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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IED Activity 6.3 Functional Analysis Automoblox Page 1

Product Name:
Company Name:

M9 sport van
automoblox

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

The primary purpose of the object is to entertain children an well as teach a
Large variety of people about engineering

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?
First off, the axle pin is fully attached to the car but from the pin to the wheel it is
detachable. What I would say for the way the wheel and pin fit together is the
wheel has a notch all the way around the inside of the wheel and the wheel and
pin has an interference fit but the pin has a cut on both sides strate on the in so
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it can collapse on itself lintel it reaches the notch on the wheel

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 mostly correct exept for the notch which was all the way
throw the hole

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.
On each part that connects, there is a upward notch or a groove for the
corresponding upward notch to fit in and on the places where thay come
together, it is built for easy disassemble but is still strong assembled

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.
Yes, my hypothesis was correct

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e. What is the purpose of the raised ridge pattern on the top and bottom
center clips of the connector piece?
Extra grip

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 choice of having wood as the main material makes the product more
attractive. Having including the toy people gives it more playability and makes
it more attractive. The fact that they have made the product fit and work
together makes it a better product but makes it more expensive.

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

Inputs
Rough play
Disassemble, assemble

Product Function
Fun
Learning purposes

Rolling Car

Moves car, simulates

real cars

Output
Pieces, Movement
Noise, Heat, Separate
Pieces
Creates friction, car
moves a certain distance

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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