Design Project

The second phase of this course consists of a design project. The emphasis of the project will be Product Design as opposed to services or systems. Creativity, intuition, cultivation of engineering "common sense" will be fostered within the framework of design principles and methodologies. In particular the patent system will be investigated as a resource and as an eventual protection for the inventor.

Project Description
Time is limited, budget more so, a prototype is required. It is therefore imperative that products be simple. We would prefer that the projects be studentconceived but the faculty is ready to supply topics should a group be short of ideas. Once a project has been agreed upon with the instructor you will not be allowed to change for another - so choose wisely. Ask for advice.

General Project Guide Lines
- There should be a demonstrable market for the product. To check this, identify existing products that meet a particular need.

-The product should contain less than 10 parts.

-The prototype should not cost you your lunch money for the next 4 years.

-The product should require no basic technological breakthroughs.
We do not have time to deal with large technological uncertainties.

- Although we will be dealing with patents, save highly proprietary ideas for another context; we will be quite open in discussing class projects and do not wish to be constrained by sensitive information.

-Most products are really not well designed. One is constantly amazed at the seemingly poor quality of common products (utility knives, garlic presses, cork screws, ice cream scoops, etc. etc ... ).

Pick any product satisfying the above guidelines and you will be able to develop a product that is superior to anything currently on the market.

Some Examples
Hand tools, Office accessories, Back packing accessory, Tape measure, Liquid container opener, Garlic press, Ski waxer, Roach trap, Bike rack, Dish rack, Bike light, Guided chopsticks for novice users, Bath tub water level alarm, Solar egg cooker, Bagel slicer, Paper towel holder, Walkman carrying pouch, Kitchen cabinet safety latch, CD storage rack, Food tray for automobiles, Clip board for disabled person, Laptop computer security device, Beach chair Shopping cart, A refrigerator designed for beer.

Student - Conceived Projects
On the second week of the term students will form project groups.

On the third week of the term each group of two to four students will turn-in one-page written proposal and discuss it with the instructor for approval. After receiving approval from the instructor, each group will turn in a project card indicating:
-Students’ names

- Project title and brief description

-Student's special skills eg. modeling, CAD beyond the EID
101 experience, marketing skills, artistic skills or interests, etc.

Please note that after agreement and approval of instructor you cannot
change your topic. Though apparently restrictive this precaution will save
you endless troubles later on!

Prototype
A stereo lithographic apparatus (SLA) is available in the C.A.E. Lab to help fabricate some items which may be needed for the prototype. Before deciding on its use however check with the instructor. The use of the machine is expansive, so the design has to be thoroughly studied before you decide using it. Arrangements for using the machine have to be made well in advance to have the items produced when needed. So plan ahead and discuss your plans with the instructor.

The physical prototype has to be presented at the oral presentation and a few high quality 35 mm slides of the prototype included with the written report.

Oral Presentations
The final oral presentations will follow the same format as in EID 101. Each group will have 15 minutes for the presentation, the prototype demonstration and discussion.