User:MAE 277 2011 Group7
Group Members: Adam Lawyer Catherine Bonga Samuel Harrod Leanna Bradly Jeff Miller
These are for collaboration, we need to add more to these...i think...so as you find stuff, add it in and add the link you obtained it from.
Development Profile:
When was the product developed?
The GM 2.2 liter inline 4-cylinder engine was was developed sometime around 1982.
What are the key economic and global concerns at the time of development?
During the 1980’s, the United States was experiencing a recession. There was a lot of inflation, and the late 70’s had brought about an energy crisis. And, it wasn’t just the U.S. The entire world was experiencing financial issues. These factors were taken into consideration in order to help the consumer. Engines were developed to be more energy efficient so as to use less fuel and produce similar results to engines that used more fuel that generate more energy.
In what countries or region is the product intended to be sold?
This product is intended to be used worldwide. GM has been expanding and they have planned an array of new global products. The product is most likely to be sold in places where motor vehicles are more used such as first and second world countries. But that also isn't to say that third world counties wouldn't be able to use this product in a beneficial way.
What was the intended impact on the consumer and the society in which it is used?
The intended impact of the engine was to reduce the overall impact of the vehicle on the environment while still preserving personal mobility. Certain factors were looked at when the product was being designed so that it would still perform at a level that is competitive with other companies and similar products, but at the same time is not having as much of a harmful impact on the environment by reducing the amount of fuel needed, and the amount of waste produced.
http://www.gm.com/vision/design_technology/research_developmentlab.html
Usage Profile:
What is the intended use of this product?
The purpose of an engine is to convert a fuel into energy to power a motion so that the car can move.
http://www.howstuffworks.com/engine.htm
Is this product for home or professional use?
This product is intended to be used in a vehicle. In today's society, many families have more than one car that they use for their own personal reasons, whether it be transportation or entertainment. Vehicles also have a professional use. Many companies have their own vehicles that they use for advertisement and transportation of good. They are used in professional sports such as NASCAR.
What jobs does this product perform?
The main job of the GM 2.2 liter inline 4-cylinder engine is to generate the energy needed to power a motor vehicle. This job is performed by the injection of fuel into a combustion chamber where the energy can be harnessed and then converted into a type of energy that can be used to power the car.
http://www.howstuffworks.com/engine.htm
Energy Profile:
What types of energy are used?
How is energy imported into the system(s)?
How are different types of energy transformed and modified?
Complexity Profile:
How many components are used?
How complex are the individual components?
How complex are component interactions?
Material Profile:
What materials are clearly visible?
Based on previous answers to the above questions, what materials do you think are not visible but present?
Interaction Profile:
How does the user interface with the product(s)?
How intuitive are the interfaces?
Is the product easy to use?
Is regular maintenance required?
If so, how easy is the maintenance?
Product Alternative:
What product alternatives exist?
What are the advantages?
What are the disadvantages?
How do these alternatives compare?
What are the differences in cost?
