What Is a System?
• A group of interrelated components designed collectively to achieve a desired goal.
• A technological system produces results through the use of technology.
A system may be huge, like a space shuttle.
Or it may be small, like a cell phone.
The Basic System Model
• All systems include an Input, Process, and Output• During the Process the seven technological Resources are used.
InputThe desired
result
OutputThe actual
result
ProcessAction part of a system.
Combines resources that respond to the input to produce a result.
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What are the 7 Technological Resources?
• Something that supplies help or aid– Could be a source of information or expertise– Could be a source of wealth or revenue– Could be supplies or support
Materials
• Raw materials
• Processed materials– Natural resources that have been changed by
technology into a more useful form– Lumber from trees, leather from animals
Materials
• Raw materials• Processed materials• Manufactured materials
– Created when natural resources are altered by processes that do more than change the size or shape of the material.
– They are so changed in form that you can’t recognize where they were from
– Gasoline, paper, glass, metals
Materials
• Raw materials• Processed materials• Manufactured materials• Synthetic materials
– Materials created artificially– Not natural materials– Made by scientifically combining chemicals and
elements into rare natural materials, or materials not found in nature
– Industrial diamonds, man-made rubber, plastics
Tools and Machines
• Tools increase our ability to do work.• A tool becomes a mechanical machine
when a power system is added to make the tool work better.
• Tools and machines increase our ability to do work, and perform our jobs better.
Time
• Everything takes time
• People are paid for the time they work
• Too much or too little time can ruin your results.
Open-Loop System
• A system that has no way of monitoring or adjusting itself is an open-loop system.
• Since you can’t control the temperature, only the time the microwave is heating your food, it may come out too hot or not hot enough.
InputA hot meal
OutputFood is warm
ProcessA microwave combines
the resources to heatyour food for a certain
amount of time.
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Can You Think of Other Open-Loop Systems?
Woodstove
Does the temperatureremain constant?
Washer/Dryer
Do the clothes always come out clean and dry?
Train
Does the speedremain constant while travelling uphill, downhill, or on a flat?
What Is Different in These Systems?
BicycleRider watches roadand adjusts pedaling
or braking.
Car SpeedDriver looks at speedometerregularly and adjusts speed
as needed or sets cruise control.
FurnaceTemperature is controlled by setting thermostat to desired level.
Closed Loop System
Input
Go 30 mph
Output
Car speedis 50 mph
Process
A car combines the resources to movethe car and transport
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ComparatorDriver
compares actual
speed to desired speed.
MonitorDriver sees car is going
too fast.
FeedbackLoop
Combination ofspeedometer, driver’s eye, and driver’s brain formthe feedback loop.
Controller
Driver pressesbrake or
accelerator.