Introduction to Engineering Design Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for reviewing key terms from the Introduction to Engineering Design course.

Design Process

A systematic, step-by-step approach to solving engineering problems.

Design Brief

A concise statement outlining stakeholder needs, problem statement, and design criteria/constraints.

Stakeholder

Individuals or groups affected by or invested in the design solution.

Problem Statement

A clear description of the issue the design aims to address.

Design Criteria

Specific requirements the design must meet.

Constraints

Limitations or restrictions on the design (e.g., budget, materials).

Primary Research

Data collected directly by the designer (e.g., surveys).

Secondary Research

Information gathered from existing sources (e.g., articles).

Brainstorming

A group technique to generate a large quantity of ideas without criticism.

Piling-on

Building or expanding on others’ ideas during brainstorming.

Mind Mapping

A visual diagram organizing information hierarchically around a central concept.

Decision Matrix

A tool for ranking design ideas based on weighted criteria.

Concept Sketches

Rough drawings to communicate key ideas and features.

CAD Model

A digital 3D model created using computer-aided design software (e.g., Fusion).

Technical Drawings

Detailed, precise illustrations of a design for construction or documentation.

Prototype

A physical model built to test a design’s form and function.

Iterative Design

A cyclical process of refining a design based on testing and evaluation.

3D Renderings

Realistic digital images of a design for presentation.

Physical Notebook

A record of design work, with glued/taped items signed and dated by author and witness.

Population Mean (µ)

The average of all values in a complete data set.

Sample Mean (x̄)

The average of values in a subset of a data set.

Range

The difference between the maximum and minimum values in a data set.

Bimodal

A data set with two values occurring with maximum frequency.

Multi-modal

A data set with three or more values occurring with maximum frequency.

SI Prefixes

Standard multipliers for units (e.g., kilo- for 1000, milli- for 0.001).

Visualization

Techniques for representing data or designs visually (e.g., graphs).

Engineering Disciplines

Fields of engineering like mechanical, civil, electrical, and chemical.

Invention

A novel creation, often patentable.

Innovation

An improvement to an existing product or process.

Gantt Chart

A bar chart showing a project’s timeline and tasks.

Sketching (in Fusion)

Creating 2D drawings as the foundation for 3D models.

Constraints (Geometric)

Rules applied to sketches (e.g., tangent, parallel) to define features.

Timeline

A Fusion feature allowing editing of previous design commands.

Extrude

A Fusion command to extend a 2D sketch into a 3D shape.

Revolve

A Fusion command to create a 3D shape by rotating a 2D sketch around an axis.

Sweep

A Fusion command to form a 3D shape by moving a profile along a path.

Loft

A Fusion command to blend between two or more sketches into a 3D shape.

Fillet

A Fusion command to round an edge or corner.

Chamfer

A Fusion command to bevel an edge.

Shell

A Fusion command to hollow out a solid model.

Holes

A Fusion command to create openings in a model.

Patterns

A Fusion command to repeat features in a design.

Joints

Relationships in assemblies (e.g., fixed, sliding, rotating) to simulate real-world behavior.

Animations

Motion simulations in Fusion to visualize design functionality.

Simulations

Strength or motion tests in Fusion to predict structural performance.

Orthographic View

A 2D projection showing an object from one angle (e.g., top, front).

Isometric View

A 3D representation with equal angles (30°) to show depth.

Section View

A drawing showing an internal cross-section of an object.

Detail View

An enlarged drawing of a specific part for clarity.

Exploded Assembly

A drawing showing components separated to illustrate assembly.

Parts List

A table listing components in an assembly drawing.

Line Types

Styles of lines in technical drawings (e.g., visible, hidden, center).

Visible Lines

Solid lines showing an object’s visible edges.

Hidden Lines

Dashed lines indicating edges not directly visible.

Phantom Lines

Short-dashed lines showing alternate positions or movement.

Section Lines

Diagonal lines in a pattern to indicate a cut surface.

Center Lines

Long-and-short dashed lines marking the center of circular features.

Dimension Lines

Lines with measurements between extension lines.

Extension Lines

Lines extending from an object to a dimension line.

Leader Lines

Lines with arrows or dots pointing to features, often with labels.

Cutting Plane Line

A line with dashes and arrows showing where a section is cut.

Break Lines

Lines abbreviating long spans (e.g., zig-zag for metal, curled for pipes).

Through Hole

A hole that passes completely through an object.

Clearance Hole

A hole slightly larger than a fastener for easy fit.

Blind Hole

A hole that does not go all the way through an object.

Countersink

A conical hole allowing a screw head to sit flush.

Counterbore

A cylindrical hole with a flat bottom for a bolt head to sit below the surface.

Tapped Hole

A hole with internal threads for a screw.

Dial Calipers

A precision tool with a dial for measuring dimensions.

Unilateral Tolerance

Variation allowed in one direction from a specified size (e.g., +0.1/-0 mm).

Bilateral Tolerance

Variation allowed in both directions (e.g., ±0.05 mm).

Limit Tolerance

Specific upper and lower size limits (e.g., 25.00–25.05 mm).

Perspective

A 3D sketch showing realistic depth and vanishing points.

Oblique

A 3D sketch with one face flat and depth at an angle (cavalier: full depth; cabinet: half depth).

Shading

Adding light and shadow to sketches for dimensionality.

Tone

The lightness or darkness added to enhance realism in sketches.

Geometric Solids

3D shapes like cubes, spheres, or cylinders.

Volume

The amount of space a 3D object occupies.

Mass

The amount of matter in an object, calculated as volume times mass density.

Weight

The force exerted by mass due to gravity, calculated as volume times weight density.

Density

Mass or weight per unit volume (mass density or weight density).

Reverse Engineering

Disassembling and analyzing a product to understand its design and function.

Visual Analysis

Observing a product’s external features and appearance.

Functional Analysis

Identifying a product’s purpose and how it operates.

Structural Analysis

Examining a product’s internal components and arrangement.

Black Box Systems Model

A representation of a product focusing on inputs and outputs, not internal processes.

Micrometers

Precision tools for measuring small distances.

Optical Probes

Devices for non-contact measurement or scanning.

Handheld 3D Laser Scanners

Tools for capturing 3D geometry of objects.

Medical Imaging

Techniques like X-rays for internal analysis in reverse engineering.

Rack and Pinion

A mechanism converting rotary motion to linear motion (or vice versa).

Spur Gears

Straight-toothed gears for rotary motion transfer.

Geneva-Stop

A mechanism for intermittent rotary motion.

Crank-Pin

A rotating pin driving a connecting rod for reciprocating motion.

Connecting Rod

A link transferring motion between a crank and another part.

Slotted Yoke

A mechanism guiding reciprocating motion via a slot.

Quick Return Crank

A mechanism for oscillating motion with a faster return stroke.

Cam Shaft

A rod with cams to convert rotary motion into linear motion.

Worm Gear

A gear arrangement for high torque and reduced speed.

Pulley

A wheel with a groove for a belt or rope to transmit motion.