1 chapter 8: problem solving section 8.1 – introduction engineers, by definition, need to be good...

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Chapter 8: Problem SolvingSection 8.1 – Introduction

Engineers, by definition, need to be good at solving problems and making things

Filling your toolbox with the right tools, and knowing how to use them are critical components to becoming a successful engineer

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Chapter 8: Problem SolvingSection 8.2 – Analytic and Creative Problem Solving

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Most students are more comfortable with analytic problem solving---where there is one correct answer

Creative Problem Solving does not have a single right answer

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In a group, identify one topic related to electrical engineering that does not have one single, simple solution.

List the possible solutions Give advantages and

disadvantages to each proposed solution

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Design Process 10 Step Process:1. Identify the problem2. Define the working criteria / goals3. Research and gather data4. Brainstorm5. Analyze 6. Develop and test models7. Make the decision8. Communicate and specify9. Implement and commercialize10. Perform post-implementation review /

assessment

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By definition, design is open-ended and has many different solutions

The design process as a whole is a creative problem-solving process

Most engineering curricula involve many opportunities to develop analytical skills

Most real-world problems require a combination of analytical skills and other skills to solve

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A Long List of Tools/Strategies that help in Solving Problems:

1. Look for a pattern2. Construct a table3. Consider possibilities

systematically4. Act it out5. Make a model6. Make a figure, graph or

drawing7. Work backwards8. Select appropriate notation9. Restate the problem in your

own words10. Identify necessary, desired

and given information11. Write an open-ended

sentence12. Identify a sub-goal13. First solve a simpler problem

14. Change your point of view15. Check for hidden

assumptions16. Use a resource17. Generalize18. Check the solution; validate

it19. Find another way to solve the

problem20. Find another solution21. Study the solution process22. Discuss limitations23. Get a bigger hammer24. Sleep on it25. Brainstorm26. Involve others

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Chapter 8: Problem SolvingSection 8.3 – Analytic Problem Solving

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Analytic Method Steps used by Engineers:

1. Define the Problem / Make a Problem Statement

2. Diagram and describe3. Apply theory and equations4. Simplify the assumptions5. Solve the necessary problems6. Verify accuracy to required level

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1. Define the Problem / Make a Problem Statement

Restate the problem in your own words

Double-check that your impression of the problem is the one that matches the original problem

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2. Description / Diagrams Describe the problem and list all that

is known

Unlike most textbook problems, real-world problems typically include more information than what is needed to do the calculations

Diagrams & sketches may help in your understanding of the problem

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3. Theory State theory and/or equations

needed to solve the problem

It may be useful to solve a simplified version of any equations involved

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4. Simplifying Assumptions Exact solutions may be costly and/or

impractical

Simplifying assumptions can make the problem easier to solve, yet still retain accuracy

A “conservative” assumption is one the introduces errors on the safe side

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5. Problem Solution Calculations may be done by hand or

by computer

When using computer simulations, develop a way to document what you have done in deriving the solution.

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6. Accuracy Verification It is important that the solution

an engineer develops is accurate

Within engineering, degree of accuracy is a variable to consider and analyze constantly

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6. Accuracy Verification: Estimation

Estimation is a skill typically developed only after years of working as an engineer

Estimation can provide bounds for potential answers: “Am I in the ballpark?”

Estimation can be used to help decide if a detailed analysis is needed

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Chapter 8: Problem SolvingSection 8.4 – Creative Problem Solving

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Many engineering problems are open-ended and complex

These types of problems require creative problem solving

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The creative problem solving method should focus on answering the following 5 questions:

1. What is wrong?2. What do we know?3. What is the real problem?4. What is the best solution?5. How do we implement the

solution?

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Divergence vs. Convergence:

Divergent Process: Start at one point and reach for as many ideas as possible

Convergent Process: Use analytical and evaluative tools to narrow the possibilities to the ones most likely to yield results

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Chapter 8: Problem SolvingSection 8.6 – Brainstorming Strategies

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Brainstorming: a technique used to stimulate as many innovative solutions as possible

Goal in Brainstorming: to stimulate your mind to trigger concepts or ideas that normal problem solving might miss

Brainstorming goal is always to generate as many potential solutions as possible without judging any of them

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Chapter 8: Problem SolvingSection 8.7 – Critical Thinking

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Many of life’s issues are complex and have no single solution

Engineers need to keep a critical eye on the context and direction of his/her work

Creating opportunities to gain perspective is as important as the problem solving methods described in this chapter

Periodically take a step back and ask Why? or What?

1 chapter 8: problem solving section 8.1 – introduction engineers, by definition, need to be good...

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