List two reasons why temporary joining techniques are used when a drone is assembled.

Explain why finite element analysis (FEA) would be used in the development of the drone.

Explain two ways that drones can become obsolete.

Explain how the study of human factors can be used to improve the comfort, safety and performance of the handset that controls the drone.

disassembly (of blades/other parts to aid transport/storage);

facilitates repair;

ease of replacement/upgrade of parts;

Award [1] for listing each reason why temporary joining techniques are used when a drone is constructed up to [2 max].

FEA provides calculation/simulation of unknown factors in the drone using CAD;

which allows designers to test the drone's performance;

to select optimum materials/structures/joining methods;

Award [1] for each of three distinct points in an explanation of why finite element analysis (FEA) would be used in the development of the drone up to [3 max].

technological obsolescence;
is when a product is no longer needed or wanted (even though it is in good working order);
this would occur when an updated/more efficient version of a drone would replace an older version;

functional obsolescence;
occurs when a drone either crashes/undergoes wear and tear/becomes damaged;
leading to the purchase of a new drone (due to high costs for repair/replacement of parts);

Award [1] for each of three distinct points in an explanation of two ways that drones can become obsolete up to [3 max].

Mark as [3] + [3].

Comfort:
anthropometric/ergonomic data can be used in the design of the handset;
to fit a range of hand sizes;
minimising fatigue/strain;

Safety:
the handset should be ergonomically designed;
to prevent injury being sustained to the hand/thumb/fingers;
due to continual use of the handset controllers;

the drone’s footage is viewable on the handset (in real time);
enabling the user to view the surrounding area;
avoiding any hazards/possible obstructions/accidents;

Performance:
biomechanics of the hands can be analysed;
enabling the designer to consider the reach/force/pressure needed;
to operate the controls of the handset efficiently;

Award [1] for each of three distinct points of how the study of human factors can be used to improve the comfort of the handset that controls the drone up up to [3 max].

Award [1] for each of three distinct points of how the study of human factors can be used to improve the safety of the handset that controls the drone up to [3 max].

Do not award marks across clusters under safety.

Award [1] for each of three distinct points of how the study of human factors can be used to improve performance of the handset that controls the drone up to [3 max].

Mark as [3] + [3] + [3].

A straightforward question with most able to get at least one mark and many getting two marks.

A question, not well answered as many candidates who did not always demonstrate good understanding of FEA. Some were able to achieve 1 or 2 marks but very few at all got 3.

A good discriminator and a fair question, not well answered by most candidates. There were opportunities for marks here but quite a few candidates went down the planned obsolescence path. Those who were able to identify both functional and technological obsolescence were able to achieve at least 1 or 2 additional marks but very few achieved 5 or 6 marks.

An accessible 9 mark question which provided potential for marks across all three clusters but was not well answered. Some candidates could achieve 1 mark, sometimes two marks per cluster but many found it difficult to structure a 3 mark response under the aspects of comfort, safety and performance. None of the 3 clusters were any more easy/difficult than the others.