Engineering Principles Problem Solving Introduction Problem solving skills

Engineering Principles Problem Solving

Introduction Problem solving skills need to be in everyone’s toolbox!

Problem Solving 10 -step Design process �Analytic Skills Solving a problem �Creative Skills Creating a new product/invention 1. Identify the problem/product innovation 2. Define the working criteria/goas 3. Research and gather data 4. Brainstorm/generate creative ideas 5. Analyze potential solutions 6. Develop and test models 7. Make the decision 8. Communicate and specify 9. Implement and commercialize 10. Prepare post-implementation review & assessment.

Problem Solving Strategies � Look for a pattern. � Construct a table. � Consider possibilities systematically. � Act it out. � Make a model. � Make a figure, graph, or drawing. � Work backwards. � Select appropriate notation. � Restate the problem in your own words. � Identify necessary, desired, and given information. � Write an open-ended sentence. � Identify a sub-goal. More Strategies � Solve a simpler problem.

Problem Solving Strategies � Change your point of view. � Check for hidden assumptions. � Use a resource. � Generalize. � Check the solution and validate it. � Find another way to solve the problem. � Find another solution � Study the solution process. � Discuss limitations. � Get a bigger hammer. � Sleep on it. � Brainstorm. � Involve others.

Analytic Problem Solving �The analytic method has six steps: 1. Define the problem and make a problem 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. statement. Diagram and describe. Apply theory and equations. Simplify the assumptions. Solve the necessary problems. Verify accuracy to required level.

Problem Statement �Restate the problem you are solving IN YOUR OWN WORDS! �This helps you understand what you need to solve. In real life situations, this ensures you are solving the correct problem. �Check to verify that your summary matches the original problem.

Description �The next step is to describe the problem and list ALL that is known. �In addition to restating the problem, list the information given and what needs to be found. �You may need date for mathematical calculations or to create a sketch or drawing to help you clarify the problem and what is needed.

Theory �State explicitly theory or equations needed to solve the problem. You must write this out completely at this step. �If an equation should be used, it needs to be stated in this step.

Simplifying Assumptions �Not all problems can be solved precisely. Some may be too costly to solve precisely if they require large amounts of computing power, for instance. �Simplifying assumptions can make the problem easier to solve and still provide an accurate result. �Approximation is a good way to improve decision making as well.

Problem Solution �Solve the problem using calculations. �Calculators, computers and simulations will help you develop a means to document what you have done to arrive at your solution. �This will allow you to find errors more quickly, as well as to show others what you have done.

Accuracy Verification � Engineers are responsible for verifying that their own solutions are accurate. Here are some ways to verify your results: Estimate the answer. Simplify the problem and solve the simpler problem. Are the answers consistent? 3. Compare with similar solutions. 4. Compare to previous work. 5. Ask a more experienced engineer to review your work. 6. Compare to published literature on similar problems. 7. Ask yourself if it makes sense. 8. Compare to your own experience. 9. Repeat the calculation. 10. Run a computer simulation or model. 11. Redo the calculations backwards. 1. 2.

Implementing The Solution �This is a critical phase of the problem solving process as it may require additional money or cooperation from other people who may not have been involved in the problem solving process.

Evaluating the Solution �Once a solution has been found and implemented, an evaluation should be performed. �If the solution is a success, the process may be complete. �Often, solutions may be intermediate and lead to other opportunities and the cycle starts again!

Your Turn To Solve a Problem! � You are to solve the problem of the OMG Low Grades in English! � Here are the facts about Idonwanama Homework, your subject student: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Idonwanama has excellent attendance on A days. Idonwanama’s English class is 5 th period. Idonwanama is has 6 unexcused absences. Idonwanama has the following assignment scores: 95, 87, missing, 78, 92, missing. Missing grades average in as a 0 (zero) in the grade book. Idonwanama has the following test scores: 93, missing. Idonwanama loves to hang out at the mall at nights and usually gets home by midnight. Most of Idonwanama’s friends hate English. Idonwanama is passing all her other classes. Idonwanama’s English teacher calculates the six weeks average by applying a 75%/25% rule, with assignments counting 75% and exams counting 25%.

Resources � Gomez, Alan G. , Oakes, William C. , Leone, Les L. (2007). Survey of Engineering. Wildwood, MO: Great Lakes Press, Inc.