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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Introduction to Engineering Design Activity 6.3 Functional Analysis Automoblox Page 1

Product Name:
Company Name:

C9 automoblox sportscar
Automoblox

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

The purpose is to bring enjoyment to small children such as steven Hernandez.

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.
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?
The axles that are attached to the car body allow the movement for the
wheels because they snap onto the pins which have just enough clearance to
allow movement
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.
Yes, my hypothesis was correct because the axle pin granted movement.

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.
I hypothesize that the pieces connect to eachother by a series of clips that
secure the pieces together.

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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.
No, my hypothesis was incorrect because the pieces connect by a series of
holes being occupied by solids that have enough clearance.

e. What is the purpose of the raised ridge pattern on the top and bottom
center clips of the connector piece?
The purpose is to make the car look aerodynamic.

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
various pieces of the vehicle, durability, target market, and ease-of-use.
Ask yourself, Why did the designer make this choice?
The designer, more than likely chose those materials colors, and forms to
attract the attention of children.

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

Inputs
Connector Piece
Wheel

Product Function
Holds car together
To provide movement

Output

Conclusion
1 Why do engineers perform reverse engineering on products?
Engineers use reverse engineering to discover the functions of an object.

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

The black box represents product function.

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