John B. Ochs

Automated Flat Pattern Layout from Three-dimensional Wire-frame Data

SUMMARY Starting with a three-dimensional wire-frame data list, a shell-type boundary representation solid model is automatically created to represent sheet metal objects. This model contains the geometric data and topological relationships required to automate the flat pattern layout process and bend allowance calculation encountered in brakeforming. These features are incorporated into a software program called LAYOUT.LU, that uses a ring-type database structure to store data and uses real-time dynamic graphics to illustrate the layout and bend allowance process. Initial graphics exchange standard (IGES) formatted data can be provided as input and IGES output formats of the flat pattern are generated.

Can students in technology entrepreneurship courses help foster start‐ups by the unemployed?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate Lehigh Universitys demonstration program integrating technology entrepreneurship courses with state and federal employment and economic development agencies. The article aims to detail program goals, activities, resources and structure.Design/methodology/approach – The demonstration involved three stages over 30‐months in the context of Lehighs Integrated Product Development Program. IPD engages students and faculty from business, engineering and design arts. Multidisciplinary student teams worked with unemployed clients with entrepreneurial new product ideas. The authors report results of several surveys and lessons learned from a comprehensive assessment process.Findings – One year after participating, compared to a control group of non‐participants, clients with student teams had made statistically significantly more progress in launching businesses and generated more economic activity. Family support and market knowledge were the strongest predictor...

Learning Across Functional Silos

Faculty, students and industry partners at Lehigh University are fundamentally restructuring and rethinking curricula across three of Lehigh’s colleges, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Economics, and the College of Engineering and Applied Science. The catalyst is the new Integrated Product Development (IPD) Educational Program, which President Peter Likins has called “one of the most profound curricular changes in Lehigh’s history.” IPD is a sequence of experiential product design courses that complement and enrich—rather than replace—existing disciplinary majors. The program stresses a handson approach to prototype and product development. Teams of business, engineering and design arts students work together on real industry-sponsored projects to produce technical and business feasibility studies, mockups of design ideas, working prototypes and business plans. The students come to understand the interdependencies and multidisciplinary, team-oriented nature of work and decision making in today’s global business enterprise. This actively engages them in developing the skills necessary for a lifetime of learning and leadership.