Learning Outcomes:

1 Be able to interpret and use engineering sketches/circuit/network diagrams to communicate technical information.

2 Be able to use verbal and written communication skills in engineering settings.

This assignment gives learners the opportunity to apply the wide range of communication methods used within engineering. These methods include visual representation, verbal and written skills, obtaining and using information and the use of information and communications technology.

Scenario

You are working in a large Engineering Consultancy called "Elec-Mech Ltd", which has a large base of clients who are involved in the mechanical and electrical/electronic industries. Due to your theoretical and practical expertise, you have been assigned as an engineer with the front line engineering team which regularly assists with advising clients with their engineering problems.

In this role your duties will be to interpret and produce mechanical engineering drawings and sketches and using relevant standards, symbols and conventions (e.g. BS 8888) where appropriate.

You would also be required to interpret circuit diagrams, obtain technical information, describe their features, write instructions for assembling circuit(s) using appropriate methods, and finally sketch the circuit using standards such as (e.g BS 3939) and conventions.

Carry out the following tasks and present all your information clearly. To make it easier for you, there are options on each task you need to complete.

In this assessment you will hove opportunities to provide evidence against the following criteria. Please note: Work submitted after the deadline will only be marked at pass level.

Criteria reference

To achieve the criteria the evidence must show that the student is able to:

1 Interpret an engineering drawing/circuit/network diagram.

2 Produce an engineering sketch/circuit/network diagram.

3 Use appropriate standards, symbols and conventions in an engineering sketch/circuit/network diagram.

4 Communicate information effectively in written work.

5 Communicate information effectively using verbal methods.

6 Evaluate a written communication method and identify ways in which it could be improved.

7 Evaluate the effectiveness of an ICT software package and its tools for the preparation and presentation of information.

8 Justify your choice of a specific communication method and the reasons for not wing a possible alternative.

Task I

Interpreting an Engineering Drawing/Circuit

Task 1

P1: (Grading tip: in this criterion, you are looking for technical information that could be used when you manufacture a product.)

In this activity, you are required to interpret data from a drawing and use additional information to enable a task to be carried out. The task in this case is to machine and assemble the mallet shown in Figure above. The activity appears on the engineering drawing below. To help you, you will find all the information you need somewhere on this drawing; additional documentation could also be of help.

You are given an engineering drawing of a mallet (below) which you will machine using a lathe. Study the drawing and answer the following questions.

a) What should the overall surface finish of the mallet be?

b) Name four machining instructions indicated on the drawing. In what units are the dimensions measured?

c) What is the symbol used to denote the diameters on the drawing?

d) If the raw material were a casting, what would the tolerance allowance be?

e) Name the three different-sized threads on the drawing (including the pitch)?

t) If only imperial bar stock were available, what size bar would be required for the mallet shaft (part number 3)?

g) What is the chamfer size on item part number 1?

Task 2

Task-2 Producing an Engineering Drawing/Sketch/Circuit Diagram

(Grading tip: in this criterion, your sketch must be sufficiently detailed so that it will effectively communicate technical information to a third party. Use a drawing template so that you can include information such as your name, title, and the date you produced the work.)
a) You are required to produce a 2D free-hand sketch of the pump housing in Fig 2 below.

b) Produce a 3D (isometric) free-hand sketch of the pump housing in Fig 2 below. Ensure that your sketches are of a reasonable scale in order to enter the dimensions asked for in the following task P3.

TASK 2C

a) You are required to sketch in 2D, the layout diagram given by your tutor, on to a Single Sided Circuit Board (SSCB). The actual physical size of a single sided board has a maximum dimension of 50 mm wide and 100 mm length. Fig 2 is magnified by a factor of 2, both in its width and length. Use minimum possible size of the SSCB, and specify the actual physical board dimensions used when completed.

b) The circuit board is to be housed in a box so that it can be sold to customers. Sketch / draw a 3D box and use appropriate dimensions to enable your circuit to fit comfortably in the box. Note: 3D drawing must be drawn to scale showing the actual physical size of the box.

c) Reproduce the circuit using the correct British Standard symbols and label standard conventions used in the circuit.

Task 3

Research information on the subject of: "A technology which you consider has had a significant impact on society" in order to produce a technical report.

Make notes and compile information from the results of your research and maintain a diary/logbook to plan and record progress whilst preparing your report.

Produce a "first draft" of your report and "proof read" the draft, annotating it to show amendments and additions which you will make to produce the final report.

Produce the final report in a style and format acceptable to the Engineering Industry. The final report must include an image, (graph, chart or diagram) and should be a maximum of 1,500 words.

Evaluate the final report as a method of communicating the information and suggest ways in which it could be improved. Produce a 200 word report to summarise your evaluation.

Task 4

Prepare and deliver a presentation to your class group on the subject of your technology choice from Task 1, using Microsoft PowerPoint or a similar ICT software package.

Your presentation must cover a 10-12 minutes duration and include an opportunity to take and answer questions from the audience.

Provide a 500 word evaluation of the ICT software package (Microsoft PowerPoint or similar) used for the preparation and presentation of your information. Consider how the software package's available tools enabled you to create your presentation and communicate the information.

Task 5 Justification of Chosen Communication Method

Having completed the technical report in Task 3 and the presentation in Task 4, select the best method for communicating the information. Produce a 500 word report with your justification of the communication method chosen and your reasons for not choosing other alternative methods.

Your work should be written in good English with evidence and data to support your statements. It also needs to be well referenced and you must be careful that you do not plagiarise material written by other people as such pieces of work will not be acceptable.
Submit your work in a plastic wallet/envelop with the signed assignment submission and feedback sheet.