Engineering Design Science

2007 ◽  
pp. 521-541 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Ernst Eder

Abstract Following on from a paper presented at a previous Design Automation Conference (Eder 1986), this paper outlines some of the more recent insights concerning engineering design that have been developed by a small international group. Some of the models of designing and technical systems have been improved. A morphology of knowledge about designing and technical systems has been proposed, and extended to a morphology of knowledge itself. Some consequences are drawn from these developments, and summarized in this paper.


Author(s):  
W Ernst Eder

Students learning design engineering at times need a good example of procedure for novel design engineering. The systematic heuristic-strategic use of a theory to guide the design process – Engineering Design Science – and the methodical design process followed in this case study is only necessary in limited situations. The full procedure should be learned, such that the student can select appropriate parts for other applications. Creativity is usually characterized by a wide search for solutions, especially those that are innovative. The search can be helped by this systematic and methodical approach. This case example is presented to show application of the recommended method, and the expected scope of the output, with emphasis on the stages of conceptualizing. The case follows a novel design problem of a mechanism to open and close the bow thruster covers for the Caravan Stage Barge.


Author(s):  
W. Ernst Eder

‘Design’ can be a noun, or a verb. Six paths for research into engineering design (as verb) are identified, they must be co-ordinated for internal consistency and plausibility. Design Research tries to clarify design processes and their underlying theories – designing in general, and particular forms, e.g. design engineering. Theories are a basis for deriving theory- based design methods. Design engineering and artistic forms of designing, industrial design, have much in common, but also differences. For an attractive and user-friendly product, its form (observable shape) is important – a task for industrial designers, architects, etc. ‘Conceptualizing’ consists of preliminary sketches, a direct entry to hardware – industrial designers work ‘outside inwards’. For a product that should work and fulfill a purpose, perform a transformation process, its functioning and operation are important – a task for engineering designers. Anticipating and analyzing a capability for operation is a role of the engineering sciences. The outcome of design engineering is a set of manufacturing instructions, and analytical verification of anticipated performance. Design engineering is more constrained than industrial design, but in contrast has available a theory of technical systems and its associated engineering design science, with several abstract models and representations of structures. Engineering designers tend to be primary for technical systems, and their operational and manufacturing processes – they work ‘inside outwards’. Hubka’s theory, and consequently design metho- dology, includes consideration of tasks of a technical system, typical life cycle, duty cycle, classes of properties (and requirements), mode of action, development in time, and other items of interest for engineering design processes. Hubka’s methodology is demonstrated by several case examples.


1998 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. M. Wild ◽  
C. Bradley

North American undergraduate mechanical engineering design education has failed to meet the needs of industry in educating students in effective design philosophies typified by the concurrent engineering design philosophy. Current programmes emphasize traditional engineering analysis courses, leaving little room for truly educating the students in the fundamentals of mechanical engineering design. This paper uses the concurrent engineering design paradigm to design a programme for the education of students in mechanical engineering design. The basics of concurrent engineering design are outlined, the failings of typical design education stated, and an exploration of the required features of a new design curriculum presented.


Author(s):  
W. Ernst Eder

Students learning design engineering at times need a good example of procedure for novel design engineering. The systematic heuristic-strategic use of a theory to guide the design process – Engineering Design Science – and the methodical design process followed in this case study is only necessary in limited situations. The full procedure should be learned, such that the studentcan select appropriate parts for other applications.This case example is presented to show application of the recommended method, and the expected scope of the output, with emphasis on the stages of conceptualizing. The case follows a novel design problem of a gangway for ship-shore transfer for the Caravan Stage Barge.


Author(s):  
W. Ernst Eder

Design engineering is different from other more artistic forms of designing because on one hand it is more constrained by the engineering sciences, economics and other factors, but on the other hand it has more possibilities for abstract modeling in the conceptual phases. Creativity is essential, but in many cases not sufficient to explore the many possible candidate solutions. A more systematic and methodical approach can help to overcome many of the problems that arise during conceptualizing in design engineering. Use of appropriate methods to enhance the search for solutions can expand the solution field. A systematic approach based on engineering design science has been shown to enhance understanding, good record-keeping, and traceability for the design process. Several grounded theories are reviewed and brought into mutual context, they refer to memory and thinking operations, expertise, human action modes, and competencies. The discussion reveals a need for specific instructions for a methodical and systematic engineering design procedure, when the design problem is seen as non-routine, and expertise is lacking.


Author(s):  
W. Ernst Eder ◽  
Vladimir Hubka ◽  
Habib Benabdallah

Using a description of product development, the general nature of designing for engineering products is discussed. The relationships among theory, method and object are explained. The scope of Design Science is outlined. The needs and methods for designing an engineering system are laid out. Similarly, the needs and methods of education are related to these factors. A brief description of the courses presented at RMC is given to show how this background is used, how students are assessed, and how the courses are evaluated within the given limitations of the college.


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