As revision resources and links to the workshops are used they will be linked to the headings on this page. This unit provides details of the subject content to be covered by candidates at A2 level.
The content has been divided into three sections: • Section A: Materials and Components • Section B: Design and Market Influences • Section C: Processes and Manufacture
Section A: Materials and Components
Pneumatic Processing Systems: Sensors/Valves A range of 3 port and 5 port valves using a variety of actuators – applications for the different types of actuators Shuttle valves
Regulators/Reservoirs To produce: • motion control for cylinders • time delays • one-shot operations
Output Devices Single and Double acting cylinders – calculation of the force produced
Logic An awareness of the differences between NOT, AND, OR, NAND, NOR functions
Electronic Processing Systems: Comparators (Digital) Limited to 4 BIT – principles of operation and Application Operational Amplifiers Use and application of Operational Amplifier in inverting and non-inverting configurations – related Formula Composite and new materials An understanding of how particular properties can be enhanced with reference to composite and new materials
Section B: Design and Market Influences
Development of Technologies and Design: Simulation Understand how a computer can be used to simulate an environment, product, or system. e.g. the implications of this in terms of cost, time, R & D Product life cycle To include: • design evolution • introduction • growth • maturity • decline • replacement • planned obsolescence
Technical Guidance The role of: • British Standards • International Standards • standard data
Systems Analysis As an aid to production planning e.g. Just in time (JIT) manufacture
Design in Practice: Information Technology How ICT is used in a variety of situations, with emphasis on its integrated use for such things as stock control, ordering, production analysis
Market Research The range of information gathering techniques used to identify a possible market or product success
Maintenance Understand the maintenance requirements of commonly available materials and systems and how this affects design decisions and their use. e.g. the maintenance requirements of garden furniture manufactured from different materials
Design in the Human Context: Client/User The role of the designer in relation to the different parties involved in the design and manufacture of a product from its inception to its final use Human Factors Ergonomics and anthropometrics – the relationship between people, products and the environment
Section C: Processes and Manufacture Energy: Alternative Energy Sources Methods of harnessing alternative energy sources. Ways of converting the energy to electricity, e.g. wind farms, tidal barriers Transmission Various methods of transmitting energy from one place to another and the advantages and disadvantages of each Storage Different methods that can be used for the storage of energy – merits – applications. e.g. Batteries in electric cars, coiled spring in ‘Clockwork Radio’, Pump storage power stations
Systems and Control: Programmable Control Use of a microcomputer/controller for control situations. Use a software package to control both the digital and analogue ports Use loops, sub-routines, scanning, counting and feedback Have an awareness of the uses of interrupts in control programs Understanding the requirements and limitations when interfacing to external devices
Microprocessor Systems The constituent parts of a microprocessor system and their role within the system The place of control within manufacturing systems – its role as the scale of production increases – application of robotics – automation – social and economic implications
Digital and Analogue Definition of signal types – principle of conversion – applications |
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