Toasting Design
269 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago -Engineering design has a lot of nuances and caveats. This podcast discusses those and a few side tracks from time to time. Brought to you by the School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand
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Episodes
#239 Improving Productivity
April 05, 2024 16:00 - 20 minutes - 28.8 MBLike one giant metaphor that is also a direct lesson in and of itself we discuss how we would improve productivity if told to do so. Hosted by M. Boer and S.Schekman on 22 March 2024
#238 Catering for the "bad" users
March 22, 2024 04:00 - 24 minutes - 33.3 MBBy bad I mean non-sensical, illogical, uncompromisingly beligerant in following the wrong path. These are the users that don't use your design in the way you intended. How much do we need to cater for such persons in a design? Can we just ignore them? Should we? Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 22nd Feb 2024
#237 Sport vs Design
March 08, 2024 04:00 - 20 minutes - 27.8 MBThis episode was initially intended to follow a different topic but, as usually happens, a more interesting topic and set of ideas came forward as we were talking. So it's something to do with sport, something to do with design and as always coming up with different ways of tackling it Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 22nd Feb 2024
#236 Scaling in Design
February 23, 2024 04:00 - 16 minutes - 23.2 MBWhen does one scale something in design? The term is misleading and often brings to mind the types of activities or tasks that are not applicable in design. Scaling, nevertheless, happens often and in some ways is essential. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 17 Jan 2024
#235 Problem Types for Non-Engineering
February 09, 2024 04:00 - 22 minutes - 31.4 MBWe have covered a number of times the differences in problem types but these are all from a basis of mechanical or aeronautical engineering problems. These are situations where Boer and I have quite some experience. In a manner of how persons without that experience might want to try figure out the problem type, we tackle non engineering related problems. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 17 Jan 2024
#234 Another Rescue System
January 26, 2024 04:32 - 25 minutes - 34.7 MBThis turned out to be a great example of how to go about problem consideration. Specifically the look into a problem start at where it could go. In this situation it is a person skiing off piste that subsequently falls into a deep crevice. Video inspiration below: https://www.reddit.com/r/ThatsInsane/comments/17zywkn/he_could_had_kept_falling/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on the 13th Dec 2023
#233 Sand Dunes
January 12, 2024 04:30 - 19 minutes - 27.2 MBNot in any way inspired by the Dune films or novels but instead by Boers unending search for records. This time it is the worlds largest dune. Obviously we consider how you would bury something inside of it. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on the 13th December 2023
#232 4th Year Project 2024 Part 1
December 29, 2023 04:00 - 20 minutes - 27.6 MBA brief look at what is upcoming for the 4th year projects for 2024. More information will follow in another episode early in 2024. Hosted by M. Boer and S.Schekman on the 23rd Nov 2023
#231 Unique Sidecars
December 15, 2023 04:00 - 24 minutes - 33.1 MBWhen do you go outright unique, outright novel or just play it safe and present something no one is surprised about but is actually a reasonable solution. That at least was the aim of this podcast. Let us know by carrier pidgeon if you want us to come back to this. Video inspiration: https://www.reddit.com/r/BeAmazed/comments/17vwrwy/lost_in_history/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on the 23rd Nov 2023
#230 A problem with projects
December 01, 2023 04:00 - 22 minutes - 30.9 MBThere are two particular project topics that are irking ol' Boer. It all comes down to key details or aspects just being ignored... at it results in a clear and definitive fail. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 2 Nov 2023
#229 Starting with Apples
November 17, 2023 04:00 - 28 minutes - 39.7 MBInspire by the little video linked below, we discuss how an idea like this can be expanded to other problems or project topics. It could be useful to all 2nd, 3rd and 4th year students. https://www.reddit.com/r/BeAmazed/comments/1736tec/robotic_apple_harvester/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 2 Nov 2023
#228 The shapes of engineering
November 03, 2023 04:00 - 18 minutes - 25.4 MBBoer has a new theory. It's all about shapes. Not the details of the lines or bits inside of that shape but shape (or silhouette) itself. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on the 10th October 2023
#227 A Quick Disclosure
October 20, 2023 03:50 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBThis is one of those episodes where we talk about what we don't talk about by not talking about it. Its likely useful for our students. I hope. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on the 10th October 2023
#226 Still no catwalks
October 06, 2023 04:00 - 28 minutes - 38.6 MBModelling. It still causing confusion - at least I assume so, its been a while since the last episode. Let's make it a little more complicated. Modelling the pushing of a bog - see video linked below as introduced in the previous episode NOTE: we are hereon moving to an episode every second week. There is plenty backlog in the meantime. Hosted by M. Boer and S.Schekman on 21st September 2023 Video being discussed https://www.reddit.com/r/BeAmazed/comments/16ajfh8/pushing_an_island_back_t...
