Why produce a range of design modifications rather than one?

Several options let the designer compare different ways to meet the specification. The best ideas can be combined.

What is an annotated sketch?

An annotated sketch is a drawing with notes explaining materials, dimensions, functions and design decisions. Annotation communicates thinking that a sketch alone cannot.

Which sketching techniques help communicate a redesign?

Isometric, oblique and perspective sketches show form in three dimensions. Rendering with tone and colour shows materials and finish.

CCEA A-Level Technology and Design 8900

Material Selection and Wood

Topic overview Material selection criteria Physical and mechanical properties Hardwoods, softwoods and timber stock sizes Pine, ash, beech, oak and mahogany Manufactured boards Wood finishes, veneers and laminates

Metals

Topic overview Ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys Metal stock forms and sizes Aluminium, copper, brass and zinc Carbon steels and stainless steel Finishes for metals

Plastics

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Processing Materials

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Product Analysis and Design Communication

Topic overview Form, function, performance and aesthetics Cost, materials, manufacture and environmental issues Target audience, anthropometrics, culture and safety Design briefs, research and specifications Creativity, innovation and sustainability in design Freehand sketching and mixed media

Design for Manufacture, Quality and Safety

Topic overview CAD modelling, virtual imaging and rapid prototyping CAM and CIM Factor of safety and tolerances Testing and inspection of products Risks in workshop and manufacturing processes

Electronic Control SystemsOption A

Topic overview Control systems, feedback and electronics safety Resistors, Ohm's law and power ratings Capacitors and RC timing Potential dividers, sensors and comparators Switches, pull-up and pull-down resistors Output devices and LEDs Transistors, Darlington pairs and thyristors Logic gates, truth tables and flip-flops 555 monostable and astable timers

Microelectronic Control SystemsOption A

Topic overview Microcontroller systems, ADCs and DACs Strain gauges and bridge circuits Optical switches, encoded discs and Schmitt triggers Op-amp amplifiers and gain Zener diodes and voltage regulators Karnaugh maps and binary counters Seven-segment, LCD and dot matrix displays PIC flowcharts and programming DC motors, stepper motors and driver circuits

Mechanical and Pneumatic ComponentsOption B

Topic overview Open and closed loop mechanical and pneumatic control Safe working with compressed air and mechanisms Levers, linkages and moments Gear types and gear trains Pulleys, belts, chains and shaft fixings Cams, cranks and converting motion Compressed air supply and pneumatic valves Cylinders, shuttle valves, restrictors and reservoirs Pneumatic circuits for logic, timing and speed control

Mechanical and Pneumatic SystemsOption B

Topic overview Hydraulics, system limitations and plant safety Torque, work, power and air consumption Vacuum handling, proximity sensors and 5/3 valves Sequential and cascade pneumatic circuits Cam profiles and follower displacement diagrams Gear geometry, pulley blocks and ratchets Toggles, treadles, shafts and couplings Friction, brakes and clutches Bearings, lubrication and seals

Designing and Manufacturing ProductsOption C

Topic overview Research, questionnaires and specifications Idea generation, critiques and computer simulation Manufacturing planning and product evaluation CFRP, GRP, Kevlar and tungsten carbide Smart materials, nanotechnology and biophotovoltaics Isometric, perspective and assembly drawing Laminating, steam bending, cutting and printing processes Risk assessment and product safety law Scales of production, JIT and cell production Quality assurance, ISO 9001 and continuous improvement Design influences and intellectual property rights

Product Design in Industry and SocietyOption C

Topic overview Life-cycle environmental impact and climate change The 6Rs, waste and environmental legislation Sustainable metals, plastics and degradable polymers Product life cycles, consumer types and relaunches CAD, CAM, 3D scanning and quick-change moulding Market pull, technology push and market strategy Price, place and promotion Jigs, fixtures and ICT in quality control Design for maintenance, inclusion and scale production Rendering, typography and presentation Dyson, Baylis, Memphis and Apple

Product Development

Topic overview Choosing a product to redesign Analysing the function and fitness for purpose of existing products Materials, manufacture and sustainability of existing products Ergonomic and aesthetic analysis Redesign modifications, sketching and viability Modelling, testing and evaluating a redesign

Product and System Design and Manufacture

Topic overview Clients, end users and design briefs Researching existing solutions and writing a specification Generating and appraising design proposals Developing a concept with numerical analysis, ergonomics and aesthetics Working drawings and planning manufacture Testing and evaluating a prototype

Product Development

Redesign modifications, sketching and viability

3 things to know
AS 2

Overview

Specifications for a redesign, innovative and sustainable modifications, annotated sketches, viability and manufacture, development drawings, CAD and planning for making.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

How does a specification for a redesign differ from one for a new product?

Key term

What makes a design modification innovative?

Key term

What makes a design modification sustainable?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
How does a specification for a redesign differ from one for a new product?
Model answer
A redesign specification sets targets relative to the existing product, such as 20% lighter or cheaper. The specification keeps what works and improves the weaknesses found.
2
What makes a design modification innovative?
Model answer
An innovative modification solves an existing weakness in a new or clearly better way. The change may use a new material, mechanism or technology.
3
What makes a design modification sustainable?
Model answer
A sustainable modification reduces material, energy or waste, or extends the product's life. The change should not create new environmental harm.
4
Why produce a range of design modifications rather than one?
Model answer
Several options let the designer compare different ways to meet the specification. The best ideas can be combined.
5
What is an annotated sketch?
Model answer
An annotated sketch is a drawing with notes explaining materials, dimensions, functions and design decisions. Annotation communicates thinking that a sketch alone cannot.
6
Which sketching techniques help communicate a redesign?
Model answer
Isometric, oblique and perspective sketches show form in three dimensions. Rendering with tone and colour shows materials and finish.

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Material Selection and Wood

Metals

Plastics

Composite and Emerging Materials

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