Activity 6.

3 Functional Analysis
Automoblox
Introduction
You have performed a visual analysis of your Automoblox vehicle to identify the
visual design principles and elements that give the object its visual appeal, or lack
thereof. The next step in the reverse engineering process involves the study of the
objects function. This is done through careful observation of the objects sequential
operation before it is disassembled. By first observing the product, you can
hypothesize how a product operates and then compare your predictions to your
actual findings after the part is dissected.
In this activity, you will perform a functional analysis of your Automoblox vehicle

Equipment

Example product observation

Engineering notebook
Pencil
Automoblox vehicle

Procedure
Before measurement and dissection, theorize how the various sub-systems of the
toy function through non-destructive observation. Study the toy and then respond to
the following.

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Product Name:
Company Name:

Automoblox X9-X Sports Quality

Automoblox

1. What is the purpose or primary function of the object?

The primary purpose of the object is to build it up (from the disassembled
pieces) and play/use it (primarily for younger kids).

2. Sketch an isometric pictorial of the product in your engineering notebook and

label the individual components. If you are not sure what a particular component
is called, then make a logical guess.
Attached as the 2nd file.
3. Make an educated guess regarding each of the following.
a. Without removing any wheels from the vehicle, explain what design
detail(s) allow the wheels to rotate freely while remaining attached to the
axle pin?
A clearance fit between the middle of the wheel and the axle pin allows the
wheel to move freely. This causes the wheel to be attached to the axle pin and
rest of the car, while still being able to roll.

b. Remove a wheel and examine the design of the wheel and axle pin. Was
your hypothesis correct? If not, describe the operation of the wheel and
axle that allows free rotation but secures the wheel to the axle pin.
My hypothesis was correct.

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c. Without disassembling the vehicle, hypothesize how the connector pieces

(including all three separate pieces that make up the connector assembly)
securely attach the body parts together while allowing easy disassembly
by a child when an adequate force is applied.
The connector pieces will attach with a simple flush with almost no clearance
and small latches.

d. Disassemble the vehicle and examine the connector pieces. Was your
hypothesis on the operation of the connector pieces correct? If not,
describe the operation of connector pieces such that connector assembly
securely attaches the body parts together while allowing easy disassembly
by a child.
We had the correct hypothesis, because the connector pieces did what I thought
they would do.

e. What is the purpose of the raised ridge pattern on the top and bottom
center clips of the connector piece?
The raised ridge pattern on the top and bottom center clips of the connecter
piece help snap the connector piece into place with the piece that it is
supposed to attach to.
f. What other elements of the product design appear to have a specific
function or design intent? Consider the choice of materials, form/size of
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various pieces of the vehicle, durability, target market, and ease-of-use.

Ask yourself, Why did the designer make this choice?
Some of the reasons why the designer mad the object this ways is because the
size is perfect for the child to handle in order to allow children to use it, it is easy
to assemble, in order to allow a child to make it, and it has filleted edges instead
of sharp ones, in order to protect the child.

4. Identify the system inputs, intended product function, and outputs in the table
below.

Inputs
Push
Pull
Wheel brakes
Break apart
Moves

Product Function
Movement
Movement
Disassembly
Disassembly
Movement

Output
It moves forward
It moves backward
Reattach wheels
Put back together
Noise

Conclusion
1. Why do engineers perform reverse engineering on products?

2. What does a black box represent in the system input/output model?

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