Name:
Foundations of Technology
Unit 2 Lesson 4: Criteria and Constraints
File 2.4.2: Sample Toy Train Design Brief
Period:
Date:
Directions: Critically read the information below. While you are not creating the toy train, it
is important that you are able to identify information specific to a design brief. As you read
through the information, circle all criteria and underline all constraints. Refer to the
background section for definitions of criteria and constraints.
Background
Criteria identify the desired elements and features of a product or system
and include what the design is supposed to do and are related to function,
aesthetics, efficiency, etc.
Constraints involve the limitations on a design and almost always involve
time, budget, and safety among other constraints specific to the given
problem.
Design Problem
Use hand drawings and/or CAD to design and model the pieces for a toy
train track that allows for a model train, described below, to travel in a
closed loop.
Procedure
●
●
Specifications
Using drafting software (e.g., Google SketchUp), design a track for a
toy train.
Follow all design specifications.
●
The track will be cut from a 2’ x 3’ sheet of plywood that is 0.25”
thick.
●
To reduce waste, as much of the wood should be used. The track
should include enough sections that, when assembled, there will be a
closed loop. There should be no extra pieces.
●
Example Track:
●
For cost reduction, there should
only be two types of sections: one
circular, and one linear. The
sections can be any size in length
or width.
●
Complete an initial pattern layout. Each piece should have at least .25
of an inch between them for the layout to help with cutting.
© 2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association
Foundations of Technology, Third Edition /
Technology, Engineering, and Design
Materials
●
Example Pattern Layout:
●
From the models, create
additional drawings. Include a
multiview of each type of track
section with complete
dimensioning and a final pattern
layout.
●
Example of Final Pattern Layout:
●
Place the multiviews on
appropriate-size paper, which
includes your name, part name,
problem number, scale, and date
in the title block.
●
Time Limit = 30 minutes.
●
Your work should reflect an understanding of design concepts and
principles and the relevance of drafting standards to problem-solving
applications.
Computer w/Internet Access
Drafting Software
This rubric will be used to evaluate your Exploration activity:
Category
Criteria and
Constraints
Below Average
One criteria or
constraint related to
the design brief, or
several unrelated
criteria and
constraints are
described.
Average
Excellent
Two criteria and
constraints relevant
to the design brief
are described.
© 2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association
Three criteria and
constraints relevant
to the design brief
are described with
attention to detail.
Foundations of Technology, Third Edition /
Technology, Engineering, and Design
© 2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association
Foundations of Technology, Third Edition /
Technology, Engineering, and Design