Introduction
The process of developing new products is a complicated and it involves many parties among them engineers. This paper shows the roles and issues we are to face as we design an improved bicycle. The paper presents the engineering characteristics followed by an evaluation of the design analysis using the weighted Pugh’s evaluation method and specifically for our project. It then goes on to elaborate on engineering analysis and design and their importance before concluding with an overview of the business considerations that are to be combined with the product design specifications (PDS) in the generation of the final documentations for a new product report
Engineering characteristics
Use of a reflective material (reflectors) to increase visibility from the rear especially in auto traffic. In this case, the purpose of the reflectors is to make the bikes more visible during the day and at night. The combination of reflectors and a reflection tapes both at the rear offers better operability.
The trailer was to support a load of 110lbs. In this project, we established that a bicycle can handle a large load of about 100 lbs and hence our target of 110lbs although we intend to accommodate static loads of 150lbs.
The trailer frame factor of safety greater than 1.5 as obtained after the analysis. However it was a challenge to measure aspects such as “durable and string”. We could have bought a fatigue-testing machine if we had adequate finances but its absence compelled us to use components with factor of safety greater than 1.5
All the materials were to be made from aluminum because of its light weight.
We set out to fix a banner stating “Slow Moving Vehicle” which suits the road legal requirements as a warning to other road users
A hydraulic jack shall be used to lift the trailer as required. It will be powered by an external battery source and connections operated by a switch.
There shall be a clearance fit to be used at the interaction between the T-handle assembly and the mounting sleeves. Its purpose is to allow easy assembly and disassembly
Evaluation of Design Analysis using Weighted Pugh’s Evaluation Method:
Definition
Stuart Pugh, a Scottish professor, developed the Pugh Matrix which is also known as Pugh Analysis, Pugh method, Decision Matrix Method, Decision Grid, Problem matrix, Grid selection or Problem Selection matrix among others. The grid or matrix is used to make the best decision when faced with alternatives although there exists variations in the usage of criteria.
Users
The Pugh Matrix can be used by teams and individuals alike. When the matrix is being used by teams, each member is supposed to make their own pew matrix after which all the matrices are compared.
Uses
The matrix is used to arrive at decisions especially when a baseline has been established whether in search for a better product or process. A case of an established baseline is the existence of a product or process that a company has been using but there exists other alternatives which may be better. The matrix is applicable when only one solution is being sought among many. In some cases, the matrix can be used to determine the best combination of issues of solutions to be considered in the creation of a hybrid solution.
A PUGH MATRIX FOR OUR PROJECT
In our case, we were to decide among four alternatives; A, B, C and D. We have a system in place but we out to search for a better alternative. We started by settling on the four items (1, 2, 3 and 4) that we had to include. We considered that we had to address factors such as ease of production, price, time and the man-hours to be put into the task.
Key: A- Breaking system, B- suspension, C- Electrically assist, D- hydraulic
The baseline represents the system that is currently in place and we gave it a 0 score from which the alternatives A to D would be rated as being either better than the current system or baseline (+1) or worse (-1). When the alternative is the same as the baseline it is given a score of 0. We then summed up the totals for each alternative emerging with Alternative D (+3) as the best to replace the one we have.
Weighting
In some cases the criteria may not carry equal weight. For instance, the requirement for safety may be extremely high while weight may not be of great concern and this means that each shall have different weight (Ribbens, 2000). In this case we considered Safety is the most important so we rated it with 5, followed by cost at 4, Design at 3, Time and maintenance each is weighted at 2.
All the numbers for each of the alternatives are multiplied by its weight.
In this case, the end result is the same since the alternative that had he most positives also happens to get the most weight but in some cases the weighing may lead some alternatives that look out rightly fitting to be the ones that are suitable.
