As part of this course, you are responsible for a design project. The project will be done in groups of three members and each group is responsible for selecting its own project. You are asked to design either a new product or improve an existing product that is related to your day-to-day life. The design project must have sufficient mechanical engineering contents and enough complexity that warrants the use of computer for synthesis and analysis (provide kinematics synthesis and finite element analysis whenever appropriate). You should apply your newly acquired knowledge of general design procedure and component design analysis as offered in this course to your project. The design project has to be approved by the instructor.

Whatever project you select, your group must meet the following design phase deadlines and submit with one page project summary:

1 - Background of the problem and project goal statement - Due date: Wednesday, February 16

The background should identify the nature of the problem and clearly explain the need for the solution you will design. The goal statement should be precise and clear. After meeting with the instructor and his approval, you may proceed to the next step of the design.

2 – Design Specification Development - Due date: Wednesday, March 2

Defining the functional specification (FS) for your design project is an important step in design. The FS should identify the essential and desirable functional requirements and the important constraints which must be satisfied. The FS should be written tightly enough so that a design that meets the FS, fully achieves the project goal, yet written loosely enough that encourages the widest possible range of solutions.

3 - Conceptual Design - Due date: Monday, March 21

Your group will generate different alternatives in achieving the design goal. The concepts should be documented with hand sketches and notes explaining how the design works. After meeting with the instructor, the most promising concept will be selected to proceed with the detail design.

4 – Project Presentation and Final report -

Project presentation will be conducted in class on May 16 (Monday). The final project report is due May 17 (Tuesday) in my office by 3PM, late reports will not be accepted. The format of the final report will be discussed during the class period.

The following criteria will be considered in evaluating each design:

• Relevance of the design product to day-to-day life and potential market demand for the product.   10%
• Completeness and quality of the final report (including good writing).      20%
• Creativity in design.         20%
• Detail design of the product (synthesis, stress analysis on critical parts, kinematics analysis, computer usage).  35%
• Complete CAD drawings.   15%

Some design projects performed in the past are listed in the following pdf file:

  Sample of design project list