‘© Describing technical functions and applications © Explaining how technology works ‘© tmphastsing technica advantages ‘© Simplifying and illustrating technical explanations MR Describing technical functions and applications 4 1 a Inpairs, think about two or three products you use \, se the following questions regularly and ‘© What are the main functions of the products? (What do they do?) © What are their different applications? (What are they used for?) b_ What do you know about Global Positioning System (GPS) devices? In pairs, describe their main function, and give some examples of different applications of GPS devices. 2 a Dir Paula, a design engineer for a GPS manufacturer, is discussing product development with José, a senior manager new to the company. Listen to the conversation and complete the following notes. © the primary application of GPS (1) ‘© associated applications ‘Tracking systems for (2) Tracking systems for (3) = ‘© more creative features area alarms ae ean © not technical innovations @— the technology b Complete the folowing extracts from the discussion with words that come from use. 1 Then you've got associated applications, — navigating 2... tracking Systems you can for monitoring delivery vehicles 3. from the endpoint of view, accuracy is no longer the main seling point. Most devices are accurate enough. The key isto make them more — that are related to 6 Unit a Technology in useMatch the GPS applications (1-6) to the descriptions (af). Conarghe fig mation and satya sa roti exploration ae setting out positions ad evel of new srctres civil engineering ¢ mapping surface features avionics equipment 4 applications in mining andthe ol industry ‘maritime applications ‘highway navigation and vehicle tacking (GPS in ars and trucks ——«t_atr tame control, navigation and autopilot systems In pairs, practise explaining the applications of GPS in Exercise 3a to a colleague who has limited knowledge of the devices using the following, phrases. sed for-ing used to useful for another / similar use Complete the following extracts from the conversation by underlining the correct words. 1... there's a setting on the GPS that allows/prevents it to detect the movement 2. ....an alarm sounds to warn you, and allows/prevents the boat from drifting unnoticed. 3... and enables/ensures that you don’t lose track of where you were, which then enables/ensures you to turn round and come back to the same point ‘Match the words in Exercise 4a to the synonyms. 1 = makes sure 2 1 = permits 3 = stops ‘Complete the following extract from the user’s manual of a GPS device using the verbs in Exercise 4a. Sometimes, more than one answer is possible. INTRODUCTION ‘The core function of your GPS receiver is to (1) you to locate your precise ‘geographical position. To (2) the device to function. it receives atleast three signals simultaneously from the GPS constellation ~ 30 dedicated satellites which (@) receivers can function anywhere on earth. To (4) —__ extremely precise positioning and (5) ___ errors from occurring due to external factors, this device is ‘designed to receive four separate signals (sce enhanced system accuracy on page 18). In pairs, explain the main functions and applications of a product made by your company or a product you know about. Student A, you are an engineering manager; Student B, you are a new employee. Use the language from this section and the phrases in the box. Swap roles and. practise again. Tee, So. OK In other words... So you mean... Unit 1 Technology in useMEME Explaining how technology works 6 a Inpairs, look at the picture and discuss the following questions. «How do you think a space elevator would work? © What could it be used for? © What technical challenges would i face? How seriously do you think the concept of space elevators Is leeoats seen b_ Read the following article and compare it to your answers in Exercise 6a, Space elevators: preparing for takeoff INnis T97Y novel, (he Fountans of Paracoe, ATU G DIOR a lenwonmentaly untrienely rockets (Clarke wrote about an elevator connecting the earth's surface to spane. Three docades late, this science ficton concepts preparing to take on the real wor NASA nas launched the Space Elevator Challenge, a ‘competion wth a generous prize fund, and several teams ‘and companies are working on serious research projects aimed at winning ‘Asis name suggests, a space elevator is designed to ralse things into space. Sataltes, compon ships, supplies fr astronauts in space stations. anc ‘even astronauts themselves are examples of payloads that could be transporte ino rat vious the news © Match the verbs (19) from the text in Exercise 6h to the definitions (a James, an engineer, is givingatalkon —_@ Challenge space elevators. a Complete his notes using the correct form of the verbs (17) In Exercise 6. ‘each end, cab batteries required to (5) need phenomenal strength-to-welght © How could vehicles be () ontained energy sour However, the altitude of orbital space a colossal 35,790 km above the arth — 8 a measure othe challenge acing engineers, How could such a height be reached The answer is by using an incredibly strong and lightweght cable, strong enough to support ts own weight and a heavy load. The design of such. stil largely theoretical This would be afached to a base station on earth atone end and a satelite in geostationary Cott (hed above a otha. Lit powered byl ‘controlled tromagnetic force a 1 connecting cared (objects, over a distance) 2 raise bold something firmly / bear its weight 3 transported climb down, 4 support 44 provided with energy / moved by a force 5 attached joining 6 ascend driven / have movement directed 7 descend 9) fixed 8 powered he timb up 9 controled 41 lift / make something go up th by cable is signifcant. weight and be securely (3) — roti Two possible ways round problem: | Transmit electricity wirelessly. But technique only at research stage 2 Solar power. But would on 8 Unit 1 Technology in use vehicle to (6) — slowly. Not be controled remotely, allowing it payloads unmanned.12 Listen to part of James’ talk and check your answers in Exercise 7a. ‘What kinds of word are missing from the