Design forDesign for EngineeringEngineering

Unit 5: Technological Unit 5: Technological Systems Systems

*Definition with example of a transportation system

Define the problemGather Information

Choose a solutionTest your idea

Evaluate the results

Input

Process

Output Feedback

Retr

y

Problem-Solving Steps Basic Systems Model

Systems Model as compared to Problem-

Solving Model

Four elements of a Technological Four elements of a Technological SystemSystem

1. Input: the energy and materials that go into a system. 1. Input: the energy and materials that go into a system. These are commands we give to a system. The input to These are commands we give to a system. The input to a system comes from its resources. There are 7 types a system comes from its resources. There are 7 types of resources that provide input for all technological of resources that provide input for all technological systems:systems:

a.a. PeoplePeopleb.b. MaterialsMaterialsc.c. Tools and machinesTools and machinesd.d. EnergyEnergye.e. TimeTimef.f. CapitalCapitalg.g. InformationInformation

Example: Getting into a car and stepping on the gas pedal to Example: Getting into a car and stepping on the gas pedal to go 50 mph.go 50 mph.

Four elements of a Technological Four elements of a Technological SystemSystem

2. Process: This includes all of the activities 2. Process: This includes all of the activities that need to take place for the system to that need to take place for the system to give the desired result. The process is a give the desired result. The process is a series of actions directed to an end. It is series of actions directed to an end. It is what happens to the inputs or resources. what happens to the inputs or resources. The processes used to covert raw materials The processes used to covert raw materials into industrial materials are called primary into industrial materials are called primary processes. The processes that covert processes. The processes that covert industrial materials into finished products industrial materials into finished products are called secondary processes.are called secondary processes.

Example: The process combines the Example: The process combines the resources from the input to produce the resources from the input to produce the output. It is taking all factors into affect to output. It is taking all factors into affect to get the car up to 50 mph.get the car up to 50 mph.

Four elements of a Technological Four elements of a Technological SystemSystem

3. Output: It is the resulting product of 3. Output: It is the resulting product of inputs and processes. Output inputs and processes. Output includes everything that actually includes everything that actually results when the input and process results when the input and process parts of the system go into effect. parts of the system go into effect. Output can be classified as expected, Output can be classified as expected, unexpected, desirable or undesirable.unexpected, desirable or undesirable.

Example: As stated in the process, it’s Example: As stated in the process, it’s the combination of resources which the combination of resources which gets the actual speed of the car up to gets the actual speed of the car up to 50 mph. 50 mph.

Four elements of a Technological Four elements of a Technological SystemSystem

4. Feedback: It is the reaction to the inputs, 4. Feedback: It is the reaction to the inputs, process, and outputs of the system which process, and outputs of the system which serve to reinforce or alter the elements of serve to reinforce or alter the elements of the system. Feedback can take many the system. Feedback can take many forms. Some are built into the system. In forms. Some are built into the system. In our example, the speedometer is a our example, the speedometer is a monitor, which gives us feedback about monitor, which gives us feedback about the output. We can control the system to the output. We can control the system to get the output we want. This is described get the output we want. This is described as an “open-loop” system where as an “open-loop” system where intervention on the part of the human intervention on the part of the human operator is required. A “closed-loop” operator is required. A “closed-loop” system is where data gathered is fed system is where data gathered is fed back to the computer or control device back to the computer or control device and adjustments are made automatically and adjustments are made automatically according to a prearranged program or according to a prearranged program or procedure. procedure.

Sources: VCSU reading assignment

Standards coveredStandards covered Standard #2:Standard #2: Students will develop an understanding of the core concepts of Students will develop an understanding of the core concepts of

technology.technology.Benchmarks:Benchmarks:W. Systems thinking applies logic and creativity with appropriate W. Systems thinking applies logic and creativity with appropriate

compromises compromises in complex real-life problems.in complex real-life problems.X. Systems, which are the building blocks of technology, are embedded X. Systems, which are the building blocks of technology, are embedded

within within larger technological, social, and environmental systems.larger technological, social, and environmental systems.Y. The stability of a technological system is influenced by all of the Y. The stability of a technological system is influenced by all of the

components components in the system, especially those in the feedback loop.in the system, especially those in the feedback loop.FF. Complex systems have many layers of controls and feedback loops to FF. Complex systems have many layers of controls and feedback loops to provide information. provide information.

Standard #18:Standard #18: Students will develop an understanding of and be able to select and Students will develop an understanding of and be able to select and use transportation technologies.use transportation technologies.

Benchmarks:Benchmarks:K. Intermodalism is the use of different modes of transportation, such as K. Intermodalism is the use of different modes of transportation, such as highways, railways, and waterways as part of an interconnected system highways, railways, and waterways as part of an interconnected system

that that can move people and goods easily from one mode to another.can move people and goods easily from one mode to another.L. Transportation services and methods have led to a population that is L. Transportation services and methods have led to a population that is regularly on the move.regularly on the move.M. The design of intelligent and non-intelligent transportation systems M. The design of intelligent and non-intelligent transportation systems

depends depends on many processes and innovative techniques.on many processes and innovative techniques.