Improving the Mechanical Design Education by Hands-on Experience with Machine Parts
Year: 2010
Editor: Boks W; Ion, W; McMahon, C and Parkinson B
Author: Beckmann, Gregor; Krause, Dieter
Section: LEARNING SPACES AND TECHNOLOGY
Page(s): 592-597
Abstract
Mechanical engineering design education usually provides theoretical knowledge about machine parts and the required skills to develop products using methodical design approaches. Beside this, practical experience is of high importance to successfully design products. Unfortunately, the education not seldom lacks adequate courses to gain practical experience. In addition, students often had no contact with machine parts prior to their studies. The concept described in this contribution closes this gap using hands-on experience with engineering artifacts. An interactive machine part exhibition will be used to create an association with machine parts, to enhance drawing and design skills, to improve the comprehension of the function and working principals of sophisticated machinery and to motivate the students for their studies. The description of this approach addresses universities that would like to add a strong practical element to their design education.
Keywords: Machine parts, engineering artifacts, interactive exhibition, hands-on education, practical experience