notes? In pairs, compare the audioscript on page 86 with the notes in Exercise 7a. ‘Some space elevator designs propose an offshore base station. In pairs, discuss how such a system might work using words in Exercise 6c. What advantages might an offshore base have compared with a land base? D>13 James goes on to discuss offshore base stations. Listen to the talk and answer the following questions. How would an offshore base station be supported? What would the function of its anchors be? How would payloads reach the base station? What problem would a mobile base station help to prevent? What would the procedure be if there was an alert? You are members of a space clevator research team designing a concept for offshore base stations. In pairs, analyse the notes below, which were made during a briefing given by your manager. Imagine you are giving a presentation. Begin by reading out the abbreviated notes in full ae OFFSHORE BASE STATION - ‘Anchoring system Wind loads on cable wil be huge. what implications for anchoring system? ast will need to be- moved continually, sometimes urgetly, What temp ‘stem could be used to hold base in poston? Base in shallow ater near coast, or deep water further offshore? Choice wil have impact on design of anchor system, Propulsion system Will weight of cable allow base to be moved by own propellers? Or mare powerful sjstem for propulsion and control nec? €.q, enter, power source? f PROPULSION ISSUES, 1m pairs, discuss the questions raised in the notes and think of some suitable solutions for the anchoring system aiid Ue propulsion system. AL thls stage, these should be overall concepts, not detailed designs. Remember to make notes, In small groups, take turns to give a short talk using your notes to explain how the systems work, in general terms. Imagine you are speaking to a small group of colleagues, including your manager. Write two or three paragraphs to summarise your talk. These will be included. in your manager's longer report on offshore base stations. Unit 1 Technology in use 9In pairs, discuss the term technical advantage. Give some examples of technology you are familiar with. Read the first paragraph of some promotional iteracure from Otis, « leading ‘elevator company. What is the Gen2™ system? b Match the words (1—6) from the text in Exercise 11a to the synonyms (a~f). 41 conventional 2 decreases 2 eliminates better / the best 3 superior improved 4 energy-efficient \ d_ standard, usual 5 enhanced fe gets id of 6 reduces has low energy consumption C Complete the following text using the correct form of the words (1-6) in Exercise 11. You will need to use some words more than once. Neither the belt, wiht pmaneny cogs aie, ural maintenance and cost. Unit 1 Technology in use ‘owners with technology, ‘system that (8). machine rom, ‘and easy to install and maintain, Emphasising technical advantages Unique Oo T 1 Flat Belt ‘the hear of the Gen2™ elevator system is fat bel developed by and unique to (ii tis just thick. et itis stronger than conventional stl cables. last up tothe tes loge. And itha enabled Cis to completely re-invent the elevator. The fat, coated-stae belt all eliminates ihe metl-to-metal effect of comentinal systems Coupled with a son surface owned machine sheave the esis tceptonally quiet operation and superior fide omfor. Furthermore, he flexible fat tit enables amore compact, energy- efficient machine, whch can be contained in the hoistway. This enhanced technology reduces bing and syste operating costs, ‘and fres up valuable sama wear ubity and offen Tourer) ‘cab and soe, Os dewapet ePs 2 ih conta mais esta of fhe bel’ stl cots Unite va npc Suna canard er EN donation ns asta Bersonel opi respons. providing | hate peace of mid With fate ishascreatedag)____ ear oT E is quiet, lean reliabl and economia, E j din pairs, summarise the advantages of the flat belt system. Discuss ity, wear, noice, epaca, cleanliness. efficiency, automation,a Complete the following tips on emphasising technical advantages using the words in the box. conventional eliminated enhanced reduced superior When describing technical advantages, it's useful to emphasise a. (1) ______ performance, compared with the older model of the same prowuet negative issues that have been (2) _, or completely 8 © Special features that differentiate the technology from (4) systems, performance levels that make the technology (5) ____ to the competition. b P14 Stefan, an engineer, is briefing some sales colleagues on the advantages ‘of a new pump design. Listen to the briefing and match the tips (a—d) in Exercise 12a to the extracts (1-4). Extract 1 Extract 2 Extract 3 Extract 4 C Complete the following sentences from the briefing by under ‘emphasising word. 1. We've come up with a completely/significantly unique profile. 2. It completely/dramatically reduces vibration. 5 Macnines nike tnese can never be entireiy/nignly tree trom vioration. 4 The new design runs dramatically/extremely smoothly. 5. Another advantage of the new profile is that it's considerably/entirely lighter. 6 a 8 the correct ‘So compared with our previous range, it's highly/totally efficient. Tals so far suggest the design is completely/exceptionally durable. We expect it to be entirely/significantly more reliable than rival units. d_ Match the words in Exercise 12c to the synonyms. ‘considerably dramatically ently exceptionally highly totally ae, sanpetely 2 —__}__ = sigincantiy $525 {_____ = extremely You are Otis engineers back in the 1850s, when elevators were new. In pairs, prepare a short talk to brief your sales colleagues on the advantages of elevators for lifting people and goods. Emphasise the points below, using the phrases and techniques from this section. Remember that people at this time are sceptical about the technology. Elevators are. ‘safe ~ a reliable braking system eliminates the danger of a car falling Ifa cable fails ‘© simple ~ they're controlled from the car and are very easy to operate © convenient ~ they're easier on the legs than the conventional alternative (stairs) © valuable — they enhance the value of land by allowing taller buildines on smaller areas Unit 1 Technology muse 44