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Activity #1: Problem Solving/ Engineering Design Process. By: Christopher Stanley and Daniel Linton . Background of the Problem. Many drivers deal with the problem of locking their keys in their cars many times over the course of their driving years.
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Activity #1: Problem Solving/ Engineering Design Process By: Christopher Stanley and Daniel Linton
Background of the Problem • Many drivers deal with the problem of locking their keys in their cars many times over the course of their driving years. • There are some simple solutions to this problem that can become quite useful!
Problem and Goal • Problem: Locking your keys in your car. • Goal: Gaining access into your locked car using some simple solutions.
Problem Solving Approach • Step One: Define the Problem! • Your locked out of your car with the keys inside. • Step Two: Brainstorm, Research, and Generate Ideas! • There are a couple solutions to gaining access into your car, these include: • Using a long object such as a wire coat hanger or a product called a Slim Jim to open the lock. • Using an inflatable wedge; a thin inflatable sack to use to create an opening between the weathering strip and the glass to get the lock open. • If this is a common problem; A spare key with a magnetized key holder to the outside of the car could be a good option. • If all of the above fails, calling a professional locksmith may be the only other option.
Problem Solving Approach Continued… • Step Three: Identify Criteria and Specify Constraints! • Criteria: Be able to perform the task with minimal effort and no experience in locksmithing. • Constraints: Cost! Hiring a locksmith can be costly, and acquiring the items above, such as a spare key, can become costly. • Step Four: Develop and Propose Designs and Choose Among Alternative Solutions! • A professional locksmith would be the best option out of the ones listed above, although the inflatable wedge or wire coat hanger sounds more convenient they can risk damage to your car, and could take longer if you don’t have experience.
Problem Solving Approach Continued…. • Step Five: Implement the Proposed Solution! • Using a smartphone, or a nearby phonebook, you can easily locate the number of a local locksmith who can then quickly and easily unlock your car for a small price. • Step Six: Make a Model or Prototype! • No Model is Needed. • Step Seven: Evaluate the Solution and It’s Consequences! • Several consequences are possible in this solution. The locksmith may charge a higher price than expected, and he or she may take longer to get to you depending on how far away you are from their location.
Problem Solving Approach Continued…. • Step Eight: Refine the Design! • It is a good idea to ask the locksmith when you call about their pricing and an estimated arrival time for your convenience. • Step Nine: Create the Final Design! • During this step, you will call the locksmith, ask the necessary questions, making sure you include an asking price and arrival time. Then wait for your hired locksmith to come unlock your doors. • Step Ten: Communicate the Processes and Results! • After your doors are unlocked, you can continue with your day. If the problem continues frequently, it is recommended to get a spare key to save you time and money.
Selection of the Best Solution! The best solution is hiring a professional locksmith to come and unlock your vehicle for you. This is the best solution because using any kind of object while having no experience in locksmithing may lead to damage to your vehicle. It is also extremely unlikely that you will have these objects on you at the time, and purchasing these objects may be impossible, depending on your whereabouts. Hiring a professional locksmith will save you time and money.