Automoblox Improvement
Introduction
Reverse engineering is the process of taking apart the object in order to analyze it and see how the object works. In this project we are using reverse engineering to make enhancements and to innovate the T9 automoblox truck. We came up with our possible Automoblox enhancements by listing lots of crazy ideas including adding a part that makes flames come out of the back of the truck. We used the process of reverse engineering to make it easier to think of improvements.
Stages of reverse engineering:
Visual Analysis- This is the first step in reverse engineering where you record the visual appearance of the object including the objects color, texture, pattern, brightness, shape etc. The part that pops out to me in the visual design of the truck is the bright green wheels. Other than that nothing really pops out so the over all visual appeal of the truck is very boring and there is nothing exciting about the truck. By noticing what in the visual appearance is boring you can think of a change that can be made to make the truck look more interesting.
Functional Analysis- During the second step the different functions are figured out and you also learn how the object works. You also see how important every little part is to the object and without one part it could throw off the function of the whole object. The truck has the right function and every thing runs smoothly so it is able to be played with by children.
Structural Analysis- The last step is used to test the structure of the object so each piece is looked at carefully making sure there is no mistakes. Each component is measured so you know more about each part and not just the object as a whole. Each piece of the truck is there for a reason and to make changes to the vehicle you have to know the measurements of the truck. So depending on what changes we make depends on what dimensions we need.
Visual Analysis- This is the first step in reverse engineering where you record the visual appearance of the object including the objects color, texture, pattern, brightness, shape etc. The part that pops out to me in the visual design of the truck is the bright green wheels. Other than that nothing really pops out so the over all visual appeal of the truck is very boring and there is nothing exciting about the truck. By noticing what in the visual appearance is boring you can think of a change that can be made to make the truck look more interesting.
Functional Analysis- During the second step the different functions are figured out and you also learn how the object works. You also see how important every little part is to the object and without one part it could throw off the function of the whole object. The truck has the right function and every thing runs smoothly so it is able to be played with by children.
Structural Analysis- The last step is used to test the structure of the object so each piece is looked at carefully making sure there is no mistakes. Each component is measured so you know more about each part and not just the object as a whole. Each piece of the truck is there for a reason and to make changes to the vehicle you have to know the measurements of the truck. So depending on what changes we make depends on what dimensions we need.
Define a Problem
Group Norms:
Before winter break Kyle and I figured out what each of us was doing for the project. We first exchanged phone numbers so we could keep in touch for the project. We figured out that Kyle was the best on inventor so he would do most of the inventor parts while I would work on anything else that had to be done including the design brief, the gantt chart, brainstorming list, decision matrix etc. We agreed to help each other out if we needed it to get the project done.
Before winter break Kyle and I figured out what each of us was doing for the project. We first exchanged phone numbers so we could keep in touch for the project. We figured out that Kyle was the best on inventor so he would do most of the inventor parts while I would work on anything else that had to be done including the design brief, the gantt chart, brainstorming list, decision matrix etc. We agreed to help each other out if we needed it to get the project done.
Gantt Chart:
Generate Concepts
Above is our list of ideas for enhancements we can use on our toy truck. Even though some might not be common we listed all the ones we could think of so it would be easier to decide what to do. We narrowed our choices down in our decision matrix shown below.
We have decided to go with the spoiler for the back of the truck because it is easier to complete in the time frame but it is still interesting for kids who play with the toy truck. We also added the license plate to the back of the truck for a cool look. The target audience for this toy truck is young boys.
Develop a Solution
Construct and Test Prototype
Evaluate Solution
I showed before and after pictures to my parents to see what their reactions were. My mom thought the stripes looked really cool on the car and she liked the black and white a lot better than the tan and green. She also said the license plate was very unique. For a suggestion she said she would make the back of the car rounded which I really don't understand but that's what she said. My dad first said it looks really sporty and that he likes the added spoiler. His suggestion was to make the color of the car Penn State blue.
I also asked Dryden for his opinion and all he said was "Its cool."
I also asked Dryden for his opinion and all he said was "Its cool."
Present Solution- Conclusion
During this project we had to make a change to the T9 Automoblox Truck ( shown below). Kyle and I worked well on this project because we both had our strengths and weaknesses. One weakness we both had was computers never working for us. I cant even remember how many times we had to start just the truck over again because it would never save right. Other than that we didn't have any other difficulties working on the project. Designing the car and changing the color of it was fun because we could do it however we wanted. Our design on the car with the stripes I thought was really cool and unique. Thinking of what enhancements we were going to make was hard because we couldn't make up our minds and decide what to do. Once we figured out what we were doing everything worked out fine. Kyle is the pro at inventor so he could always help with making it too. Overall I really enjoyed this project and I think our T9 automoblox truck turned out very well.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
1) The factors that must be considered when changing or enhancing a design in mostly based on the decision matrix. For this project we had to enhance a toy truck so we knew the target audience had to be young children. Knowing the target audience before thinking of ideas to enhance a product is important because you want the target audience to be happy with the product. In this case you want kids to play with the toy truck. Also in our decision matrix was the complexity, efficiency, difficulty, and creativity. This are also a major factor when it comes to the enhancements. These all make you ask yourself the question " Is the product worth building."
2) Documenting the brainstorming process is important because if your first idea doesn't work you can always go back to your brainstorming list and pick one of your other ideas. When making the brainstorming list you should think of any ideas even if they seem impossible so you have lots to pick from if you have to go back to the list. You can also go back to your brainstorming list when your plan doesn't work and you can add on to one of your original ideas to make it better.
3) The purpose of sketching is so you get an idea of what the product will look like and so you can have a visual. When we decided to make the spoiler we knew there were lots of different kinds so we had to figure out what kind we were going to make. The sketch might have changed a little to our final product but a sketch isn't necessarily the final design. With dimensions or without dimensions they both help you think of the design so you get a better idea of what your making.