problem solving

Problem Solving

Engineering Technology Mr. Austin

Objectives

Understand different approaches to Problem Solving

Identify different characteristics of Problem Solving

Enhance vocabulary by using engineering language

How we learned

Draw a picture Math Problems

“Work Backward”make the end product first then go back and draw it up and forge the design work

Guess and CheckNo effort—just write down a guess and then check the back of the book for congruency

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Types of Problem Solving

Analytical Problem Solving

Creative Problem Solving QuickTime™ and a

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Analytical Problem SolvingThe “Scientific Method”

Define the problem Gather the facts Develop a

hypothesis Perform a test Evaluate the

results



Downfall of the Scientific Method

The process ends when an acceptable understanding of the studied phenomenon is achieved

Once the first solution is found the search is over



Engineering Approach to…The “Scientific Method”

Define the problem and make a problem statement

Diagram and describe Apply theory and

equations Simplify the

assumptions Solve the necessary

problems Verify accuracy to

required level



Problem Statement

Restate the problem in your own words

This ensures that you are solving the correct problem

Check your impression to see if it matches the original problem

Description

Describe the problem and all that is known

List the information given and what needs to be found

This will help you see if you need to find more information than just the solution



Theory

State the theory or equations needed to solve the problem

Examples are constants and variables like gravity and density



Simplifying The Assumptions

Makes problem solving easier and still provide an accurate answer

You could go through each scenario or assume the worst and design to that

Swing set example through age groups



Problem Solution

Perform calculations to solve the problem

Put all of the information together to come up with the best solution



Accuracy Verification

Estimate the answer Simplify the problem and

solve Compare with similar

problems and previous work

Ask questions Compare to research Compare to personal

experience Repeat calculations Run a simulation Redo calculation

backwards



Estimation

Provides quick answers to complex problems

Can be used to check an analysis

Becomes better with more experience



Creative Problem Solving

What is wrong What do we know What is the real

problem What is the best

solution How do we

implement the solution



What’s wrong

Defining the issue Identify if the

problem is worth solving

Identify if there is a problem

Restate problem



What do we know

Gather all the facts Do not evaluate

whether the information is central to the problem

List all facts known Get help from

someone with a different point of view



What Is The Real Problem

Most overlooked step in the solution process

Identify why the problem exists

Don’t address the symptoms of the problem but rather the root of the problem

The why must be answered



What Is The Best Solution

Make a list of all possible solutions

Talk with group members or a non bias person about possibilities

The best solution should be decided by a group after a presentation of the information



Implementing The Solution

Putting the best possible solution into use

Requires a good amount of resources (mostly money)

To implement a solution you must be able to sell the idea



Evaluating The Solution

Identify what makes an acceptable solution

establish a criterion for success

A neutral party should evaluate the solution to ensure a non bias report

Congruent to feedback in the USM



problem solving

Documents