DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
TECHNOLOGY
Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment
UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG
Doornfontein Campus
TITLE OF PROJECT
by
A. Z. Gojo
Student No:
200665952
Supervisor(s):
Names
Subject:
Subject code
Date:
Date of submission
i
DECLARATION
I (We) swear that this is the original work of the author(s). All information obtained directly or indirectly from
other sources has been fully acknowledged. Furthermore, it represents my (our) own opinions and not necessarily
those of the University of Johannesburg.
Signed
Date
ABSTRACT
These instructions give you guidelines for preparing your report. Use this document as a
template if you are using Microsoft Word 6.0 or later. Otherwise, use this document as an
instruction set. The report should be word processed using Times New Roman Font 12, 1.5
spacing, Justified on the page.
Write the synopsis only when you have finished the entire report. This is a most important
section that is largely instrumental in determining the reader’s first impression of the project.
The purpose of the synopsis is to tell the reader what the report is all about - in other words to
enable the reader to ascertain quickly the purpose, extent and conclusion of the project. (In
practice synopsis is often the only part of a report that is read). The synopsis must be written
concisely in good prose (not point form) and short, explicit sentences should be used. Two to
three hundred words are usually sufficient. Do not be vague - include appropriate numerical
information to give the reader an idea of the magnitudes of some of the main quantities
involved. Be sure to state clearly the main functions of the machine or system that you have
designed.
The abstract should briefly address the following:

What was the problem?

Why was it done?

How was it done? (Methodology)

What were the results?

What are the conclusions and recommendations?
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
It is fitting to acknowledge people who made a direct contribution to the project.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF SYMBOLS, ABBREVIATIONS
All symbols and unfamiliar abbreviations which are used in the text must be clearly defined
and explained in this section. The order in which the symbols are listed is usually:

English letters and symbols

Greek symbols

Superscripts

Subscripts

SI-units of all symbols must be supplied as part of the definition.
1. INTRODUCTION AND/OR BACKGROUND
Introduce the reader to the subject intelligently. Discuss the need for a new device or system to
be designed, in general terms, basing this discussion on the problem as it is given to you. State
the problem initially in general terms to avoid restricting your range of solutions. This is not
detailed ‘definition of the problem’.
The introduction should show that the author is aware of the position of his work in relation to
the existing ‘state of the art’. Any other relevant work in the same field must be reviewed
critically here; in carrying out a literature survey remember that criticism of any existing design
must be constructive to be useful
State the objectives of the work that is to be described in the report, its scope and those
limitations that were recognized in the early stages of the project.
In longer reports a paragraph outlining the way in which the report develops logically may be
useful here.
After reading this section, the reader should be able: 1. To understand how a typical system/machine
works/operates and 2. Identify main features of existing designs; Note that pictures are generally not as
informative as “drawings” to describe systems/machines. The following describes typical details inserted in this
first section as illustrations.
Illustration of conversion process from waste to energy (credit to Gumbi MJ, Kubheka S, Mazibuko MA,
Ramphekoa TG, Seome TD, Xaba SM. Design and fabrication of a biogas storage bag. BEngTech 2019)
Example of an illustration describing cement-manufacturing process (credit to T.C Phapano. Design of a
grinder and mixer for Cement Manufacturing, BTech 2018)
Illustration of the an AirPod’s engine operation (credit to T. G. Ramphekoa. Design of an air powered car.
BEngTech 2019)
Example of illustrations showing typical engines (credit to K. Linde, T. S. Hlongwane, K. Netshikhudini, K.
M. Mphahlele, M. K. Ramudzuli, V. P. Cibi. Design and construction of a low cost sterling engine,
BEngTech 2020)
Add a subsection in this introductory section discussing your design strategy. After your
analysis of existing mechanisms/machines for performing any task, you can apply the
S.C.A.M.P.E.R (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use (Alternative uses),
Eliminate, Reverse) to check for an evolution of a better alternative. Ideas and products that
are existing already may have a combination/substitution/elimination of certain
components/revere of part-mechanism.
Explain how you could use one of the following options to develop your own concepts:
Substitute

What materials or resources can you substitute or swap to improve the
product/machine/system?

