Optimizing Solutions

The engineering design process may result in a solution to a particular problem. Even after developing and testing the design solution, engineers continue the testing part of the process. Which statement explains why engineers would continue this part of the process?

• They made some minor errors in the initial design solution.

• They are not confident that the design solution really works.

• They want to make sure the design solution still gives the same results.

• They want to optimize the design solution in response to the test results.

Claire works at her family’s restaurant. Claire has noticed there is a problem with getting enough clean dishes at the time that food is ready to be served. She studied the amount of time it takes for dishes to be washed versus the time it takes for food to be prepared. She created a flow chart to help her find a solution. Which action will Claire most likely take to solve this problem?

• use process optimization

• use the iterative design process

• conduct a risk-benefits analysis

• increase the number of steps in the chart

A company is trying to design new carbon monoxide detectors that register carbon monoxide at a level of 5 parts per million (ppm). The company engineers decide that the detector needs improvement and start designing new versions. They develop each new version based on new ideas and the features that worked in the previous one. They continue testing each new version in the process. Which process does this best describe?

• making trade-offs

• the iterative design process

• process and system optimization

• evaluating advantages and disadvantages

An engineer develops a prototype of a hair dryer based on his first idea. Which statement describes the most likely result of taking this approach?

• It will increase the production efficiency.

• It will positively affect the company’s profits.

• It will most likely not be an optimized design.

• It will increase the cost of building a prototype.

An engineer has designed some computer screen solutions that he has tested. The engineer’s goal is to include a step in the process that evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of each design, as well as find out which solution seems to be the most promising. Which additional step is the best way for the engineer to achieve her goal?

• test other designs

• consider trade-offs

• conduct a cost-benefits analysis

• use the iterative design process

Rosa is trying to find out which material should go into a new mug that keeps beverages warm. She makes a chart while studying two materials that are being considered for the mug. Each mug must be constructed for no more than $2.00 per mug. Rosa chooses the better insulating material, which is also the most expensive. This drives the cost up to $2.25 per mug. Which statement explains Rosa’s decision to go with the more expensive material?

• She is making a trade-off by selecting the ceramic material.

• She is making a trade-off by selecting plastic foam material.

• She is trying to increase the profit for the company who makes the mugs.

• She is paying attention to the constraint by selecting the best material for the product.

Student backpacks are designed using the engineering design process. Backpack designers want a new backpack model to be both lightweight and strong enough to carry large loads. These are the results of testing for each of the three prototype backpacks. Which statement accurately describes an advantage of one of the prototypes?

• Prototype X carries the largest load.

• Prototype Y is the lightest prototype.

• Prototype Z would hold the most books.

• Prototype X would be the heaviest to carry.

Student backpacks are designed using the engineering design process. Backpack designers want a new backpack model to be both lightweight and strong enough to carry large loads. These are the results of testing for each of the three prototype backpacks.

If the average student carries about 10 kg of books in his or her backpack, which of the three prototypes best meets the needs of students?

• X

• Y

• Z

If your initial design doesn't fully solve the problem or meet the challenge, you must go back and revise your plan. This is part of which step in the Design Process?

• Create
• Improve
• Ask 
• Imagine

A team of engineers is asked to design a scooter for less than $30. They decide that they will only use recycled materials. Which of the following is the team’s constraint?

• designed to appeal to kids
• made out of recycled materials
• cost less than $30 to produce