAD basics. The second week was a bit challenging as compared to the Fundamental. What makes Fundamental a bit easier is the combination of Mathematics and Physics. Besides that, we began a new challenge with an instructor called Valli and I also met a new friend. Together we divided the tasks, wherein I searched on English and Arabic web sites while my new friend searched on Indian web sites for crucial information. We realised that Indian web sites were more informative as compared to the other websites. Subsequently, we begun calculating our measurement and also searched for suitable design. Week3 On the third week, the focus was more on Auto CAD, and even though I supposed this was going to be the hardest subject, it turned out to be enthralling, especially after a downloading the Auto CAD application on my laptop with the help of my friend. My friend taught me how to use it, bearing in mind that it was a 2011 version while that used in classroom is 2008 in version; therefore, so it was a bit confusing. Besides that, we began the circuit design session in the labs, and being my first time there I felt empowered. Week 4 At the start of week four, something unexpected happened, my friend on the way to the university he was stopped by Police on the Footscray highway for normal check-up. The police officer took his driving license and asked him to follow him to the police station. At the police station rather than being told what his offence was, he was kept waiting for an hour as the police officer took his personal information. After an hour or so, he was allowed to leave, but he was late for the exam. Week 5 On the fifth week, we started the week with a new project ‘ocean vessel’ with Anthony Parker. According to people, Parker is a great man and so I was exceedingly proud that I was going to learn something from him. Without a doubt, it was fascinating to learn about different boats shapes as well as how waves play with a toy boat. This motivated me to browse the comparison between the racing boats as well as fishing boats. At first, I presumed that we will design a ship as well as learn how they perform in the ocean waves. My curiosity coerced me to ask the teacher, but he told me there were samples and that all was required of us was using week three knowledge to draw it on Auto CAD. Currently, two-dimensional drawing has turned out to be easy and can consequently draw a lot of things in Auto CAD. We were offered sheets to provide three-dimensional drawing. Week 6 Half of the course was finish in the sixth week and with regard to introduction design, we were given by Anthony some samples so as to take the measurement of the ship. I was not feeling well during the sixth week and had to be taken to the hospital by my friend. Week 7 I initiated my mat lab mini project in week seven for the reason that it was due in week eight. The project was exceedingly challenging given that I had no understanding on what i had to do as well as the needed results. For this reason, I had to go to the extra class offered by the teacher to explain what were expected to do in the mini project as well as the suitable technique to use. On the same week, together with my friend Abdullah we discussed about the project, and even though we became confused most time we managed to pull through. Week 8 The eighth week was the due date for the mini works in Fundamental and it was concerned with the people electricity bills by utilizing their electricity usage. The issue was that the result was provided on the workspace window, whereby the teacher mu friend was asked to make new file and place the result there by the teacher. Fortunately our class was after his class so I had enough time correct the existing mistakes and present to the teacher on Friday. The review by the teacher proved that my work was excellent and I am currently waiting for the result. Still, the Auto CAD session is turning out to be hard again and I had to look for help from my friend. Week 9 The ninth week is the busiest week because it the week prior to the mid-semester break, and everyone was working hard to finish all their duties before Friday. We were able to complete out report on time and we submitted it on the due date before embarking on our new challenge with Andrew. During the week we began doing the report for introduction design, and I also tried to review all the Management work we had done. Personally, I think Andrew is the best teacher for a student like me, since he doesn’t like anyone when students miss his class and he is so caring just like the other teachers. He offered numerous tips what we were supposed to do and how to do it. So the week after that we have to start working on it. The following week being a semester break I was planning to visit my friends. Week 10 The tenth week is the first week after the mid semester break, the last week before the break we had submitted our report to Anthony Parker, this week we were still working with him. The attendance in the ninth week was so low since most students did not have group to work with. Other opted joining me and Tito. We were given a hanger metal (3 meter long) by Andrew and we were expected to make something capable of carrying a load. So we created it for an hour and then test it, even though the design was good, the other team design was more fascinating. Besides that, their design was so strong and supported all forms of weight Week 11 Week eleven marked the beginning of the end of semester; we were about to finish Fundamentals and Management. Our first Management was not attended by the lecturer who had some important things to do, but he emailed us to inform us that the next lecture will be about reviews on what we had learnt throughout the semester. In the same week, we began our bridge project, and we were offered some tips by Andrew with regard to the best angles (45o) as well as why the pillars were not beneficial. To know how to calculate the weight we had to research in the internet. All in all, the project is fun because more practical rather than theoretical. Eventually, we got our design and used Auto CAD to ensure we get accurate angles as well as sticks. Initially, it was very challenging, especially fitting the sticks on each h other as well as getting the 45o, therefore we had to change our design severally so as to make it better in within the provided instructions. Week 12 The twelfth week was the last week in the university and it was literary empty, and the lecture was attended by merely 15 people. We finished our bridge this week and gave it some days so as to dry. Our anticipation was getting the best bridge. In the same week we submitted our final mini project, and this being the second project was a bit easier as compared to the first one. On the day we go to lab I took the bridge and joined my team members to wait for Andrew comment. During the exam he picked the bridge looked at it but never said a word, and upon weighting it was heavy as compared to the other students’ models, but still it was the best bridge. Read More