#225 Not the one with catwalks
September 22, 2023 03:54 - 25 minutes - 34.8 MBModelling. Apparently the principle of this, at least its role in design, is causing confusion. We will keep it simple. Shopping trolleys. Well, modelling of shopping trolleys. Or rather, modelling the interaction of shopping trolleys for a user with only one arm. Hosted by M. Boer and S.Schekman Video being discussed https://www.reddit.com/r/BeAmazed/comments/16ajfh8/pushing_an_island_back_to_its_place/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3
#224 Post Options
September 15, 2023 04:00 - 19 minutes - 27.4 MBPicture it now. You have developed a preliminary design. It works. It should solve the problem. But on closer inspection it could be better. It should be better. Why is it not already better? I am disapointed in you now... Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 24 Aug 2023
#223 Magnets!
September 08, 2023 04:00 - 24 minutes - 33.6 MBAs though drawing from the Triz list for our topics, we have settled on magnets today. The video inspiration can be found at this link: https://www.reddit.com/r/blackmagicfuckery/comments/15zpay3/invisible_fastener/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 24 Aug 2023
#222 Concrete Wings
September 01, 2023 04:00 - 16 minutes - 22.1 MBThats quite a literal title. We talk about making aircraft wings (and other non-building type structures) from concrete... It is a good idea? Hosted by M. Boer and S.Schekman on 17 Aug 2023
#221 The URS Clocks
August 25, 2023 04:00 - 25 minutes - 35 MBThere is a new idea in design. It is Boer's idea. It involves clocks. Tick Tock, not TikTok mind you. And as time runs out for students then so does it run out for design. Of course in this analogy we want time to run out because it means we are done. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 17 Aug 2023
#220 The analysis in problem ID
August 18, 2023 04:24 - 18 minutes - 24.8 MBWhile it would be great if the problem is just given to us, often we are responsible for identifying or at least refining it ourselves. We discuss how we might approach this in a particular situation. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 3rd August 2023
#219 3rd year projects Sem 2
August 11, 2023 04:22 - 23 minutes - 31.7 MBAnother discussion on what the 3rd year mech and aero students are doing (or not doing) in their projects during the second semester Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 3rd August 2023
#218 Invisibility
August 04, 2023 04:00 - 20 minutes - 28.5 MBWhat does it mean to be invisible? Well, let's discuss. Ok, I realise you can't contribute. So the "us" is me and Boer, not you, me and Boer. If that disappoints you let us know. The email address to contact us at is hidden in the episode by way of code (morse anyone?). Either that or find our email addresses... Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 20th July 2023
#217 Parking and Dyson Spheres
July 28, 2023 04:00 - 22 minutes - 31.3 MBHave you ever noted the correlation between parking meters and Dyson spheres? Have you wondered how those measures put in place to manage public parking spaces could be applied to the construction of a structure around a sun? Have you actually listened to any of the podcasts before? There isn't a chance in hell we would be able to join those two points... unless... Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 20th July 2023
#216 Drop tanks and Jet packs
July 21, 2023 03:32 - 23 minutes - 32.5 MBHaving written that title out I am now a little annoyed that I did not think of actually discussing drop tanks for jet packs. It was right there. We looked at drop "tank" batteries for aircraft, refueling techniques and jet pack sports. I'm dissapointed. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 13 July 2023
#215 The Aftermath
July 14, 2023 04:00 - 16 minutes - 22.4 MBAhh what it a time it was. Anticipating what sort of work would be submitted by the students. Hoping it would be good. Left with nothing but that hope and no sign of an alternative. Except of course there were signs of the alternative, thats the power of hindsight for you... It. Did. Not. Go. Well. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 13 July 2023
#214 Conversions or Repercussions
July 07, 2023 04:00 - 18 minutes - 26 MBThis topic set is a little more all over the place (our speciality really). A bit on conversions, a bit on repercussions and a dash of aircraft, its really our bread and butter (or toast and butter). Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 28 June 2023
#213 A little less reckless
June 30, 2023 04:00 - 23 minutes - 32.4 MBRecent events with oceanic exploration has us thinking of what else to do. Let's stop and think not "can we do it" but "should we do it" and then go about the usual (problem ident, development, etc). Hosted by M. Boer and S. Schekman on 28 Jun 2023
#212 Windsurfing but without arms
June 23, 2023 03:18 - 24 minutes - 33.1 MBIn what will become a problem for mech's in the second half of 2023, the allowance for persons without arms to partake in sports can pose as an interesting problem require novel solutions (novel in the sense that they don't yet exist - not regrowth bacta tanks or exoskeleton machines surfing the waves). Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 24 May 2023
