Lecture 2- Problem Solving

BASIC ENGINEERING DESIGN GEN- N003

FRESHMAN 2007-2008 FALL SEMESTER 1cr - 3con Studio Course

Lecture 2- Problem Solving

A.INTRODUCTION

PROBLEM SOLVING
Throughout history, many different people have tried to map problem solving as a process which individuals and groups could follow to success. THINKING Thinking is the most complicated and advanced brain activities It is a product of human ability to process symbols and thoughts, hence using it in solving problems in different situations
Basic Engineering Design GEN N003 2/19

Lecture 2- Problem Solving

A.INTRODUCTION

Basic Engineering Design GEN N003

3/19

Lecture 2- Problem Solving

B.DEFINITIONS

PROBLEM

PROBLEM SOLVING

The case in which a human has two situations, one is known while the other is relatively unknown.

Ways and methods used to achieve a solution or objective to bridge the gap between the two situations

Basic Engineering Design GEN N003

4/19

Lecture 2- Problem Solving

B.DEFINITIONS

ALGORITHM

HEURISTICS

PROBLEM SPACE

A sequence of steps that can be followed to solve the problem.

A set of actions or activities that can help in finding a solution.

Is the all possible actions that could be done to achieve a solution.

5/19

Basic Engineering Design GEN N003

Lecture 2- Problem Solving

C. PROBLEM SOLVING METHODS

THE DIFFERENCE REDUCTION METHOD

Reducing the gap between the basic phase and the final phase This technique is used when the problem is not familiar.
Example: We have 3 bottles: A, B & C, Bottle A has the capacity of 8 cups of water Bottle B has the capacity of 5 cups Bottle C has the capacity of 3 cups Assume A is full, and B &C are empty, then find a way to divide the amount of water in bottle A equally in A & B, so they became equally filled with 4 cups of water
Basic Engineering Design GEN N003 6/19

Lecture 2- Problem Solving

C. PROBLEM SOLVING METHODS

MEANS ENDS ANALYSIS

Start with analyzing the main problem into secondary problems

Example: You need to go to the University from Home What is the difference between the basic situation and the final situation? (the difference is the distance between university and home) How can this dereference (i.e., distance) be overcome? (using a Car) The car is not working, then start by fixing the car. This technique assumes the following: There are two situations: Basic and Final Use actions to eliminate or minimize the difference This process can be used repetitively as long as there is a Basic Engineering Design GEN N003 7/19 progress in finding a solution

Lecture 2- Problem Solving

C. PROBLEM SOLVING METHODS

WORKING BACKGROUND TECHNIQUE

Start from the End, start from the objective Find appropriate sub-objectives to achieve the main objective Find appropriate decisions to achieve subobjectives Deal with each sub-objective individually

Basic Engineering Design GEN N003

8/19

Lecture 2- Problem Solving

C. PROBLEM SOLVING METHODS

PROBLEM SOLVING BY ANALOGY

Use a technique that succeeded in solving a similar problem

Resemblance to a wall
Basic Engineering Design GEN N003 9/19

Lecture 2- Problem Solving

D.DESIGN PROBLEMS

CHARACTERISTICS OF DESIGN PROBLEMS

I. DESIGN

PROBLEMS CANNOT BE COMPREHENSIVELY STATED Design problems are complicated & require a wide range of information II. DESIGN PROBLEMS REQUIRE SUBJECTIVE INTERPRETATION Design problems are subjectively understood III. DESIN PROBLEMS TEND TO BE ORGANIZED HIERARCHICALLY Design problems are conflicting yet could be arranged during to priorities
Basic Engineering Design GEN N003 10/19

Lecture 2- Problem Solving

D.DESIGN PROBLEMS

SOURCES OF DESIGN PROBLEMS

Human Sources
Client Context & environment

Constraints as Problems
Functional Problems

User
Designer

Building regulations & codes

Technologies available Budget & material

Basic Engineering Design GEN N003

11/19

Lecture 2- Problem Solving

E. ENGINEERING METHOD

THE ENGINEERING MODEL ETTER (1995) presented a model used by students to solve engineering problems.

Define the problem - state it clearly Gather information - describe input and output Generate and evaluate potential solutions Refine and implement solutions Verify and test solution method and result
Basic Engineering Design GEN N003 12/19

Lecture 2- Problem Solving

E. ENGINEERING METHOD

THE ENGINEERING METHOD

RECOGNIZE AND UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM GATHER DATA (AND VERIFY ITS ACCURACY) SELECT GUIDING THEORIES AND PRINCIPLES MAKE ASSUMPTIONS WHEN NECESSARY SOLVE THE PROBLEM VERIFY THE RESULTS PRESENT THE SOLUTION

Basic Engineering Design GEN N003

13/19

Lecture 2- Problem Solving

E. ENGINEERING METHOD

ENGINEERING PROBLEM TYPES

Create a New Product

Invention/conceptualization New/modified design of existing product

Cost Reduction
Do it faster, cheaper, better Example: Personal computers

Develop or change a Procedure

Example: Warehouse inventory -- Instead of having 3 month's inventory go to "just in time"

Human Factors
Make our lives longer, better, easier Examples: cruise control, moving sidewalks, management tools
Basic Engineering Design GEN N003 14/19

Lecture 2- Problem Solving

E. ENGINEERING METHOD

TYPES OF INFORMATION FOR PROBLEM SOLVING

GIVENS
OPERATIONS GOALS The initial condition of the problem The various actions we are allowed to perform

The desired final condition of the problem

The state of the problem at any specific point in time Completely specified the GIVENS, OPERATIONS, GOALS, and succession of PROBLEM STATES to get to GOAL 15/19 state

PROBLEM STATE SOLUTION

Basic Engineering Design GEN N003

Lecture 2- Problem Solving

E. ENGINEERING METHOD

STEPS IN PROBLEM SOLVING

IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM

YOU CANT FIX IT IF YOU DONT KNOW WHAT IS BROKEN.

DETERMINE WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE SOLUTION

WHAT IS KNOWN? WHAT IS UNKNOWN? ANY RESTRICTIONS OR LIMITATIONS? ANY SPECIAL CASES?
Basic Engineering Design GEN N003 16/19

Lecture 2- Problem Solving

F. EXERCISES

HOW WOULD YOU DEVIDE THE SQUARE INTO FOUR EQUAL PIECES?

Basic Engineering Design GEN N003

17/19

Lecture 2- Problem Solving

F. EXERCISES

HOW WOULD YOU DEVIDE A SQUARE OF CARDBOARD TO GIVE AN L SHAPE WITH THE SAME AREA OF THE SQUARE?

Basic Engineering Design GEN N003

18/19

Lecture 2- Problem Solving

F. EXERCISES

1. JOIN BETWEEN ALL CIRCLES USING 4 CONNECTED LINES

2. JOIN BETWEEN ALL CIRCLES USING 3 CONNECTED LINES

Basic Engineering Design GEN N003

19/19