The Design Process

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The design process

Design may be defined as the methodical approach to the solution of a problem. Fundamentally, the purpose of good engineering design is to create an end product which will not only function efficiently, but will also be a commercial success.

Except in the simplest of cases, the design process is a very complicated procedure requiring the services of a number of highly trained personnel. The main steps in designing a product may follow the pattern illustrated below.

Demand

Before anything can be sold there must be someone who is prepared to buy it. A satisfied customer is one of the best salesmen a firm can have. It is therefore necessary to establish and maintain the confidence of the consumer by marketing a good and reliable, product at a reasonable price.

It is important to have a clear understanding of who the buyer is likely to be. If, for instance, the item is for use in the home rather than in the factory, then, generally speaking, it will not need to be so robust, but will require a more attractive finish.

Design draughtsmen are primarily concerned with improving or adapting existing products to meet the consumer’s changing needs. Often, a firm will be asked by its customers to make a machine, which is larger or faster than those currently being manufactured.

Competition encourages a manufacturer to improve his products continually, and to offer a good service. In fact, competitive equipment constitutes one of the greatest external influences, which affect the cost, function, and appearance of a new design to a considerable extent. From the customer’s point of view, a new product must offer deci...

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... commence. This is accomplished by subdividing the layouts into logical units for assembly, followed by further subdivision into detailed instructions on the manufacture of each individual item. Throughout this phase, the draughtsman is guided by past experience, relevant standards, codes of practice, and specifications.

Models

When investigating the relative positions of the major units in his layout, he may find it helpful to use models of the design, especially where plant layout or complicated mechanisms are concerned. If exact scale replicas are not essential, then special kits, which are available from model manufacturers, may be employed. As he may have to seek the advice of experts not familiar with draughting procedure, it may be easier for them to view and criticize his ideas in model form rather than have to wade through piles of layout drawings

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