**3. Case studies**

*New Innovations in Engineering Education and Naval Engineering*

more easily lead to a solution.

**Method Comments**

**Process Methods Comments**

*Summary of creative engineering design methods.*

Performance specification

Morphological charting

Pugh's evaluation matrix [28]

Weighted objectives

Market research and analysis

Build product objectives tree as ordered sets of targets to be achieved, in order to satisfy market needs in the prevailing

of the product to meet the objectives. The function is further decomposed into sub functions and then, possible mechanical components are identified to do, and, to integrate these sub functions. Limits on what can be done are imposed in form of

Determined from functions, independent of possible solutions—considering that different products, types and features could provide the same functions. Pahl and Beitz [27] checklist can be used to define attributes that should preferably be quantified in range form, to give a specification.

Components for each sub-function in function analysis are tabulated and then, different combinations of these tried, to give different products having the same overall functionality.

Each feasible concept is considered for its relative position on each objective. Then summation of weighted scores guides selection. The problem however, is that ordinal scaling can result. This must be changed to interval value scaling.

A benchmark concept is chosen. The others are compared with it in turn for each objective on a −1, 0, +1 scale. Totals for each objective, are multiplied by a weighting factor, and then sums of scores for each concept, computed. The bench mark concept scores zero while the best one is that, scoring highest.

assembly and detailed drawings of components of the selected

and Virtual—CAD generated systems. Experimentation is done on the first three while simulations are done on virtual

reducing delivery cost—without losing functionality, or increasing value and utility to the customer, or both.

Drawings This step involves sketches of layouts for different concepts;

Prototyping May exist in four forms [20]: Mock-ups, Models, Prototypes,

Value engineering Re-examines the selected concept with intent of either

circumstances.

Brain storming Best in a group, where each individual can make as many suggestions as quickly come to mind, irrespective of their apparent merits/demerits. Synectics Requires drawing parallels between quite unrelated events or things, preferably by

effects to the problem on hand; dialectical reasoning, etc. Spark of moment Needs individual to have been thinking about the problem for some time—as in solution of plastic-latex jointing in Section 3.1 below.

a system boundary.

Brain storming As in creative engineering methods.

concept.

ones.

Function analysis Looks at the objectives tree, then determines overall function

people in a group discussion, to open up brain cells interconnection channels that can

Redefines the spectrum in which solution is sought. This can be assisted by: questioning the basis of the problem; random actions and making parallels of their

Identifying market needs

**Table 1.**

Search space enlargement

Formulating product functions

Specifying product attributes

Synthesizing alternative concepts

Evaluating alternative solutions

Detail design and construction

Improving the optimized solution

*Summary of rational engineering design methods.*

**72**

**Table 2.**

We will now illustrate two cases of using some of the above approaches in an academic—rather than—an industrial environment. The first case is by the author himself. It exemplifies the creative design approach, and addresses an issue in solar energy engineering, of maximising useful energy yields from a flat-surfaced solar energy harnessing device. The second case shows a rational design approach, as taught to students in attempt to change MED from an analysis driven course, to a synthesis driven one. It builds on student knowledge gained from designing and constructing a multispeed fluid mixing vessel. The student designs a system for essential oils extraction from African herbs.
