University of Connecticut MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Project Statement

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University of Connecticut MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

What is a Project Statement?

It begins with the need expressed by a sponsor (vague or clear, internal or external).

It defines the problem to be solved. Once the project is completed, the sponsor will be satisfied with the result.

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Stages of Building a Project Statement

I. Contact key individuals in the sponsoring organization (or the internal division).

II. Arrange for a site visit.

III. Do preliminary background research

IV. Ask questions, listen, and take good notes in your laboratory notebook.

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Background Research

WHAT do I need to find out?

WHERE and HOW can I get the information?

HOW reliable is the information?

WHEN do I have enough information?

HOW will the information be used?

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Five Elements of a Project Statement

1) Statement of Need

2) Preliminary Requirements

3) Basic Limitations

4) Other Data

5) Questions

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1) Statement of Need

A couple of paragraphs

Discusses the perceived need

Utilize NUMBERS to describe the needs

Does NOT include a solution

Allows for fresh/creative approaches

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2) Preliminary Requirements

Describes the requirements broadly

Does not have to be very precise at this stage

Does not require a detailed list (will come next when you do Project Specifications)

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3) Basic Limitations

Describes known constraints

Notes applicable codes/restrictions

Discusses undesirable features

May include simple sketches

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4) Other Data

Includes relevant information that does not fit in other sections such as that about:

equipment,

facilities and/or

policies of sponsoring organization

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5) Questions

Includes questions that have been raised in meetings/discussions but which cannot be answered until later in the design process.

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Format for the Project Statement

Cover Page (described later)

Body: Project Statement with all the necessary elements (items: 1 - 5) clearly labeled.

Additional Information: Identify key technical areas/skills used in the project.

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Cover Page

A. Course Number (ME272) and term

B. Title of the Project (descriptive)

C. Team members (with majors identified)

D. Sponsoring Organization (contact information)

E. UCONN & Sponsor Logos

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Body of Statement

A. Introduction / Background

B. Requirements: What is the project goal?

C. Metrics / Specifications

D. Verification Approach

E. Schedule

Should be typed and written in third person

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Specifications (defined)

List the requirements that project must meet. Utilize numbers if they are available.

There are different types of specifications, including those for hardware and software.

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Specifications (explained)

A key concept underlying the specifications is that any competent engineering team should be able to design a device that performs the function that is desired.

Specifications determine WHAT is to be built, but DO NOT provide any information about how to build the device.

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Specifications (warnings)

In general, you should NOT specify any components.

However, if modifying an existing device [hardware or software], describe the current device in as must detail as possible.

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Technical Specifications

Contains in a TABULAR form all of the facts & figures needed to undertake the design project.

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Specifications Format (example)

Mechanical Parameters (sample)Button:

Size 5” x 5’’ (min.)Actuation Force 0.001 N (max.)

Weight: 5000 lbs. (max.)Durability: Should survive 10-ft. drops.

Electrical ParametersBattery Life 6 months (continuous use)Display:

Number of Characters 30 (minimum)Size 2’ min. height x 1.75’ min. widthIllumination Visible in strong sunlight

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Specifications Format (cont.)

EnvironmentalLocation Basement (6’ underground)Temp. Range -40 to +700 FStorage temp. -273 to 1000 FMoisture?, Corrosive liquids?, Vibrations?

SoftwareExecution time 34.5 seconds (max.)Termination/Reset 1 buttonInterrupts Standard ^CMemory 4.5 MBPlatform Windows PC

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A Final warning: Be Specific!