Subsystems¶
An engineering system is often broken down further into subsystems to make it easier to understand, design, fabricate, etc. Each subsystem typically performs a function.
In a similar manner, a project may be divided into a number of tasks that need to be performed. This can lead to confusion as to how these are different.
Subsystems are things which can each separately go through the engineering design process. Thus each subsystem needs to be designed, built and tested. This is NOT true for tasks!
Subsystems on a typical automobile- climate control (heater, AC, fan, vents)
- electrical (battery, alternator, starter)
- drive train (engine, transmission, differential)
- suspension (tires, shocks, springs)
- body (doors, windows, chassis)
- painting
- purchasing
- assembly
- wiring
- CAD