Engineered Systems

Although there are no hard$-$and$-$fast rules for determining

exactly what a system is$,$ we are nonetheless motivated to study

systems as a means of understanding and dealing with the

complex world within which we live. For the purposes of this

HW$,$ a system is:

$...$ a collection of components $($some of which can be

modules and sub$-$systems$)$ that are interconnected so that the

system can perform a function which cannot be performed by the

components alone.

Systems may consist of products, people and processes. In some

scientific endeavors $($e$.$g$.,$ biology, astronomy$)$ the principle

objective is to observe a system with the goal of creating

simplified models of behavior and structure. Systems engineers

are concerned with design $-$ we want to create new things out of

things that already exist $-$ and, as such, we need to work with

representations of system structure, system behavior, and the

relationship of behavior to structure.

System Structures. To understand and deal with complex

systems as a whole, we must have a model for reasoning about

it$.$ Following our lecture notes, and chapter $2$ of Kossiakoff $-$

Below is an abstract model of a engineered system and its

boundaries. Here we see system inputs, outputs, components,

component interrelations, system context$/$boundaries$,$ etc..

An engineered system can be characterized as having:

Well$-$Defined Objectives $-$ engineered systems are designed

to achieve specific, measurable, and well$-$understood

objectives, such as maximizing efficiency or minimizing

cost$.$

Predictable Behavior $-$ The behavior of complicated

engineered systems is generally predictable and can be

modeled using established engineering principles and

mathematical models.

Modular Design $-$ Complicated engineered systems often

have a modular design, allowing for individual components

to be easily replaced or upgraded without affecting the

overall system.

Problem $1$:

Figure $2$ is a picture of the TEM $4500$ Egg and Muffin Toaster, a

do$-$it$-$all kitchen appliance that is advertised as being able to

poach or boil two eggs to perfection in $4$ minutes, while

simultaneously toasting $4$ slices of bread, bagels, English

muffins, crumpets, or whatever else you can fit into the extra

wide variable toasting slots.

Create a list of system functions that might be of interest a

potential customer.

Describe the system inputs and outputs.

Describe the system boundary. What things will be outside

the boundary, what things will be inside the boundary?

Describe the normal context and environment of the system

operation

Create a usecase diagram or flowchart to illustrate usage of

the TEM $4500$ from a customer's point of view.

Briefly describe how elements in the systems structure will

support elements of the system's main functionality $($e$.$g$.$

purpose$).$