Science: Biomedical Engineering

Why do engineers test prototypes?

Engineers test prototypes to collect data to see if the design works and what should be fixed.

Why is redesign an important part of engineering?

Redesign lets engineers make the design better using data.

Trade-off

A trade-off is when you give up one advantage to gain another.

What does it mean to optimize a design?

To optimize a design is to make it better.

Why isn't the strongest design always the best design?

A design must meet its criteria and constraints like cost or safety, not only strength.

Prosthesis

A prosthesis is an artificial replacement for a missing body part.

Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineering is engineering that has to do with human health and body.

What is the purpose of a prototype?

A prototype is an early model that you test so you can make improvements.

What is the difference between a criterion and a constraint?

A criterion is a requirement for a successful design, while a constraint is a limitation on the design.

How can technology help people overcome physical limitations?

Technology helps us support or replace body functions.

Why do engineers have to consider both criteria and constraints?

Criteria set the goals, while constraints set the limits. A good design needs to meet both.

How are science, engineering, and technology related?

Science gives knowledge about nature. Engineering creates solutions. Technology is the tools and products built from those solutions. They all work together.

Biomechanics

Biomechanics is the study of how living things move.

How does structure relate to function?

The structure of something shapes/determines what it can do.

Why is evidence important when evaluating a design?

Evidence is data or information that tells us if a design works well.

How can two different designs solve the same problem?

Two designs can be different, but both can work and meet the same criteria.

Why might an engineer need to consider environmental effects?

A design can harm the environment when it is being made, used, or thrown away. Environmental harm can also harm people.

How can data be used to improve a prototype?

Data can show weaknesses that tell us what to improve.

Why is testing more than once useful?

Testing more than once helps us find weaknesses and check if our improvements work.

What makes a solution successful?

A successful solution meets its criteria and works with the constaints.

Criteria/Criterion

the requirements of a design (a checklist)

Constraints

the limitations of a design (like money or time)