ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a general set of models of a tangible technical system (TS) as it exists, either partially or fully manufactured, or in an intermediate or final stage of proposal (design) – an ‘as is’ state. TS conventionally represent the technological sphere, but a TrfP is also a system of a technical nature, a process, see chapter 6. The information presented is mainly situated in and around the ‘west’ quadrants of figure 5.4, the nature and constitution of TS. Together with chapter 6, it is the theoretical basis for the ‘south-east’ quadrant, and for the systematic and methodical design process recommended in this book, together with other design methods and heuristic information situated in and around the ‘north-east’ quadrant.
