03.PROBLEM DEFINITION - R-div-Engg-Exploration-2026-27-Odd/Repo-9 GitHub Wiki
This section organizes the problem-definition work for the semi-automatic mechanical clock.
Detailed pages:
- 3.1 Question and Answer
- 3.2 Basic Survey and Requirements
- 3.3 Identifying Client's Objectives
- 3.4 Identify Constraints
- 3.5 Establish Functions
Source workbook: ED1-PD
Need Statement
Derived summary from the supplied workbook.
Develop a semi-automatic mechanical clock that lets users read accurate time, view the day and date, adjust settings and receive an alarm or alert, while remaining reliable, usable, safe, compact and maintainable.
Source: ED1-PD · B31:B39
3.1 Question and Answer
All 20 recorded questions and answers, with the classifications marked in the workbook.
| No. | Question | Client answer | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | What is the main purpose of the clock? | Display accurate time. | Function |
| 2 | How clear should the time indication be? | Clear and readable. | Objective |
| 3 | Should the user be able to adjust the time? | Yes. | Function |
| 4 | Should the clock display day and date? | Yes. | Function |
| 5 | Should the clock provide an alarm or alert? | Yes. | Function |
| 6 | Should the clock accept user settings? | Yes. | Function |
| 7 | How accurate should the clock be? | High accuracy. | Objective |
| 8 | How easy should the clock be to use? | User-friendly. | Objective |
| 9 | How reliable should the clock be? | Highly reliable. | Objective |
| 10 | Should the clock operate smoothly? | Yes. | Objective |
| 11 | Should maintenance be easy? | Yes. | Objective |
| 12 | What should the appearance be like? | Neat and attractive. | Objective |
| 13 | What is the maximum volume? | 1.5 m³. | Constraint |
| 14 | What is the maximum budget? | ₹5,000. | Constraint |
| 15 | Should the clock be safe to use? | Yes. | Constraint |
| 16 | Should the clock remain stable during operation? | Yes. | Objective |
| 17 | Should the clock maintain time continuously? | Yes. | Function |
| 18 | Should the display remain synchronized with time? | Yes. | Function |
| 19 | Should the clock respond to user commands? | Yes. | Function |
| 20 | Should the clock notify the user when required? | Yes. | Function |
Source: ED1-PD · A4:F24 ↗
3.2 Basic Survey and Requirements
The client exercise produces three groups of requirements. Counts below follow the workbook’s own classifications.
Requirements extracted from the client exercise
| Requirement group | Count | What the source establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Objectives | 8 | Clarity, accuracy, usability, reliability, smoothness, maintenance, appearance and stability. |
| Constraints | 3 | Maximum volume, maximum budget and safe operation. |
| Functions | 9 | Display, adjustment, day/date, alarm, settings, continuous timekeeping, synchronization, command response and notification. |
The supplied workbook does not quantify timekeeping tolerance, readability distance, operating duration or safety test criteria. These remain unspecified.
Source: ED1-PD · A5:F24 ↗
3.3 Identifying Client’s Objectives
Desired qualities extracted from the eight rows marked “Objective”.
- Clear and readable time indication (Q2)
- High timekeeping accuracy (Q7)
- User-friendly operation (Q8)
- High reliability (Q9)
- Smooth operation (Q10)
- Easy maintenance (Q11)
- Neat and attractive appearance (Q12)
- Stability during operation (Q16)
Source: ED1-PD · B5:D24 ↗
Problem Definition Version 1.1
Design and develop a semi-automatic mechanical clock that is accurate, reliable, user-friendly, safe, compact, easy to maintain and visually attractive.
Source: ED1-PD · B31 · “Problem Definition 1” ↗
3.4 Identify Constraints
Design boundaries
| Constraint | Recorded requirement | Client question |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Must not exceed 1.5 m³ | Q13 |
| Budget | Overall cost must not exceed ₹5,000 | Q14 |
| Safety | The clock should be safe to use | Q15 |
Source: ED1-PD · B17:F19 ↗
Problem Definition Version 1.2
Design and develop a semi-automatic mechanical clock that is accurate, reliable, user-friendly, safe, compact, easy to maintain and visually attractive. The total volume of the clock should not exceed 1.5 m³ and the overall cost should not exceed ₹5,000.
Source: ED1-PD · B35 · “Problem Definition 2” ↗
3.5 Establish Functions
Actions extracted from the nine rows marked “Function”.
- Display accurate time (Q1)
- Allow time adjustment (Q3)
- Display day and date (Q4)
- Provide an alarm or alert (Q5)
- Accept user settings (Q6)
- Maintain time continuously (Q17)
- Synchronize the display with time (Q18)
- Respond to user commands (Q19)
- Notify the user when required (Q20)
Source: ED1-PD · B5:E24 ↗
Problem Definition Version 1.3
Design and develop a semi-automatic mechanical clock that is accurate, reliable, user-friendly, safe, compact, easy to maintain and visually attractive. The total volume of the clock should not exceed 1.5 m³ and the overall cost should not exceed ₹5,000. The clock should display accurate time, indicate the day and date, allow time adjustment, accept user settings and provide an alarm or alert when required.