Multidisciplinary Problem Solving

         In designing the circuit, varying degrees of conflict needed to be solved throughout-- from deciding how to carry the parts around to deciding how to solder the LM386. Each problem faced needed to be handled at a different angle, whether it be as an electrical engineer trying to find out the most simple method of putting the circuit together, or as a "manager" trying to find the most cost efficient way of buying parts. Tasks needed to be distributed amongst group members, and with each task came the necessary use of skills from different engineering disciplines.

        The most obvious discipline in action was as an electrical engineer. Putting the circuit together was the key to the project; without proper soldering technique, knowledge of how the circuit works, and ability to read and comprehend the circuit from the book, we would not have been able to succeed. Encountering problems in the circuit forced us to delve deeper into electrical engineering, and learn more and more about problem solving in that particular discipline, such as the fact that poor soldering causes an increased resistance.

        Another discipline used was mechanical engineering. The manufacturing of the body required a stable, yet lightweight body which could hold and support each part of our circuit while not being too heavy for the motors to carry. Motors must be placed in the right position, and there must not be too much friction on the body due to drag.

        Finally, a less expected yet definitely necessary discipline used was engineering management. Figuring out how to buy parts, how much to spend, deciding whether or not to directly solder certain sensitive parts, what material to use for the body, and every other mutitude of decisions took major collaboration and thought from the entire group. This discipline is critical, and perhaps the most challenging in that it leaves the problem solving to the group and the group alone with minimal outside help.

source: Hrynkiw, Dave & Tilden, Mark W., Junkbots, Bugbots, & Bots on Wheels.