#211 Charging plug and play
June 16, 2023 03:15 - 22 minutes - 30.9 MBGoing off on a tangent in our favourite way possible we discuss from vehicle exhaust fume extractors to easy plug and release car charging. Try to keep up. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 24th May 2023
#210 Windsurfer concepts part 2
June 09, 2023 03:13 - 27 minutes - 37.1 MBThis is a second part to a two parter. Suggest you have a listen to the first. Following on from an exercise for the 3rd year fluids exercise, we discuss what options are present for a wind surfing hydrofoil type design. We discuss what options we could foresee or at least expected and what the students themselves found. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on the 11th May 2023
#209 Windsurfer concepts
June 02, 2023 04:09 - 26 minutes - 36.5 MBFollowing on from an exercise for the 3rd year fluids exercise, we discuss what options are present for a wind surfing hydrofoil type design. We discuss what options we could foresee or at least expected and what the students themselves found. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 11th May 2023
#208 Patenting Flight
May 26, 2023 03:59 - 23 minutes - 32.8 MBWe look back at Boer's learning for the week and discuss. Unsurprisingly, its about aircraft for the most part. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 4th May 2023
#207 Communicating in hostile territories
May 19, 2023 03:55 - 23 minutes - 32.6 MBThis topic was inspired by a book (fiction). It doesn't nevertheless make it any less of a possible problem (though certainly a fiction book does not make for a referencable source, no matter how well researched the author may be or say they are). In many ways some of the better problem ideas can come from fiction, especially science fiction. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 4th May 2023 Learnings video link: https://www.reddit.com/r/ThatsInsane/comments/12iof6j/you_want_some_bike_here...
#206 Efficient Cooking
May 12, 2023 03:50 - 24 minutes - 33.8 MBWe all have our hobbies. Online gaming, forging metals, failing student reports and one of my favourites is cooking. But there isn't always time for such matters. What to do... what to do... Make a podcast about it, is what we did. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 20th April 2023
#205 Refining problems, sub-problems
May 05, 2023 03:46 - 23 minutes - 31.7 MBThis may sound like a lesson in refining problems. It is instead an exacerbated complaint against the inability of persons to understand what I am saying. Did that come across? No? Well then Ill setup an episode about me complaining about this too. If that doesn't help I can repeat the process as necessary. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 20th April 2023 Learnings video: https://www.reddit.com/r/ThatsInsane/comments/12d9mos/combat_juggling_sport/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&conte...
#204 Electric Public Transport
April 28, 2023 03:42 - 24 minutes - 34 MBRest assured we completely cover a new transport scheme that is sure to be something you think of as "different." More than that I cannot and will not say. Other than steam catapult launched buses will make me use public transport. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 29th March 2023
#203 Planning
April 21, 2023 03:41 - 26 minutes - 36.2 MBPlanning for a design is like planning for a holiday. Does that help? No? Well then let's tell you how we would plan for a holiday. If that doesn't help I recommend Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 29th March 2023 Video: https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/11za7zr/this_specially_designed_cup_can_hold_coffee_in_it/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3
#202 New Materials
April 14, 2023 03:39 - 21 minutes - 38.7 MBWhen a new material or mechanism is finally released or discovered there tends to be a lot of hype in it. Sometimes this hype is merited, sometimes it is premature and sometimes it's fantastical. Let's discuss one of these new ideas. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 9 March 2023
#201 Transforming Chairs
April 07, 2023 03:36 - 22 minutes - 40.8 MBInspired by the video linked below, we discuss the design, what we would do, the good, bad and ugly. https://www.reddit.com/r/oddlysatisfying/comments/11g97u3/transforming_theater_in_sao_paulo/ Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 9 Mar 2023
#200 Robot Wars V2
March 31, 2023 03:34 - 28 minutes - 38.5 MBWe (Boer and I) see a lot of students who are not so much interested in the problem but just have an idea they want to design for. We get that to. Today it's a new form of robot wars (google it). Note even in jumping right into the design, we are aware of an approximate problem but because it is not well defined, our ideas jump around a lot. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 23 Feb 2023 This is the 200th episode. Should we have done something special? Well technically episode 197 was the ...
