Problem Solving in Engineering Technology

1. Problem Solving Engineering TechnologyMr. Austin

2. Objectives • Understand different approaches to Problem Solving • Identify different characteristics of Problem Solving • Enhance vocabulary by using engineering language

3. How we learned • Draw a picture Math Problems • “Work Backward”make the end product first then go back and draw it up and forge the design work • Guess and CheckNo effort—just write down a guess and then check the back of the book for congruency

4. Types of Problem Solving • Analytical Problem Solving • Creative Problem Solving

5. Analytical Problem SolvingThe “Scientific Method” • Define the problem • Gather the facts • Develop a hypothesis • Perform a test • Evaluate the results

6. Downfall of the Scientific Method • The process ends when an acceptable understanding of the studied phenomenon is achieved • Once the first solution is found the search is over

7. Engineering Approach to…The “Scientific Method” • Define the problem and make a problem statement • Diagram and describe • Apply theory and equations • Simplify the assumptions • Solve the necessary problems • Verify accuracy to required level

8. Problem Statement • Restate the problem in your own words • This ensures that you are solving the correct problem • Check your impression to see if it matches the original problem

9. Description • Describe the problem and all that is known • List the information given and what needs to be found • This will help you see if you need to find more information than just the solution

10. Theory • State the theory or equations needed to solve the problem • Examples are constants and variables like gravity and density

11. Simplifying The Assumptions • Makes problem solving easier and still provide an accurate answer • You could go through each scenario or assume the worst and design to that • Swing set example through age groups

12. Problem Solution • Perform calculations to solve the problem • Put all of the information together to come up with the best solution

13. Accuracy Verification • Estimate the answer • Simplify the problem and solve • Compare with similar problems and previous work • Ask questions • Compare to research • Compare to personal experience • Repeat calculations • Run a simulation • Redo calculation backwards

14. Estimation • Provides quick answers to complex problems • Can be used to check an analysis • Becomes better with more experience

15. Creative Problem Solving • What is wrong • What do we know • What is the real problem • What is the best solution • How do we implement the solution

16. What’s wrong • Defining the issue • Identify if the problem is worth solving • Identify if there is a problem • Restate problem

17. What do we know • Gather all the facts • Do not evaluate whether the information is central to the problem • List all facts known • Get help from someone with a different point of view

18. What Is The Real Problem • Most overlooked step in the solution process • Identify why the problem exists • Don’t address the symptoms of the problem but rather the root of the problem • The why must be answered

19. What Is The Best Solution • Make a list of all possible solutions • Talk with group members or a non bias person about possibilities • The best solution should be decided by a group after a presentation of the information

20. Implementing The Solution • Putting the best possible solution into use • Requires a good amount of resources (mostly money) • To implement a solution you must be able to sell the idea

21. Evaluating The Solution • Identify what makes an acceptable solution • establish a criterion for success • A neutral party should evaluate the solution to ensure a non bias report • Congruent to feedback in the USM