Chapter Summary

A product can be divided into functionally oriented operating systems. These are made up of mechanical assemblies, electronic circuits, and computer programs. Mechanical assemblies are built of various components.

The important form and function aspects of mechanical devices are called features.

Function and behavior tell what a device does; form describes how it is accomplished.

Function relates desired behavior.

One component may play a role in many functions, and a single function may require many different components.

There are many different types of mechanical design problems: selection, configuration, parametric, original, redesign, routine, and mature.

Mechanical objects can be described semantically, graphically, analytically, or physically.

The design process is a continuous constraining of the potential product designs until one final product evolves. This constraining of the design space is made through repeated comparison with the design requirements.

Mechanical design is the refinement from abstract representations to a final physical artifact.

The most valuable information is the decisions that are communicated to others.

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