1. Design for Engineering Unit 5 Technological Systems Annette Beattie August 4, Technological Systems
ETP 2006 – Annette Beattie
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the National Science Foundation (NSF).

2. Technological Systems
Each has 4 elements –
Inputs
Process
Output
Feedback
(VCSU, 2006)

3. Inputs There are 7 types of resources that provide input: People
Materials – natural, synthetic, raw, industrial
Tools and machines – measuring, layout, separating, forming, and combining
Energy – inexhaustible, renewable and nonrenewable (examples – heat, light, sound, chemical, nuclear, mechanical, and electrical)
(VCSU, 2006)

4. Inputs 7 types con’t – Time
Capital – money, land, structures and equipment
Information
(VCSU, 2006)

5. Universal Systems Model
Applied to cleaning up the Tech Ed room:
People – the teacher and students
Information – explanation by teacher of what needs to be done and how to do it
Materials – tools and equipment to be put away that were used during class
Tools and machines – broom, dustpans, shop vac
Energy – both human and electrical power
Capital – money from school to purchase materials, tools, machines
Time – the rime required to get the job done
(VCSU, 2006)

6. Process It’s what happens to the inputs
All the activities that need to take place for the system to give the desired result
A series of actions directed to an end
The inputs are combined by means of management and production.
Managing – planning, organizing, and controlling
Production – the actual making of the product
(VCSU, 2006)

7. Process
Primary process – process used to convert raw materials into industrial materials
Secondary process – process used to convert industrial material into finished products
(VCSU, 2006)

8. Process Back to Tech Ed cleanup system – Teacher manages the process
Production takes place in that a clean room is being produced
If managing is poor, the output will be poor
The process includes –
All the actions performed by the people
Tools or machines
Rest of the resources – electricity, lighting, etc.
(VCSU, 2006)

9. Outputs The resulting product of inputs and processes
Everything that results
Intended outputs
Nonintended – ex. waste (pollution) or changes in society (communicating thru s)
(VCSU, 2006)

10. Outputs Outputs can be – The output of our cleanup system – Desirable
Undesirable
Expected
Unexpected
The output of our cleanup system –
Clean, safe, organized room
Clouds of dust
Lost teaching time
Wear and tear on the equipment
(VCSU, 2006)

11. Feedback The reaction to the inputs, process, and outputs
They serve to reinforce or alter the elements of the system
Cleanup example –
Feedback – the next class coming into the room
If they complain or trip over equipment left out, the system would have to be improved.
Feedback becomes an input into the system
(VCSU, 2006)

12. Feedback Example Driver wants the car to go 30 mph
She provides input by stepping on the gas pedal
The car processes the input to go 30 mph, which is the output
Feedback is given by the speedometer – a monitor
A monitor lets us compare the actual result to the desired result
(VCSU, 2006)

13. Feedback
Instrumentation – helps us control the system by providing information
“Open loop” control system – human intervention is required (car example)
“Closed loop” control system – the computer or control device gathers the information and makes adjustments according to its programming
(VCSU, 2006)

14. Problem solving review
Define the problem
Gather information
Choose a solution
Test your idea
Evaluate the results
Retry
(VCSU, 2006)

15. Universal Systems Model
Input
Process
Output
Feedback
(VCSU, 2006)

16. Universal systems model
Compare the two
Problem solving steps
Define the problem
Gather information
Choose a solution
Test the idea
Evaluate the results
Retry
Universal systems model
Input
Process
Output
Feedback

17. Universal systems model
Communication System
Conference
Line up speaker
Register
Attend conference
Gain knowledge
Fill out evaluation
Universal systems model
Input
Process
Output
Feedback

18. Transportation System
Subway
People
Energy & materials
Moves under ground
Along rails
People transported
Depleted energy
Was it successful?
Could it be faster?
Universal systems model
Input
Process
Output
Feedback

19. Manufacturing Example
747 Cargo panel
Punch machine, people
paint, sheet metal, b/print
Cut to length, holes
punched, assembled,
chemically treated,
run thru paint
Panel that fits in 747, waste
Paychecks, improved economy
Inspection, design improvements,
JIT shipping,
Universal systems model
Input
Process
Output
Feedback

20. Universal systems model
Medical System
Pharmaceuticals
Symptoms,
Allergies, cost
Writing prescription,
Filling prescription
Taking the medicine
Symptoms relieved
Health improved,
Side effects
Feel better,
Checkup is good
Universal systems model
Input
Process
Output
Feedback

21. Systems The building blocks of technology!
Definition of technology again – the innovation, change, or modification of the natural environment to satisfy perceived human needs and wants. (ITEA, 2000) (VCSU, 2006)
Someone tell me why they think systems are the building blocks of technology. (Think inputs, processes, outputs, feedback)

22. Systems Engineering
Systems Engineering integrates all of the engineering disciplines and specialty groups into a unified, team effort, forming a structured development process that proceeds from:
concept
to production
to operation
and, in some cases, to termination and disposal
(System Engineering, 2006)

23. Systems Engineering
Systems Engineering considers both the business and the technical needs of all customers with the goal of providing a quality product that meets the user needs. (System Engineering, 2006)

24. Systems Engineering
The systems engineering role may have originated as the lead or project engineer who was assigned principal responsibility for orchestrating large and complex engineering programs, and as the single point of reference responsible for the entire engineering activity preferred by the United States Government on its large programs. (System Engineering, 2006)

25. Systems Engineering
However, systems engineering quickly became synonymous with the overarching responsibility for development of the complete end product (hardware, software, services) and enabling products (e.g., the 'systems' that produce and test the target system). This role has increasingly expanded, until the present, when it is also responsible for the interface between the complete device and the user. (System Engineering, 2006)

26. Systems Engineering
The role of the system engineer is especially important when systems must have especially predictable and reliable behavior. For example, power plants (especially nuclear), medical machinery, and spacecraft usually consist of many individually engineered and manufactured parts, by different companies. (System Engineering, 2006)

27. Systems Engineering
System engineering provides the assurance that normal operations, including parts failures, will not provide a hazard for the user or anyone else in the community.
The application of systems engineering processes may also result in significant cost savings, as well as providing a reasonable (up-front) assurance of the eventual success of the project.
(System Engineering, 2006)

28. Systems Engineering
The following link is humorous take on the job of a system engineer:

29. Systems Engineering
System engineering prepares you to be the leader amongst other engineers.
The following web site charts salary potential:
(System Engineering, 2006)

30. Sources
System Engineering. (2006, August 4). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved August 4, 2006, from
Valley City State University. (2006). Unit #5 Design For Engineering Reading Assignment Technology Systems. Retrieved July 20, 2006 from the website:

31. Standards
• Standard #2: Students will develop an understanding of the core concepts of technology. o [2.W] Systems thinking applies logic and creativity with appropriate compromises in complex real-life problems. o [2.X] Systems, which are the building blocks of technology, are embedded within larger technological, social, and environmental systems. o [2.Y]The stability of a technological system is influenced by all of the components in the system, especially those in the feedback loop. o [2.FF] Complex systems have many layers of controls and feedback loops to provide information. Standard #6: Students will develop an understanding of the core concepts of technology. o [6.I] A number of different factors, such as advertising, the strength of the economy, the goals of a company, and the latest fads contribute to shaping the design of and demand for various technologies.