Mechanical Engineering Design Projects

 

  Mechanical Engineering Design III Projec Projects ts Introduction

This article serves to inform our broader engineering community of the work which our Engineering Technology learners are performing in the field of Design at the University of Johannesburg. The subject of Design

The subject Mechanical Engineering Design  is an !" subject offered as an optional subject. #s the subject is a continuous evaluation subject$ there is a Design %roject % roject which the learners must complete in &' to &" weeks. The projects are either industry sponsored (obtained from industry) or industry based (compiled by the lecturer). The design project this semester has been industry based and re*uires that the learners$ working in groups of two learners complete a design for a hydraulically driven sheet metal guillotine. Throughout the semester$ the learners are guided and advised by the lecturer based on consultations in the lecturer+s office and the lecture venue. #t the mid point of the semester a project evaluation is conducted individually with each group where the merits and short falls of the work performed to date are discussed. The learners are also informed of an indicative mark based on work presented. The final outcome is a typed and bound document containing all the research$ concepts calculations and technical drawings re*uired for the manufacture of the item being designed.

What the learners say

The following are *uotes from the reports which the learners of the top three distinction groups were asked to write in the completion of their design projects,

 

#. -aloyi says, /this project made me reali0e that research is crucial in order to solve a design project effectively.. This research included consulting effectively con sulting the internet$ reading books in the library$ library$ and company visits. #fter all the research$  knew e1actly what was e1pected e1 pected of me/2 M. -acela says, /my interaction with people in the engineering e ngineering field has improved my communication skills and broadened my knowledge of the engineering industry in !outh #frica.  am not afraid of any design project which might come my way//it becomes easier when following the design process and working consistently/2 !. 3isivha and #.T. da !ilva say, /during the course of such a project even though students are unaware$ they are constantly evolving. The ability to understand that in design it is not merely about placing numbers into e*uations and obtaining solutions$ but also about stepping back and using engineering sense2 to determine if an answer feels right/2 4. 5auka and 3.3. !omawonga say, /this project trains one to be a more responsible individual which is what the engineering industry needs. The project involves visits to companies$ which wh ich improves our   professionalism. t provides us with with an opportunity to e1plore the practical application of the engineering theory from other subjects/2 Who are the learners?

Back Row (lef (leftt to righ right) t),,  (lleft to right), ront Row (

#.T #.T. da !ilv !ilvaa 4. 5auka

3.3. 3.3. !oma !omawo wong ngaa #. -aloyi

!. 3i 3isi sivh vhaa M. -acela

!onclusion

6rom the outset$ the intentions of the lecturer with this subject is to ensure that upon successful completion of this course the learners are prepared for industry by being able design a group of components co mponents which when assembled together will perform as a mechanism or a machine. 6rom the comments obtained by the learners it is clear that more than this is being achieved and that our learners are using the opportunities presented to them in very  positive and meaningful ways.