This module will develop and reinforce the student's knowledge of mechanical engineering design. Students taking this module will learn vital transferable skills which can be used for any mechanical engineering project. Students will be allowed to conduct projects under the supervision of experienced facilitators. These projects will enable the learner to see how an enormous task can be broken down into manageable elements and help the student develop their ability to work as a technical design team member and an independent mechanical design engineer. In completing these projects, students will be expected to develop technical communication skills and become practiced in researching technical problems. The projects undertaken will be chosen to ensure that students must consider and thus create a consciousness of ethical and legal responsibility for safety.
Materials - Introduction to polymers and ceramics
Introduction to the structures and properties of polymers and ceramics. Linear and non-linear polymers. Polymerisation methods. Introduction to ceramics. Introduction to the use of automated tools, e.g. CES EduPack, to explore the structure and properties of materials.
The product development process
Aesthetics, Ergonomics, value engineering. Product safety, hazards and risk management. Conceptual Design, Accuracy and tolerance considerations, Selection and Specification: Affinity diagrams, function-structure and morphological design. Design selection and specification. Concurrent engineering. Product specification methods including Quality Function Deployment (QFD), Voice of Customer (VOC) and House of Quality (HoQ), Design certification and regulations, New Product Development, (NPD). Cost of product development and cost of failure. Brainstorming, Ranking methods to evaluate concepts. New Product Introduction Process Flow. Material and vendor selection.
Design Methodologies
Failure Mode & Effect Analysis (FMEA) for products. Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFM/DFA) methodologies. Design for Reliability. Design for Safety. Design for Cost. Design for Test. Design for the Environment.
Modelling and Prototyping
Introduction to mathematical modelling and simulation in design. Consideration and evaluation of software packages and resources online. Rapid prototyping techniques, including stereolithography.
Presentation techniques
Introduction, concept sketches, scheme drawings, design reports. Availability of design resources; journals, conferences, trade shows and websites.
Patent and Copyright
The functions of copyright, and legal aspects of product liability and legal requirements including CE mark and environmental protection in product development.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 70 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 30 |