Chapter 4 Researching Designs 63
Engineers must use all of the tools available
to them to create the most effective design. The
use of electronic media has become imperative in
the development of solutions. Engineers use elec-
tronic databases as a resource for many things,
such as determining the strength of specifi c mate-
rials or checking the amount of support needed
to hold a structure. Electronic databases may be
websites with archived information, or they can
be software programs. Most engineering design
software programs contain information on mate-
rial properties. The time engineers spend look-
ing up information in trade journals or resource
books can be made more effi cient by using a
simple search in a database system to fi nd the
needed information. The Internet and databases
are also a great tool for engineers to share their
fi ndings with other engineers and to discover
solutions developed by engineers working on
similar problems.
Field Visits
Engineers look to build from previous experi-
ences and technologies to solve current problems.
To help refi ne their solutions, engineers often visit
locations using similar technologies or locations
developing products that may be helpful to solv-
ing the engineering challenge they face. Engineers
can improve their knowledge about technologies
and solutions by seeing the technologies in action.
History
Engineering Research in History
Engineering research leads to many different
inventions and innovations. The US government
funds research in many different settings, including
universities and independent contractors. One of the
main research centers is the National Aeronautical
Space Administration (NASA). You know that NASA
has flown into outer space and landed on the moon,
but did you know their engineering research has led
to some of the items you use every day? NASA engi-
neers have developed many technologies for space
travel that have been adapted for everyday use on
earth. Listed below are some of the most notable
NASA engineering discoveries.
• Invisible braces. The plastic used for invisible
braces is called translucent polycrystalline alumina
(TPA). TPA was developed to protect infrared anten-
nae from heat-seeking missile trackers. It was found
that TPA was strong enough to withstand use in the
mouth, while still being lightweight and clear.
• Scratch-resistant lenses. The material used
to coat the eyeglass lenses that you wear was
originally developed to coat the visors of astro-
nauts. See Figure A.
• Digital ear thermometer. The development of the
digital ear thermometer is based on the creation of
NASA technology to measure the temperature of
stars with infrared technology. See Figure B.
• Cordless tools. During the 1960s space mis-
sions, NASA engineers realized they needed a
cordless tool to use in space. Along with Black &
Decker, engineers created the battery-powered
motor drill, which is the predecessor to the cord-
less hand tools used today. See Figure C.
• Water filtration. NASA engineers developed
and refined the use of charcoal for water fil-
tration to ensure their astronauts had clean
drinking water while they were in space. This
technology is still used today in the water filter
you may have in your refrigerator.
Figure A.
Artem Illarionov/Shutterstock.com
Figure B.
Tina Rencelj/Shutterstock.com
Figure C.
Nyvit-art/Shutterstock.com