In mechanical design, there are steps from preliminary consideration to mass production, and you will face many challenges and difficulties in the process.
Especially for young designers, many uncertainties and questions arise throughout the process.
Some might be so lost that they have no idea where to start.
In such cases, I will explain how to find the answer to where one should begin.
Where to start?
1. Listing tasks: Grasp the big picture
When it's unclear where to start, the first step is to organize the information at hand.
Example 1: Prototype Design
When it's unclear how to proceed, organize the information as follows:
- Confirm the requirements of the prototype.
- Verify the purpose of the prototype and what deliverables are needed.
Start by clarifying the requirements (input) and objectives and deliverables (output).
Starting without knowing this can leave you lost. - Check/ask if there are any similar designs from the past.
This is particularly important.
Starting from scratch is tough, so reusing past design examples is effective.
Unless there's a good reason, there should be a similar design from the past.
Thus, ask around and search for past design examples. - Draft a rough shape and size based on past designs.
- Consider how each part fits together and create a drawing from it.
By making such a list, you can see the direction to start from.
2. Break it down while visualizing: Clarify the steps
Large tasks can be overwhelming.
Therefore, break them down into smaller steps.
To do so, visualize the specific steps.
Example 2: From preparing the prototype to evaluation
Break down the actual procedure as follows:
- List the general steps.
・Order the parts
・Request assembly and secure the schedule
・Request evaluation and secure the schedule
・Create a summary format for the evaluation results - Organize the tools and equipment needed for each step and list them.
・Where to order each part?
・How many days does it take to produce each part?
・What tools are needed for assembly?
・How many days does it take to prepare the tools?
・What tools, equipment, and parts are needed for the evaluation?
→At this time, visualize the actual evaluation procedure to make sure nothing is overlooked.
・Are these already on hand? If not, how many days does it take to prepare?
・How many days does the evaluation take?
・How should the results be summarized? - Compile the listed items and days into a schedule.
It's recommended to download a "Gantt chart" format from Excel templates. - Have someone check the schedule for any oversights.
If you have a schedule, it's easier for seniors and supervisors to check for any gaps. - Proceed with the work based on the completed schedule.
When breaking down, the parts that cannot be broken down are the "unknowns."
Investigating or asking about these can provide a breakthrough.
3. Consult with experts
When faced with an issue and you're unsure how to proceed, the insights of experienced individuals can be invaluable.
However, just asking without thinking won't contribute to your growth, so it's important to make some "hypotheses."
Example 3: Problems during assembly
If a problem occurs and you don't know how to handle it, try writing it down as follows:
- Write down the specific problem that occurred.
- Write down the potential impact of the problem.
・Is it a problem that makes evaluation impossible?
・Can it still be evaluated?
・Is it an issue that requires starting over? - Sum up your solutions or ideas.
・Can you respond with temporary measures such as reinforcements or removal of parts?
・Can any available parts be used as a substitute? - Consult with supervisors or experienced seniors for advice.
If you have a plan, they can judge its feasibility. They might also provide additional advice. - Resume assembly based on the proposed solutions or ideas.
When you get advice on ideas you hadn't thought of, it becomes new "knowledge" and "experience."
Through repetition, you'll come up with various ideas.
Conclusion
The path of mechanical design is long and filled with challenges.
However, by utilizing the methods mentioned above, you can move forward more efficiently and confidently.
The parts you can't break down highlight your areas of uncertainty.
Researching or asking about these can provide breakthroughs.
Move forward one step at a time, without rushing.