What other product/machine/system or process could you use?

What rules could you substitute?

Can you use this product/machine/system somewhere else, or as a substitute for
something else?

What will happen if you change your feelings or attitude toward this
product/machine/system?
Combine

What would happen if you combine this product/machine/system with another, to create
something new?

What if you combine purposes or objectives?

What could you combine to maximize the uses of this product/machine/system?

How could you combine talent and resources to create a new approach to this product?
Adapt

How could you adapt or readjust this product/machine/system to serve another purpose
or use?

What else is the product like?

Who or what could you emulate to adapt this product?

What else is like your product?

What other context could you put your product into?

What other products or ideas could you use for inspiration?
Modify

How could you change the shape, look, or feel of your product?

What could you add to modify this product?

What could you emphasize or highlight to create more value?

What element of this product could you strengthen to create something new?
Put to Another Use

Can you use this product somewhere else, perhaps in another industry?

Who else could use this product?

How would this product behave differently in another setting?

Could you recycle the waste from this product to make something new?
Eliminate

How could you streamline or simplify this product?

What features, parts, or rules could you eliminate?

What could you understate or tone down?

How could you make it smaller, faster, lighter, or more fun?

What would happen if you took away part of this product? What would you have in its
place?
Reverse

What would happen if you reversed this process or sequenced things differently?

What if you try to do the exact opposite of what you're trying to do now?

What components could you substitute to change the order of this product?

What roles could you reverse or swap?

How could you reorganize this product?
2. DEFINITION OF PROBLEM
2.1 Problem statement
A problem statement identifies the gap between the current state (i.e. the problem) and the
desired state (i.e. the goal) of a process or product. Within the design context, you can think of
the user problem as an unmet need. By designing a solution that meets this need, you can satisfy
the user and ensure a pleasant user experience.
A problem statement frames this problem (or need) in a way that is actionable for designers.
It provides a clear description of the issue that the designer seeks to address, keeping the focus
on the user at all times.
The problem definition is more specific than recognizing the need. For instance, if the need is
for cleaner air, the problem might be that of reducing the dust discharge from power-plant
stacks, or reducing the quantity of irritants from automotive exhausts, or means for quickly
extinguishing forest fires.
2.2 Requirements
Good user requirements are one of the key factors that lead to a successful design. User
requirements capture the stakeholders’ needs, desires, and expectations for a product and
are the basis for developing engineering specifications - the statements upon which a design
will be verified against.
It is imperative to write a formal problem statement which expresses what the design is to
accomplish including objectives and goals (using words such as: (musts, must nots; wants,
don't wants).
Example: Mobile Vehicle ==> Design a vehicle which can maneuver in an indoor
environment. The vehicle will be operated via remote control and must be able to:

Travel on a flat, horizontal, dry, bare concrete surface

Carry a payload of at least 10 kg.

Rotate with zero turning radius.

Travel in any direction.
Simply put, a user requirement is a statement that specifies WHAT a product should do, but it
does not define HOW it should do it.
For example, the following user requirement specifies WHAT a product should do:
The device shall decrease the temperature of the skin
but not HOW it should do it:
The device shall apply moisture to cool down the skin.
Example of user need and corresponding design requirements
Design need
Specify requirements
Good image quality
Brightness; Granularity
Easy to transport
Weight; Overall dimensions
Device sets up quickly Time required to setup; Number of steps required to setup
In summary, requirements must be specific, clear, and without ambiguity.
Some useful questions to ask yourself when creating user requirements:
2.3 Constraints
Design Engineers must consider a multitude of technical, economic, social, environmental, and
political constraints when they design products and processes. Anything which limits the
designer’s freedom of choice is a constraint. Constraints are basically limitations.
Example: Referring to the example in the previous section, the vehicle must be able to:

