Project Introduction
Reverse Engineering - the process of taking something apart to analyze how it works
The above term defines what my partner and I were tasked to do in this project. We were told to follow the stages of Reverse Engineering to analyze an Automoblox car and redesign or enhance a feature of the object. Stages include Visual Analysis, Functional Analysis, and finally Structural Analysis.
The above term defines what my partner and I were tasked to do in this project. We were told to follow the stages of Reverse Engineering to analyze an Automoblox car and redesign or enhance a feature of the object. Stages include Visual Analysis, Functional Analysis, and finally Structural Analysis.
Visual Analysis
In this first stage, we were instructed to take a picture of different views of the car and then describe the visual design elements and principles found in that specific view. These descriptions identify the visual interests, of lack of interest, within the car. It is an important step because it helped us decide what needed to be improved.
Functional Analysis
Here, we discussed what appeared to be the function of the car before actually taking it apart. The primary function of the object is to resemble a car, both in appearance and function. If you input force, the object moves. This must mean that this product function is that the wheels rotate. By applying pressure, the pieces are separated. This implies that the pieces breaking apart is another product function of the car.
Structural Analysis
For the final stage, we had to disassemble the vehicle and either justify each piece's material or give an alternative. We also picked a certain feature of the car and described its dimensions, function, material, density, mass/weight, texture & finish, and interaction with other parts. This stage helped us greatly in choosing an enhancement because we were given an in-depth view of the car's function and parts, allowing us to better see what needed improvement.
Define a Problem
For this project, my partner and I exchanged contact information. We then also divided the work evenly.
Generate Concepts
At first, we had about ten different ideas to choose from, then we narrowed it down to six before eventually choosing two.
Develop a Solution
Construct and Test Prototype
Evaluate a Solution
I showed my project to both of my parents. Both of them had the same general reaction. They were amazed that I had the skill to do something like this. My mother asked me a couple questions about how the car came together, which I eagerly answered. All in all, they were both impressed.
Present Solution
This experience has given me a detailed look on what exactly
makes products work – specifically, the Automoblox toy car. My partner and I
worked in a creative way to ensure that our enhancements to the car would
attract the people in our target age group (4 – 12 year old boys). The final
design on the car was different from the original in that our wheels were larger
and wider, creating a more stable car. We also made the passenger base, which
originally was a four-seat base with differently shaped cutouts, to a two-seat
base with the same shaped cutouts. This enhancement cuts down on cost for the manufacturer.
We used different Inventor skills that we have learned throughout the course of
the class in order to complete the assignment.
Factors that must be considered when changing or enhancing a design include cost and reasonability. There is no point in changing or enhancing a product when the idea will cost the manufacturer more money and not end up selling as well as the original product.
Documenting the brainstorming process is important for a few different reasons. If a chosen idea ends up falling through, you can pick out another one from a list already created. Documentation is also important because it helps a person stay organized.
Sketching your idea is one of the most important things you can do. With a sketch, you can clarify what you are planning to others as well as get a more detailed image of what you want in your head.
Factors that must be considered when changing or enhancing a design include cost and reasonability. There is no point in changing or enhancing a product when the idea will cost the manufacturer more money and not end up selling as well as the original product.
Documenting the brainstorming process is important for a few different reasons. If a chosen idea ends up falling through, you can pick out another one from a list already created. Documentation is also important because it helps a person stay organized.
Sketching your idea is one of the most important things you can do. With a sketch, you can clarify what you are planning to others as well as get a more detailed image of what you want in your head.