The following list of potential design projects can be addressed by following the six-step design process discussed in the chapter. A team approach to a proposed solution, with three or four members on each team, is recommended. Develop a report and oral presentation as directed by your instructor.

Question

? A device to prevent the theft of helmets left on motorcycles
? An improved rack for carrying packages or books on a motorcycle or bicycle
? A solar-powered battery charger
? A device to permit easier draining of the oil pan by weekend mechanics
? A heated steering wheel for cold weather
? A sun shield for an automobile
? An automatic pet feeder for proper metering of food
? A storage system for a cell phone in a car (including charger)
? An improved wall outlet for multiple uses
? A beverage holder for a stand-up work desk
? A key finder for when you loose your keys
? An improved automobile traffic pattern on campus
? An alert for drowsy or sleeping drivers
? Improved bicycle brakes
? A campus transit system
? Improved pedestrian crossings at busy intersections
? Improved parking facilities in and around campus
? A device to attach to a paint can for pouring
? An improved soap dispenser
? A better method of locking weights to a barbell shaft
? A shoestring fastener to replace the knot
? A better jar opener
? A system or device to improve efficiency of limited closet space
? A shoe transporter and storer
? A device to pit fruit without damage
? An automatic device for selectively admitting and releasing pets through an auxiliary door
? A device to permit a person loaded with packages to open a door
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? A more efficient toothpaste tube
? A fingernail catcher for fingernail clippings
? A more effective alarm clock for reluctant students
? A device to help a parent monitor small children’s presence and activity in and around the house
? A simple pocket alarm that is difficult to shut off, used for discouraging muggers
? An improved storage system for luggage, books, and so on in dormitories
? A lampshade designed to permit one roommate to study while the other is asleep
? A device that would permit blind people to vote in an otherwise conventional voting booth
? A bicycle for a child with disabilities
? A silent wake-up alarm
? Home aids for the blind (or deaf)
? A safer, more efficient, and quieter air mover for room use
? A can crusher
? A rain-sensitive house window that would close automatically when it rains
? A better grass catcher for a riding lawn mower
? A built-in auto refrigerator
? A better camp cooler
? A dormitory cooler
? An impact-hammer adapter for electric drills
? An improved method of detecting and controlling the level position of the bucket on a bucket loader
? An automatic tractor-trailer-hitch aligning device
? A jack designed expressly for motorcycle use (special problems involved)
? Improved road signs for speed limits, curves, deer crossings, and so on
? A device for dealing with oil slicks
? An egg container (light, strong, compact) for camping and canoeing
? Ramps or other facilities for handicapped students

Answer 1

This is a non-quantitative problem and requires that the student assess the problem and supply appropriate narrative that will differ from student to student, thus no solution is provided.