A technological system is an organized set of interconnected components that influence one another to accomplish an overall function.
A technological system can be described in terms of its characteristics, such as its overall function, inputs, outputs, processes and control.
A technological system can be simple or complex.
Incandescent bulb components
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Glass bulb
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Inert gas
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Tungsten filament
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Lead wire (to electrical foot contact)
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Lead wire (to metal base cap)
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Support wire
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Glass mount
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Base contact wire
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Metal base cap
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Insulation
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Electrical foot contact
A bicycle is a complex technological system because it has many components and requires several processes, such as steering control using the handlebars and motion transmission from the pedals to the wheels.
A subsystem is a set of components that performs a specific function within a technological system. If one of the subsystems fails, the technological system cannot function.
To better understand a bicycle’s complex technological system, it is broken down into several subsystems: seat, steering, wheels, transmission, brakes and frame.
A component is a piece, part or device within the technological system or subsystem that has either a mechanical or electrical function.
The pedals, crank, front derailleur, chain, crankset, sprockets and rear derailleur are components of a bicycle’s transmission subsystem and technological system.
Analyzing the subsystems, components and their functions is a good way to fully understand how a technological system works. The following table shows the mechanical analysis of some components of a bicycle’s technological system.
| Subsystem | Component | Mechanical function(s) of the component |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel | Hub | Rotational guiding control of the wheel subsystem |
| Seat | Seat post | Saddle supports Link between the saddle to the frame subsystem |
| Transmission | Pedal | Motion transmission driver component |
| Transmission | Chain | Motion transmission intermediate component |
This analysis can be performed for all components of the bicycle’s technological system.