Travel up to a speed of 2 m/s (note that 2 m/s is the speed limit);

Climb 130 mm high stairs at speeds up to 0.6 m/sec (note that 0.6 m/s is the speed
limit);

Fit through doorways (note that the size cannot exceed the doorways size);

Cross obstacles up to 510 mm high and up to 610 mm across within 20 seconds (note
the size limit of 510 mm & 610 mm);

Climb a slope of up to 30 degrees and cross side slopes up to 20 degrees (note that 20
& 30 degrees are the maximum slope);

Total vehicle weight should be less than 125 kg (note that 125 kg is the maximum
weight).
2.4 Specifications
Engineering specifications serve as a collection of criteria that the design must meet in order
to fulfill the user requirements that were elicited from the stakeholders. The requirements are
translated into engineering specifications that are both quantifiable and measurable in order to
guide engineering design processes. Engineering specifications are derived from the user
requirements. Engineering specifications must be:

User driven
For example, if a customer is talking about carry-on luggage they may say, “I want it to be easy
to carry.” An engineer might interpret that phrase to mean, “make it lightweight,” and set
weight as a design parameter that should be minimized. However, the customer may really
want a carry-on case that is easy to fit into the overhead luggage compartment of a plane. The
carrying task is already easy due to the design innovation of wheeled luggage.
The stakeholder’s desire for luggage to be “easy to carry” may lead to several considerations
in terms of user requirements and specifications. Does the luggage need to be lightweight? (if
yes, lightweight will be one of the criteria); Does it need to be compact? (if yes, compactness
will be one of the criteria); What dimensions and weight (and other characteristics) fulfill these
particular requirements? Should it have wheels or a carrying strap? There are many possibilities
and these should be fully explored by the design team while engaging with stakeholders.
As designer, you will need to thoroughly explore the stakeholder’s desires to create engineering
specifications that accurately reflect the stakeholder’s needs.

Quantifiable
Engineering specifications should be quantifiable, or in other words, able to be measured in
terms of engineering units. In simple terms, engineering specifications that are quantifiable
often have the following characteristics:
o Numeric
o Unit [i.e. millimeters, kg, RPM…]
o Relational operator ( =, <, ≥)
o Testable

Specificity
Engineering specifications that show specificity accurately reflect the stakeholder’s
requirements and are able to be understood by outside designers who may not be familiar with
your project:
Examples of nonspecific specifications:
o Product weight ≥ weight of standard refrigerator
o Product is aesthetically pleasing
For someone who may not be familiar with your project, they might have several questions in
mind what is the weight of a standard refrigerator? How do you determine what is “standard”
in terms of refrigerator sizes? What does it mean to be “aesthetically pleasing”? Is there a
certain standard one needs to meet to be deemed aesthetically pleasing, and what is that
standard?
Examples of specific specifications:
o Product weight ≥ 500 lbs.

Solution Neutral
Solution-neutral engineering specifications describe WHAT the design should achieve in order
to fulfill the user requirements, but they do not dictate HOW the design should achieve these
goals or WHAT the design should be.
Example of requirements and corresponding criteria:
Requirement
Criteria
Product must be Blue
Aesthetics
Product must cost less than R3000 Cost
Product must be collapsible
Product must be collapsible
3. FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS
Functional analysis is the next step in the Systems Engineering process after setting goal and
requirements. Functional analysis divides a system into smaller parts, called functional
elements, which describe what we want each part to do. We do not include the how of the
design or solution yet.
You can perform a preliminary analysis in this section. Your proposed system can be analysed
as follows:

Divide the system into subunits;

Describe each subunit by a complete list of functional requirements;

List all the ways the functional requirements of each subunit can be realized;

