Activity 6.

3 Functional Analysis
Introduction
You have performed a visual analysis of your object 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 object’s
function. This is done through careful observation of the object’s 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 object.

Equipment
 Example product observation
 Engineering notebook
 Pencil

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

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Introduction to Engineering Design Activity 6.3 Functional Analysis Automoblox – Page 1
Product Name: Water Bottle
1. What is the purpose or primary function of the object?
The purpose of the water bottle is to hold water or another liquid so that one
may drink it later.

2. Make an educated guess regarding each of the following.

a. Remove the attachment ring and examine its design. Was your hypothesis
correct? If not, describe the operation of the attachment ring that allows
the bottle to be connected to other objects.
My hypothesis was that the attachment ring was made of flexible material, so
it could be manipulated to attach to other objects. This was correct, one can
shape the ring to some degree to get it to attach to other objects.

b. Without disassembling the vehicle, hypothesize how structures on the cap

of the bottle lock the cap in place, but still allow it to be removed from the
bottle.
There are grooves spiraling down the neck of the bottle. Thus, it is likely that
on the cap, similar structures slide into the grooves in the bottle. This helps
the cap stay in place, but it can be removed easily by rotating it.

c. Disassemble the bottle and examine the cap. Was your hypothesis on the
operation of the cap correct? If not, describe the operation of the cap such
that its assembly securely attaches it to the bottle while allowing easy
disassembly.

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Introduction to Engineering Design Activity 6.3 Functional Analysis Automoblox – Page 2
 My hypothesis on the operation of the cap was correct. The cap rotates and
slides into the grooves in the side of the bottle, locking it in place but allowing
easy removal.

d. 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?”
Another part of the bottle is the ring attached to the cap. This ring appears to
be able to attach to other places, so that the bottle can be hung on the side of
a backpack, for example. It is made of flexible metal so it can be moved
around and bent easily.

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

Inputs Product Function Output

Sideways force Cap separated from
bottle
Drinkable liquid Easily insulated and
stored drink

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Introduction to Engineering Design Activity 6.3 Functional Analysis Automoblox – Page 3
 Store a liquid for long
periods of time so one
may drink it later.

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

Engineers may perform reverse engineering to look for a product’s faults. They
can then fix any faulty parts to make the product better. Engineers can also learn
from reverse engineering. One can break down an object into its parts to examine
how each one functions, then how they work together to create a functioning
product.

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

In the system input/output model, the black box represents the object’s purpose
or intended function. Forces, materials, or energy are inputted, which make the
product function, resulting in an action or the output of materials or energy.

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Introduction to Engineering Design Activity 6.3 Functional Analysis Automoblox – Page 4