Engineering Notebook and Design Process Review

Flashcards covering engineering notebook documentation guidelines, historical notebook examples, and the 6-step IED design process.

What is an engineering notebook?

A book in which an engineer formally documents, in chronological order, all of their work associated with a specific design project.

Why is an engineering notebook recognized as a legal document in patent activities?

It is used to prove the origin of an idea, when events or ideas occurred, diligence in turning the idea into a solution, and when an idea became a working solution ("reduced to practice").

What are the main sections of an engineering notebook?

Title Page, Table of Contents, General Chronological Entries, References, and Business/Expert Contacts.

What are the features of the standard page layout in an engineering notebook?

Quadrille ruled paper with numbered and dated pages, signatures of both the designer and a witness, and a statement of the proprietary nature of the notebook.

How should mistakes be corrected in an engineering notebook according to best practices?

Draw a single line through the mistake, enter the correct information, and initial the change. Never erase or remove anything.

How should extra blank space on an engineering notebook page be handled?

Draw a line across the extra blank space and sign or initial it.

How must items be inserted into an engineering notebook?

They must be permanently attached (glue is preferred) with no loose leaf items, and signed across both the notebook page and the inserted item.

Who documented their inventions in an 'Invention Diary and Sketchbook' in 1939 and went on to develop Tupperware?

Earl Silas Tupper (1907-1983).

Which inventor created an electro-mechanical fly catcher in 1943 and a bean-sorting machine?

Everett Huckel Bickley (1888-1972).

Who designed the oversized tennis racket in 1974 that more than doubled the sweet spot?

Howard Head (1914-1991).

How is 'design' defined in engineering?

Anything made by a conscious human effort, or a process used to systematically solve problems.

What institution's research project formed the basis for the design process used in IED?

University of Maryland - College Park - IRB Research Project.

What are the six steps of the Design Process used in IED?

1. Define Problem, 2. Generate Concepts, 3. Develop a Solution, 4. Construct and Test Prototype, 5. Evaluate Solution, 6. Present Solution.

What tool shown in this matrix is used to compare design solutions against one another using specific criteria?

A decision matrix.

What are technical drawings?

Drawings that provide technical information necessary to produce a product, including material, size, shape, and assembly if necessary.

What does it mean for a design process to be 'iterative'?

It is a process that repeats a series of steps over and over until the desired outcome is obtained.