Cross Topic Question

The figure shows the EVT 168 scooter made in Taiwan. Its top speed is 56 km/h and it has a range of 50 km before the battery needs a recharge. It is marketed as a very quiet machine and costs US$ 3900.

(a)(i)State the percentile range used to design the adjustable seat. (1)

Give a brief answer without explanation 5 th – 95 th adult

(ii)Outline one ergonomic consideration for the design of the handlebars. (2)

Give a brief summary One consideration is anthropometric data relating to 50 th percentile adult hand size.

(ii)Outline one ergonomic consideration for the design of the handlebars. (2) Give a brief summary One consideration is the texture of the material in relationship to grip

(ii)Outline one ergonomic consideration for the design of the handlebars. (2) Give a brief summary One consideration is the shape of the handlebars in relationship to grip

(b)Outline one disadvantage of the scooter operating very quietly. (2)

Give a brief summary Scooters often weave in and out of traffic and other road users often rely on being able to hear them

(b)Outline one disadvantage of the scooter operating very quietly. (2) Give a brief summary Usually, pedestrians hear scooters approaching before seeing them

(c)Evaluate the use of a composite material for the body of the scooter. (3)

Assess the implications and limitations Although composites can be more expensive than traditional materials, the lower density of the composite will help conserve resources through lower fuel consumption due to reduced weight

(c)Evaluate the use of a composite material for the body of the scooter. (3) Assess the implications and limitations Although composites can be more expensive than traditional materials, the designer is able to build in extra strengthening in those parts affected by concentrated stress

(c)Evaluate the use of a composite material for the body of the scooter. (3) Assess the implications and limitations Although composites can be more expensive than traditional materials,

(d)Explain one influence of fashion on the design of the scooter. (3)

Give a detailed account of causes or reasons Colour – different colours are fashionable at different times. The colours chosen for the scooter would be fashionable / appealing for the target market

(d)Explain one influence of fashion on the design of the scooter. (3) Give a detailed account of causes or reasons Style – the style of the scooter is retro which would have a fashionable appeal for young people and a sense of nostalgia for an older market

(d)Explain one influence of fashion on the design of the scooter. (3) Give a detailed account of causes or reasons Materials – The scooter uses a lot of chrome which creates a traditional image

Discuss the concepts of repair, re-use and reconditioning in relation to the design of the scooter. (9)

Give an account including (if possible) a range arguments for and against

Discuss the concepts of repair, re-use and reconditioning in relation to the design of the scooter. (9) Give an account including (if possible) a range arguments for and against Repair – if the scooter breaks down, it is important that it can be repaired, but this depends on the availability and cost of the replacement parts and whether this might be an easy task for the user- making DIY repairs possible. Repairs would also be dependent on the accessibility of the parts.

Discuss the concepts of repair, re-use and reconditioning in relation to the design of the scooter. (9) Give an account including (if possible) a range arguments for and against Reuse – if the scooter breaks down, or is in an accident where repairs are not possible, another option might be to reuse the parts for other scooters. This depends on whether standardised parts have been used and how easy it is to disassemble. Reusing extends the life cycle, but the success of this option depends on the strength of second hand sales.

Discuss the concepts of repair, re-use and reconditioning in relation to the design of the scooter. (9) Give an account including (if possible) a range arguments for and against Reconditioning – means to renovate and is a way of ‘making new’ parts that have become worn. By reconditioning the engine it extends its life. Other parts could be designed to be reconditioned before they become faulty and cannot be retrieved. Re-spraying the body to another colour or style avoids it becoming obsolete through passing fashions.