Engineering Analysis
Engineering analysis refers to the breaking down of system, object, problem or issue into its basic elements that can be examined and evaluated to determine essential features and relationships necessary in establishing a solution. Engineering projects involve numerous instances where engineering analysis is done on components, systems, processes, machines among others so that the entire project may come to completion with each aspect performing as required. Most importantly, engineering analysis helps to place emphasis and uphold critical issues such as safety and efficiency of the final products or system. Often there are significant reductions in cost and time taken to complete the project as well as capabilities for duplicity and skill building among the staff working on a given project.
Engineering analysis is at the core of the profession because it gives the engineers a deep understanding of the work they do. One can be in a position to explain how things work, why they fail and how they can be repaired, maintained and improved. An engineer who is proficient in analysis has the capability to be highly efficient in all aspects as they can tell where and when to implement certain design changes while increasing usability and durability of the final outcome.
Learning Outcomes
The instructor needs to clearly communicate his expectations on the students
Establishment of a clear and logical sequence on the achievement of learning milestones
Allow for self-evaluation by the students and their instructor in accordance with the set expectations
Background
In a world where innovations and infrastructural developments are more of a necessity than a luxury, there is need for competent engineers who initiate design processes lead projects to better human life. Engineering design is at the heart of getting engineering projects right from the onset. It can be defined as getting to the core of systems, objects, assemblies, and problems so that one can establish meaningful relationships that will lead to the achievement of a set objective for each engineering project. At the onset of an engineering design process is the selection of the best and most viable design process since several alternatives might exist. Once the best design alternative has been settled on the team, of engineers and other professionals delves into the specific technical details.
Engineering students can learn from the successes and failure of numerous engineering projects around the world. To begin with, the development of tipping trailers in the last century has numerous lessons in engineering design. Majority of the tipping trailers were designed to for heavy vehicles like tractors and trucks. They required careful calculations and great consideration with immense weight being placed on their safety and efficiency rather than costs since they would definitely reduce the costs through speedy offloading which was the target for them to be made as self-tipping.
The first process in the design of the early trailers was the consideration on the materials to be used. The material had to be sturdy, strong, light and durable. The main component for the tipping functionality was the hydraulic assembly and the best material selected to make this structure was stainless steel. Aluminum was also a good consideration but its strength could be faulted when evaluated against that of stainless steel. However on the basic of other considerations such as workability and cost, aluminum was preferred for many tipping trailers. Moreover, aluminum had better weight to strength ratio and this was a huge consideration in the final selection of materials. Aluminium’s workability stems from its malleability and ease of welding.
The determination of the trailer’s shape was also a significant hurdle for the engineers to successfully jump. The shape of the frame would determine the shape of the pan. The frame had to hold high load capacities and distribute the weight evenly among its members to ensure total balance of the trailer with or without a load. The customer’s potential usage can determine the shapes to be adopted. Simulations of the trailer with and without the load can be done using Computer Aided Drawing (CAD).
Project design specifications
The purpose of this design process is to identify, search and assemble adequate information that can be used to determine the viability of a company investing in product development for things that need plentiful engineering input. This paper targets to initiate the development of new product marketing report. The marketing report includes some slight engineering technicalities such as the technology and technical issues that give the new product an edge in the market. Other things to be included are competition, projected sales, capital requirements, marketing strategy, time and cost of development, profits expected and the approximate return on investment and the time that can happen.
The main aim of the products development process from the perspective of the engineers is the development of Product Design Specifications (PDS). The PDS instructs the manufacturing process and in essence the PDS has a huge impact on the business aspects that emanate from a new products since adequacy, cost and safety will all form the foundation of marketing the products and getting into the hands of the intended customers. As such, the details of the PDS should be followed to the letter to avoid compromising on the quality and the intrinsic functionalities and expectations of the new product. The preparation phase of the PDS is the one that ought to adhere to sound engineering principles, customer needs, cost considerations, safety, durability, adequacy and authenticity among others.
References
Ribbens, J. (2000). Simultaneous engineering for new product development: Manufacturing applications. New York, NY [u.a.: Wiley.
