Engineering Design – Exam Notes
Engineering Design Process
The engineering design process is a step■by■step method used by engineers to develop products,
machines, or systems. It helps engineers move from an idea to a final product that satisfies human
needs.
The design process is important because decisions made in early stages affect the cost, quality,
and performance of the final product.
• Controls overall product cost
• Improves product quality and reliability
• Reduces product development time
• Helps create competitive products
Types of Design
Engineering design can be classified into several types based on how new ideas or improvements
are created.
• Original Design – Creating a completely new concept or invention.
• Adaptive Design – Modifying an existing design to solve a different problem.
• Redesign – Improving an existing product by changing materials, shape, or parameters.
• Selection Design – Selecting standard components like bearings, motors, or pumps from
catalogs.
• Industrial Design – Improving product appearance and user interaction.
Ways to Think About the Engineering Design Process
• Simplified Iteration Model – Design is repeated and improved through multiple cycles of idea,
analysis, testing, and improvement.
• Design Method vs Scientific Method – Science explains natural laws, while engineering design
focuses on creating solutions and products.
• Problem Solving Method – Engineers define the problem, collect information, develop solutions,
test them, and choose the best one.
Considerations of Good Design
• Achievement of Performance Requirements – The product must perform its intended function
efficiently and reliably.
• Life Cycle Issues – The design must consider manufacturing, usage, maintenance, and
disposal stages.
• Social and Regulatory Issues – Designs must follow safety laws, environmental rules, and
government regulations.
Seven Phases of the Design Process
• Conceptual Design – Identify the problem and generate possible solutions.
• Embodiment Design – Develop the selected concept and decide structure and materials.
• Detail Design – Finalize dimensions, materials, drawings, and technical specifications.
• Planning for Manufacture – Decide manufacturing processes, tools, and production methods.
• Planning for Distribution – Plan packaging, storage, and transportation.
• Planning for Use – Ensure safety, usability, and maintenance instructions.
• Planning for Retirement – Plan recycling, disposal, or reuse of product materials.
Computer■Aided Engineering (CAE)
Computer■Aided Engineering refers to the use of computer software and tools to assist engineers
in design and analysis. Early engineers used programming languages such as FORTRAN for
calculations.
Modern CAE tools allow engineers to create 2D drawings, 3D models, and simulations. These tools
help analyze complex problems faster and improve design accuracy.
• Faster calculations and analysis
• 3D modelling and visualization
• Easy modification of designs
• Supports teamwork and concurrent engineering
Designing to Codes and Standards
Codes and standards ensure safety, efficiency, and uniform quality in engineering design.
• Codes – Legal rules that specify what must be done in design.
• Standards – Agreed technical guidelines defining dimensions, materials, and testing methods.
• Performance Codes – Specify required performance results.
• Prescriptive Codes – Specify exact methods and procedures.
• Categories of standards include performance standards, test method standards, and codes of
practice.
Design Review and Redesign
A design review is a systematic evaluation of a design to check whether it meets requirements and
standards.
• Identify design errors or weaknesses
• Improve quality and reliability
• Reduce manufacturing problems
• Save cost and development time
• Redesign – modifying an existing design to improve performance, safety, or cost.