1. Design for Engineering
Unit 5: Technological Systems
*Definition with example of a transportation system

2. Systems Model as compared to Problem-Solving Model
Problem-Solving Steps Basic Systems Model
Define the problem
Gather Information
Input
Choose a solution
Test your idea
Retry
Process
Feedback
Evaluate the results
Output

3. Four elements of a Technological System
1. Input: the energy and materials that go into a system. These are commands we give to a system. The input to a system comes from its resources. There are 7 types of resources that provide input for all technological systems:
People
Materials
Tools and machines
Energy
Time
Capital
Information
Example: Getting into a car and stepping on the gas pedal to go 50 mph.

4. Four elements of a Technological System
2. Process: This includes all of the activities that need to take place for the system to give the desired result. The process is a series of actions directed to an end. It is what happens to the inputs or resources. The processes used to covert raw materials into industrial materials are called primary processes. The processes that covert industrial materials into finished products are called secondary processes.
Example: The process combines the resources from the input to produce the output. It is taking all factors into affect to get the car up to 50 mph.

5. Four elements of a Technological System
3. Output: It is the resulting product of inputs and processes. Output includes everything that actually results when the input and process parts of the system go into effect. Output can be classified as expected, unexpected, desirable or undesirable.
Example: As stated in the process, it’s the combination of resources which gets the actual speed of the car up to 50 mph.

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

7. Standards covered
Standard #2: Students will develop an understanding of the core concepts of technology.
Benchmarks: W. Systems thinking applies logic and creativity with appropriate compromises in complex real-life problems. X. Systems, which are the building blocks of technology, are embedded within larger technological, social, and environmental systems. Y. The stability of a technological system is influenced by all of the components in the system, especially those in the feedback loop. FF. Complex systems have many layers of controls and feedback loops to provide information.
Standard #18: Students will develop an understanding of and be able to select and use transportation technologies.
Benchmarks: K. Intermodalism is the use of different modes of transportation, such as highways, railways, and waterways as part of an interconnected system that can move people and goods easily from one mode to another. L. Transportation services and methods have led to a population that is regularly on the move. M. The design of intelligent and non-intelligent transportation systems depends on many processes and innovative techniques.