Technological Systems Automation and Robotics VEX 2011 Project

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 People Capital Time Information Energy Materials Tools and Machines Resources Input The desired result Process Action part of a system. Combines resources that respond to the input to produce a result. Output The actual result • All systems include an Input, Process, and Output • During the Process the seven technological Resources are used.

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

People • create technology • use the products that technology has built • service technology

Information • Knowledge • Communication • Understanding

Materials • Raw materials – Found in a natural state – Rocks, oil, plants, animals, trees

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.

Energy • Sources of machine power • Man power

Capital • Capital is – Barter – Money – Credit – Property

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 People Capital Time Information Energy Materials Tools and Machines Resources Input A hot meal Process A microwave combines the resources to heat your food for a certain amount of time. Output Food is warm • 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.

Can You Think of Other Open-Loop Systems? Woodstove Does the temperature remain constant? Washer/Dryer Train Does the speed remain constant while travelling uphill, downhill, or on a flat? Do the clothes always come out clean and dry?

What Is Different in These Systems? Furnace Temperature is controlled by setting thermostat to desired level. Car Speed Driver looks at speedometer regularly and adjusts speed as needed or sets cruise control. Bicycle Rider watches road and adjusts pedaling or braking.

Closed Loop System People Capital Time Information Energy Materials Tools and Machines Resources Input Go 30 mph Comparator Driver compares actual speed to desired speed. Combination of speedometer, driver’s eye, and driver’s brain form the feedback loop. Controller Process Output Driver presses brake or accelerator. A car combines the resources to move the car and transport the riders. Car speed is 50 mph Feedback Loop Monitor Driver sees car is going too fast.

Open or Closed Loop System?

Image Resources Microsoft, Inc. (2008). Clip Art. Retrieved December 10, 2008, from http: //office. microsoft. com/en-us/clipart/default. aspx