Running Head: Pen Holder

Pen Holder
Ethan Steckmann
Old Dominion University

Running Head: Pen Holder

Abstract
Over the course of this paper the process of implementing the engineering design process
in order to design and manufacture a product will be explored. This is a common practice which
is used when solving almost any problem. Often times this process is used without a persons
knowledge. By the end of this paper the reader will be fully aware of how to properly implement
this process in order to have an organized and well thought out approach when attempting to
solve a problem.

Running Head: Pen Holder

Engineering Design Process

The engineering design process its a cycle which is often used in STEM fields in order
to have a systematic approach when solving a problem. The steps of the cycle are as follows: 1)
Identify the problem, 2) Brainstorm solutions, 3) Plan solution, 5) Build solution, 6) Test
solution, and 7) Identify areas to improve and repeat (Dunbar). This approach was taken when
given the assignment to manufacture a solution for STEM 231. Thus it was possible to break the
entire assignment into manageable portions which could be systematically completed. The first
step that was necessary was identifying the problem.
Identify the Problem
For this assignment I felt that it would be best to identify a real problem that I personally
face in everyday life. Additionally, the problem must have a design solution which could be
completed within the number of remaining classes. Because I only recently started a new full
time engineering job I was first hand realizing my lack of office supplies. This resulted in have a
mess, unorganized, and unprofessional desk. From this observation I identified the problem of
needing supplies in order to organize my desk. A number of possible areas of issue were thought
off including unorganized papers, unorganized pens, lunch box storage, coat hook, etc. From
these areas of issue I decided that in order to complete the design within the remaining classes it
would be necessary to only design and build a solution to one problem. The problem which was
selected was the issue of organizing pens and other writing utensils. The reason for this choice
also included a desire to show my manufacturing abilities in a prominent way at my desk. With
the problem identified it was then necessary to brainstorm possible solutions.
Brainstorming Solutions

Running Head: Pen Holder

In order to solve the identified problem it is first necessary to identify possible solutions.
Upon identifying these possible solutions it is then possible to examine which offers the best
solution before proceeding to the next step. While brainstorming I came to the realization that
almost all pen holders are cup shaped. Because of this I decided to approach the problem in a
way that each pen is held in a specific position. With this decided it was then necessary to sketch
and think of ways with which this would be done. Upon gathering a number of ideas it was then
necessary to select the best and begin the planning stage of the process.
Plan Solution
Having completed a number of course while in school that implemented 3D graphic
design programs I have found that it is often simplest to sketch the design quickly in AutoDesk
Inventor. This allows for design to be quickly seen and any problems identified early in the
manufacturing process. This allowed me to sketch my design and then simplify it to the point
that it could be easily manufactured in only a few classes. Additionally, it was clear that the
design would be able to securely hold the pens. After the basic sketch was completed it was
possible to add dimensions in order to quickly manufacture the design. With the planning stage
done it was then necessary to proceed to the building stage of the process.
Building the Solution
After the solution had been thoughtfully planned out it is next time to build. For this step
the plans will need to be transformed from descriptions, drawings, and dimensions into a
physical design. This requires the user have knowledge of how to manufacture. For this project
knowledge was need for using a center punch, a drill press, a horizontal band saw, a hack saw, a

Running Head: Pen Holder

hammer, sand paper, and an orbital sand paper. All of these tools would need to be used in the
creation of the pen holder which was previously planned.
Testing the Solutions
Upon completing the manufacturing of the pen holder it is then necessary to test how
well it meets the desired design requirements. For this pen holder the testing was phase was
extremely simple in all that needed to be done was to insert three pens into the appropriate slots.
This test was done and its results could then be used to complete the final phase of the process.
Identify Areas of Improvement
After testing the design it is then necessary to identify any areas of the design which need
improvement. This could be a result of a fault in the manufacturing process, an unforeseen
problem that the design phase did not realize, and a wide range of others. For the pen holder a
number of flaws were realized. First the top holes were too small to hold a highlighter, second
three slots is not enough, and finally the holes could use a wide fillet in order to make the pens
tip easily center in the holes. With these flaws identified it is now possible to restart the loop.
This is done by identifying the problem which needs to be solved first and then following the
process. In this way the engineering design process is a loop and every time a product is
manufactured there are a few unforeseen areas of improvements which continue the loop until
the desired result is achieved (The Engineering Design Process).

Running Head: Pen Holder

Bibliography
"The Engineering Design Process." Engineering Is Elementary, n.d. Web. 7 Dec. 2014.
Dunbar, Brian. "Engineering Design Process." NASA. NASA, 07 Feb. 2008. Web. 07 Dec. 2014.