Engineering Design Midterm

A

Definition & Role

Engineering is a profession that applies science and mathematics to develop solutions for practical problems, distinguishing it from pure science. Engineers create, design, and build, while scientists discover.

Profession

It is a self-regulated profession in Canada. The title "Professional Engineer" (P.Eng.) is protected by law and requires a license from a provincial association.

Team Roles

Different roles exist, including Engineers (design/approval), Technologists (implementation), Technicians (operation/maintenance), and Skilled Workers (construction).

Disciplines

Includes Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Software, and more, each with a specific focus.

Canadian Context

Canada has a rich history of engineering accomplishments (e.g., Canadarm, CPR). Engineers face major challenges like climate change and have a responsibility to engage in societal and political debates to inform policy.

Engineering Takeaway/Overview

Engineering is about applying knowledge ethically and competently to solve problems for the benefit of society.

Self-Regulation

The engineering profession is regulated to protect the public by ensuring only qualified individuals practice

Quebec Bridge Case Study:

The collapses (1907 & 1916) were pivotal, demonstrating the catastrophic consequences of engineering error and ethical lapses, leading to the creation of formal licensing laws in Canada. 

• Legislative Act:

• The foundational law granting authority to provincial Associations (e.g., EGBC in BC).

Code of Ethics

A set of rules guiding professional conduct. The primary duty is to hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public and the protection of the environment.

Key Duties:

Include acting with competence, integrity, and fidelity; avoiding conflicts of interest; maintaining confidentiality; and presenting consequences clearly to clients

Equity

Engineers must treat all persons equitably, without discrimination. A diverse workplace fosters innovation and better problem-solving.

Whistle-Blowing

A last-resort process when an engineer identifies a serious risk that is being ignored internally. The escalation procedure is:

1. Get facts and document.

2. Propose a solution.

3. Speak to a key person.

4. Escalate higher in management.

5. If internal avenues fail, report to the licensing Association and/or regulatory bodies.

Iron Ring

A symbolic reminder of an engineer's ethical obligation and the consequences of failure, received at the Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer.

Professional Association

e.g., EGBC):

• Mandatory membership for licensure.

• Primary duty is to protect the public.

• Cannot advocate for engineers due to a conflict of interest.

Engineering Society

(e.g., IEEE, ASCE):

• Voluntary membership.

• Primary role is to advocate for members and advance the technical discipline.

Role of Societies:

• Develop technical standards and codes.

• Publish research and technical information.

• Organize conferences, competitions, and courses.

• Maintain a "storehouse of knowledge" for the profession.

• In Other Countries: Societies often play a larger role in regulation due to less comprehensive government licensing.

Diversity

The presence of differences (e.g., race, gender, orientation, background).

Equity

Ensuring fair access, opportunity, and advancement for all by removing barriers.

Inclusion

Creating an environment where diverse individuals feel a sense of belonging and value.

Inclusive Meeting Facilitation

• Send agendas early, provide accommodations (e.g., captioning).

• Set ground rules for equitable participation (e.g., "everyone speaks once").

• Manage dominators and interrupters.

• Greet everyone by name and be mindful of dietary restrictions.

Inclusive Language:

• Use person-centered language and respect preferred pronouns and name pronunciations.

• Avoid exclusionary or stereotyping vocabulary.

introduction to Engineering Design Definition

Design is the fundamental, iterative process that defines engineering, moving from a need to a solution.

Engineering Design Process (Iterative):

1. Ask (Identify needs/constraints)

2. Research (Problem & existing solutions)

3. Imagine (Brainstorm solutions)

4. Plan (Select a promising solution)

5. Create (Build a prototype)

6. Test (Evaluate the prototype)

7. Improve (Redesign based on feedback)

Types of Design:

• Adaptive: Easy, incremental improvements.

• Developmental: Moderate, significant evolution (e.g., manual to automatic).

• New: Difficult, original creation (e.g., first airplane).

Objective

What the design should be (adjective).

Function

What the design must do (verb-noun pair).

Constraint

A limit on the design.

Means

A solution-specific way to achieve a function.

Embodiment

The preliminary design layout.

Specification

Functions/features in measurable terms.

Metric

A standard to measure performance.

Strategies

Divide and conquer, least commitment.

Methods

Objective Trees (hierarchical goals), Functional Analysis, Morphological Charts (matching functions to means).

Acquiring Knowledge:

Literature reviews, benchmarking, brainstorming, testing.

Getting Feedback

Design reviews, beta testing.

Regulations:

• Specific rules for practice (e.g., licensing requirements)

• Bylaws

• Rules for running the Association

• Engineers Canada:

• A national organization that promotes consistency in licensing standards across provinces, enabling mobility.

• Admission to Profession:

• Requires:

  1. An accredited engineering degree.

  2. Supervised work experience (typically 4 years).

  3. Passing the Professional Practice Exam (ethics, law, professionalism).

  4. Good character

• Certificate of Authorization/Permit to Practice

• Required for companies offering engineering services to the public.