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Prototyping: Teaching Materials To Accompany
Prototyping: Teaching Materials To Accompany
Prototyping: Teaching Materials To Accompany
Concept
Concept System-Level
System-Level Detail
Detail Testing
Testingand
and Production
Production
Planning
Planning Development Design Design Refinement Ramp-Up
Development Design Design Refinement Ramp-Up
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Definition
• An approximation of the product
along one or more dimensions of
interest.
• Physical prototypes vs. analytical
prototypes
• Comprehensive (with all the
attributes of a product) vs. focused
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Four Uses of Prototypes
• Learning
– answering questions about performance or feasibility
– e.g., proof-of-concept model
• Communication
– demonstration of product for feedback
– e.g., 3D physical models of style or function
• Integration
– combination of sub-systems into system model
– e.g., alpha or beta test models
• Milestones
– goal for development team’s schedule
– e.g., first testable hardware
Types of Prototypes
Physical
trackball mechanism
linked to circuit
Focused simulation Comprehensive
simulation
of trackball
circuits not
generally
feasible
equations
modeling ball
supports Analytical
Purposes vs. prototype types
• Focused analytical
– Learning
• Focused physical
– Learning and communication
• Comprehensive physical
– Learning, communication, integration, and
milestones.
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Prototype decision
(technical risk vs. prototype cost)
• Low risk- low cost (e.g., printed matters)
– No need for comprehensive prototypes
• Low risk – high cost (ships, buildings)
– Can’t afford comprehensive prototype.
• High risk – low cost (software)
– Many comprehensive prototypes
• High risk high cost (airplanes, satellites)
– Use analytical models extensively
– Carefully planned comprehensive prototypes
– Sell the first unit
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Physical vs. Analytical Prototypes
Physical Prototypes Analytical Prototypes
• Tangible approximation of • Mathematical model of the
the product. product.
• May exhibit unmodeled • Can only exhibit behavior
behavior. arising from explicitly modeled
phenomena. (However,
• Some behavior may be an behavior is not always
artifact of the anticipated.
approximation. • Some behavior may be an
• Often best for artifact of the analytical
communication. method.
• Often allow more experimental
freedom than physical models.
Focused vs. Comprehensive Prototypes
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Boeing 777 Testing
Brakes Test
• Minimum rotor thickness
• Maximum takeoff weight
• Maximum runway speed
• Will the brakes ignite?
Wing Test
• Maximum loading
• When will it break?
• Where will it break?
Comprehensive Prototypes
Many comprehensive Some comprehensive
prototypes are built. prototypes build (and sold?).
High
Technical or Market Risk
Low High
Cost of Comprehensive Prototype
Prototyping Strategy
• Use prototypes to reduce uncertainty.
• Make models with a defined purpose.
• Consider multiple forms of prototypes.
• Choose the timing of prototype cycles.
– Many early models are used to validate concepts.
– Relatively few comprehensive models are necessary
to test integration.
• Plan time to learn from prototype cycles.
– Avoid the “hardware swamp”.
Prototype technologies
• Traditional prototyping methods
• 3D computer modeling
• Free-form fabrication
– Stereolithography
• Using various materials including wax, resin, paper,
ceramics, and metals.
– Lamination
• Using paper cut, lay by layer
– Rapid prototyping
• Laser curing (solidifying) soft materials such as resin, layer
by layer
– 3D printing
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Traditional Prototyping Methods
• CNC machining
• Rubber molding + urethane casting