Study all combinations of partial solutions.
1st Example of functional analysis description (Design of a Can opener)
The description is provided in tabulated format as shown in the following section.
2nd Example of functional analysis description (Development of a water purification device)
The section outlines operational functional analysis of the water purification system. The proposed design of a
portable water purification system shown in figure 5 is based on the 4 existing designs presented in the above
section on existing portable water purification systems. Figure 7 shows the process flow diagram. Purification
will start with an inlet filter removing solid particles bigger than the diameter also used in figure 4. The dirty
water will be boiled and thermal pasteurization processes. Superheated steam will rise with salt and heavy metals
not dissolving. The steam will enter a heat exchanger made up of a cooling coil with atmospheric air meeting
super-heated steam in the coil. VOCs with a lower boiling point than water such as Benzene escape with steam.
A pump applies pressure on the condensate to pass the activated carbon filter removing VOCs. The use of
activated carbons is used in existing designs shown in figure 4 and figure 7 of the Lifesaver bottle. Lastly, the
design incorporates a biosand filter at point-of-use which currently used in purification systems which is also in
use as shown in figure 3.
Illustration of “functional analysis” description (Credit to SG Xaba, Development of a Water Purification
Device. BEngTech Honors 2020)
4. DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
In this section the various solutions that were considered are described in outline. Sketches or
diagrams will almost certainly be necessary here. Do not give an exhaustive discussion of the
rejected solutions in the body of the report; such detail should be relegated to an appendix.
After describing the various possible schemes, the section must conclude with justification of
the choice of the best one of these for detailed development.
In this decision making process the relative importance of the various criteria will have to be
established and applied. The use of decision making techniques such as evaluation tables
(Matousek, 1963:25) and criterion functions (Woodson, 1966: 78) can be valuable if used
wisely. If complex details are involved these should be included in an appendix and only the
results used in this section. Suggested subheadings are as follows:
4.1 Concept generation
Each concept must be described separately. Some examples of expected illustrations are
provided for your guidance.
Concept 1 (Beta type)
Concept 2 (Vertical double acting gamma)
Concept 3 (Quad-piston gamma
Concept 4 (Horizontal double acting gamma)
Illustrations showing typical design concepts (credit to K. Linde, T. S. Hlongwane, K. Netshikhudini, K. M.
Mphahlele, M. K. Ramudzuli, V. P. Cibi, Design and construction of a low cost sterling engine, BEngTech
2020)
Concept 1
Concept 2
Illustrations showing typical design concepts (Credit to A. Magoma. Design of a powered portable trench
digging machine, BTech 2018)
Concept 1
Concept 2
Concept 4
Concept 3
Illustrations showing typical design concepts (credit to K Digkale, Design of a solar water purification system,
BTech design 2019)
4.2 Concept evaluation
Form decision matrix to unbiasedly evaluate different ideas based on a weighted set of
objectives the design team decides are important for the solving the problem. Typical examples
are provided in the following section.
Concept 1
Specifications (or list of criteria)
Weight
Rating
(W)
(R)
W×R
Concept 2
R
W×R
Concept 3
R
W×R
Concept 4
R
W×R
Technical Performance
5
6
30
3
15
4
20
2
10
Reliability
11
5
55
4
44
4
44
3
33
Maintainability
11
4
44
1
11
2
22
4
44
Life Cycle Cost
9
3
27
3
27
2
18
5
45
Development Risk
0
5
0
1
0
1
0
4
0
Production Rate
4
1
4
6
24
2
8
3
12
Schedule
6
2
12
4
24
2
12
3
18
Safety
9
3
27
4
36
1
9
5
45
TOTAL
199
181
133
217
Illustration of a matrix of selection (Credit to Saiyad SM, Muleya AL, Naidoo K, Nopapaza AC, Mthethwa N,
Mbatsane FN, Makungo R, Ramme N. Design of An Autonomous Lawn Mower. BEngTech 2020)
4.3 Top two concepts
Provide clarity about the rationale behind the selection of the two best design based on the
design matrix.