#199 Wheelchair Storage
March 24, 2023 03:30 - 24 minutes - 34.1 MBInspired by the video linked here: https://preview.redd.it/vylqpi1kb9ha1.gif?width=360&format=mp4&v=enabled&s=febf0e13558258b31d2916e1c07393aebdf62725 We discuss the design, the good, bad and ugly. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 23 Feb 2023
#198 3rd year mech/aero design projects 2023
March 17, 2023 03:36 - 26 minutes - 48.8 MBThe design projects in undergrad at Wits SoMIAE change every year. We do this to keep things fresh, to make our lives (as the lecturer) entertaining and also gives students something new each year. We introduce these here as they tend to come up in conversations later in the year. Some starting thoughts, things to think about and the like. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 15th Feb 2023.
#197 The 2nd year design projects 2023
March 10, 2023 03:35 - 24 minutes - 44.9 MBThe design projects in undergrad at Wits SoMIAE change every year. We do this to keep things fresh, to make our lives (as the lecturer) entertaining and also gives students something new each year. We introduce these here as they tend to come up in conversations. Some starting thoughts, things to think about and the like. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 15th Feb 2023.
#196 Complex Engineering Problem (again - 2023 - part 2)
March 03, 2023 04:20 - 24 minutes - 45.6 MBAs we tend to do every year, here we discuss the definition of a complex engineering problem, as is established by ECSA. We have done this before and so you can refer to the previous ones, just this one or both. In this episode we only discuss definition of the solution to such a problem. The definition of the problme was covered in a precious . Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 9th Feb 2023
#195 Complex Engineering Problem (again - 2023)
February 24, 2023 04:16 - 24 minutes - 44.3 MBAs we tend to do every year, here we discuss the definition of a complex engineering problem, as is established by ECSA. We have done this before and so you can refer to the previous ones, just this one or both. In this episode we only discuss definition of the problem itself. The next episode will cover the definition of the solution to such a problem. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 9th Feb 2023
#194 Cleaning up Everest
February 17, 2023 03:51 - 26 minutes - 47.7 MBThe nature of problems, that while are problems either don't need any solution or not your sort of solution (assuming you are mechanically/aeronautically inclined). That's the topic by the way. If it doesn't make sense then that may change (may... I said may) if you listen to it. So listen to it. Hosted by M.Boer and S. Schekman on the 18th January 2023.
#193 Critically evaluating designs we have seen
February 10, 2023 03:42 - 24 minutes - 45.2 MBThe use of videos for explaining points to Boer has been somewhat effective. Its applicability to an audio only podcast is of course limited. There is no easy way to say this so I'll just come out with it: "The Last Jedi is not terrible." Before you prepare your response please first refer to an episode in the podcasts in the #50- #62 range where this topic was discussed in depth. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on 18th Jan 2023.
#192 When Life Gets You Down Make a Podcast
February 03, 2023 03:30 - 26 minutes - 48.2 MBAhh, load shedding. Such a way of life for South Africans that it becomes depressing thinking about it. But on the other hand it gives us plenty to talk about from a design standpoint. New topic, traffic lights. Obviously my first solution would be having a vehicle that can just go through an intersection without damage from oncoming or bypassing other vehicles. Who needs traffic lights or 4 way crossing rules when everyone else has to move out of your way. This is apparently unethical (t-bo...
#191 I'm not locked in here with you
January 27, 2023 03:25 - 29 minutes - 54.3 MBEvery now and then it appears that the bad ideas, that we would say "no, that is a bad idea" seem to make it far enough that we see it outside of design reports in undergrad. There's a lot that can be said from this, from the fact that even bad ideas are taken to far to even bad design engineers manage to get out into industry. We discuss such an idea. Hosted by M.Boer and S.Schekman on the 18th Jan 2023
#190 I hear clearly now that the rain is gone
January 20, 2023 03:34 - 29 minutes - 53.6 MBDo you hear yourself think? That inner monologue telling you that, no you cannot make that jump or yes you definitely got the wrong answer in that exam question. It might just be me but it got me thinking about when I couldn’t hear that voice because it was raining so damn hard while I was driving. The obvious follow up is not a trip to the psychologist but instead whether or not I could make things quieter and how. Quickly tricking Boer into going along with this, I may once again be able to...