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Session Number: 2148

DESIGN PROJECTS and INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT in a MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY CURRICULUM

R. L. Alan Jordan PE, Associate Professor, Dennis S. Schell, Patent Attorney

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering Technology Purdue University Statewide Technology - Muncie, IN/ Baker & Daniels Indianapolis, IN

Abstract

Design projects are encouraged and even required in most engineering technology programs. Design is and should be introduced at the earliest stages of the technology education; however, “real” design projects are rarely included in the student’s education. Instead, fictitious and “sanitized” projects that fit the level of understanding and education of the student are assigned. Many times these projects are selected and written to allow completion in one semester.

This paper will discuss design projects that undergraduate students have been involved in with industrial clients. The projects were “real world” because they were real problems that these clients had. They were not prior selected for the students and the project scope was not selected for completion in one semester. The paper discusses how these projects were obtained, the initiation of the projects, when the projects were begun and how they were conducted.

Intellectual property issues can be extremely sensitive. Guidelines are given for the initiation of and conduction of projects so that all parties are protected sufficiently. A practicing patent attorney discusses the necessary intellectual property considerations for the student, university, and the client and provides a checklist of issues that need to be addressed.

Background

Purdue University has one of the oldest and largest schools of technology, and one of the oldest departments in the school is Mechanical Engineering Technology. The MET curriculum is divided into what is known as a two plus two curriculum. During the first two years, the student takes the fundamental courses of math, science, and humanities. The technical courses that are required, are: engineering mechanics (statics, dynamics, and strength of materials), fluid power, heat power, and machine elements. After completing the Associate Degree, the student may choose to stop, or, continue two more years for a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Technology.

Proceedings of the 2002 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright  2002, American Society for Engineering Education

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Jordan, R. A. (2002, June), Design Projects And Industry Engagement Paper presented at 2002 Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada. 10.18260/1-2--11321