In case some features of the proposed design could be integrated in a single concept to form
the final design, such details can be inserted in this section.
5. DESCRIPTION OF FINAL DESIGN
This section must include specifications of the final design solution. The reader must be given
a clear picture of the product by including salient features such as performance characteristics,
overall dimensions, total mass, efficiency, production cost, etc. The specifications should be
given in tabular form.
Only specifications of the overall machine should be included here; specifications of detail
parts are not of interest.
Suggested subheadings are as follows:
5.1 Overall design
Example of suitable illustration for this section (credit to T.C Phapano. Design of a grinder and mixer for Cement
Manufacturing, BTech 2018)
Example of suitable illustration for this section (credit to Siyaya SG, Nkomo S, Masindi OM, Hendricks ZC,
Ngomane BR, Mafanya K, Makane M, Mogale N. Design of sensor controlled convertible cart-trolley. BEngTech
2020)
Example of suitable illustration for this section (credit to Mendes B, Design of Automated Coconut Scraping
Machine. BTech design 2019)
5.2 Detailed design description
Example of suitable illustration for this section (credit to Khumalo O, Parbhoo KP, Mukucha LT, Mpoko P,
Mhlangu KC, Seleke KC, Mukombami AK, Mabuza S. Design of a light-weight material-handling Automated
Guided Vehicle (AGV), BEngTech design 2020)
Example of suitable illustration for this section (credit to Mendes B, Design of Automated Coconut Scraping
Machine. BTech design 2019)
Example of suitable illustration for this section (credit to Mendes B, Design of Automated Coconut Scraping
Machine. BTech design 2019)
4.2.1 Sub-Heading
A section should contain sufficient material to merit the heading, but should not be so long that
the end of the section bears no relation to the beginning.
Table 1. An example of inserted table.
An example of a column heading
Column A
Column B
And an entry
1
2
And another entry
3
4
And another entry
5
6
4.2.2 Sub-Heading
Additional details that support the designing can be inserted in the appendix section. Note that
all appendix must be referred to within the report.
Fig 1: Example of an Inserted Figure
7. CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS
A design project will not normally have a conclusion in the sense of that of a laboratory project,
as design is essentially the first stage of a longer process. However, a ‘Conclusions’ chapter
should collate the important points of previous chapters and look ahead to aspects such as
equipment performance in service.
It may occur that certain aspects of the problem cannot finally be resolved. In such cases,
further work should be recommended. Be very careful that this does not become an exercise
in ‘passing the buck’ for work that you should have done but did not do. This is a valuable
method of informing the reader of gaps in current knowledge.
REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY
Recommended referencing style: Harvard method.
All references included in this section must be referred to within the text.
British Standards 2789: 1973, ‘Iron Castings with Spheroidal or Nodular Graphite’, London:
Brit ish Standards Institution
Brown, B.K. 1979. Telephone Interview, 18 September.
Dixon, J.R. 1966. Design Engineering: Inventiveness, Analysis, and Decision Making. New
York: McGraw-Hill.
Morrison, J.L.M. & Crossland, B. 1971. An Introduction to the Mechanics of Machines.
London: Longman.
Sidall, J.N. 1979. The practice of optimization in engineering design, The South African
Mechanical Engineering, Vol. 29 Part 1 pp 2.-13.
APPENDIX A: Project timeline
Include the task name, the duration, the starting and finishing date in your Gantt chart.
APPENDIX B: name of your choice
Fig. B-1: name of your choice
Fig B-2: name of your choice
Table B-1: name of your choice
Table B-2: name of your choice
APPENDIX C: Technical Drawings
Include concept sketch. Concept sketch means a 3D isometric assembly sketch complete
with item number, 3 overall dimensions and a parts list. The part list has the following headings:
Item no, bought or made, material, description, Qty
Fig. C-1: Name of your choice
Fig C-2: name of your choice
Fig C-3: name of your choice
Fig C-4: name of your choice
APPENDIX D: Meeting log card