For this project, the class learned about the basics of engineering, what engineers do, and what makes a good engineer. We learned how to draw conceptual sketches and maintain a design notebook, along with the ethics behind engineering. This lead to our first class activity: breaking apart an object with a simple system. Each person had to individually bring an object from home to school to take apart in class. We then had to draw conceptual sketches of the object and conduct research on it. This allowed us to get a grasp on the basics of engineering. From there, we got into groups where we selected one object to focus on. My group and I decided to chose a portable speaker. The purpose of this project was to use the reverse engineering process to learn about how the different parts in the speaker were connected and how they functioned. This meant we has to analyze function, structure, materials, and manufacturing of our object. We answered key questions that helped guide us in our research. What is the function of the different parts? What materials are used and what are their properties? How are the different parts connected together? Along with this, we had to deconstruct, research, write a report, and eventually present about the portable speaker. To aid us in this process, my group and I used a Gantt Chart to plan out our project. This assisted with us figuring out who will do what and making sure we complete the assignment on time.
The object my group and I chose was a portable speaker. The function of the speaker is to play music and produce light. We predicted that it would be made up of two parts, a circuit board and a speaker, and that when an audio cord is plugged in, an electrical signal is carried throughout the printed circuit board to the speaker, producing sound. After our extensive research, we found this hypothesis correct.
Gantt Chart
Report
Presentation
Concepts
Reverse engineering: Strategy used to find answers to questions about an existing product that are used in the design of another product Reverse Engineering Process:
Frame: supports the cone and permanent magnet, outer plastic shell Field magnet: attracts or repels, moving voice coil Voice coil: a plastic cone with fine gauge insulated copper wire wound around it, pushes againt cone causing it to vibrate Cone: vibrates and produces sound Substrate: insulating board that is part of the circuit board Printed circuits: etched into the substrate, made of copper, and coated in tin-lead to prevent oxidation Resistors: Limits current through LED to prevents it from burning out Capacitors: harbour electrical charge Dielectric: insulating material such as paper, glass, plastic, or rubber Diodes: allow current to flow in one direction by blocking the other Integrated circuit: brain of the PCB, complex layering of semiconductor wafers and copper that interconnect to form transistors, resistors or other components in a circuit Light Emitting Diode (LED):Diodes designed to give off light, less heat, and use less power; create light by electroluminescence in a semiconductor material How a speaker works: An electrical signal is sent to the printed circuit board (PCB) when an audio cord is plugged into the speakers. This sends a signal that is carried throughout the PCB and deciphered by the circuits. It is then carried through electric cables to the top half of the speaker. Here, the voice coil carries the signal, creating a temporary electromagnet that attracts or repels the field magnet as electricity flows back and forth. As the voice coil moves back and forth, it pushes against the cone, causing it to vibrate. This emits sound waves at various frequencies, producing music. There is a mini light bulb in the speaker that is turned on by a switch. When the switch is turned off, the circuit is incomplete. Turning the switch on, creates a closed circuit that allows for an electric current to flow from the battery through the wires. The battery, the energy source, provides the voltage and the wires act as the conductor. The electricity then flows through the wires of the LED, causing it to produce light. When the charger cord is plugged in, a constant source of voltage is pumped through the battery. The battery then stores this electricity and uses it when the speaker is turned on and the audio cord is plugged in.
Reflection
One thing I did well on for this project was my collaboration. I readily shared my ideas and opinions with my group members, and asked my teacher any questions I had. We were all comfortable sharing ideas and building off of each others thoughts. I was also willing to help my group members if they needed help or had any clarification questions. This is important because it allowed for my group and I to function smoothly and work well together. A second thing I did well on was my work ethic. Each day, I would work diligently and efficiently to make progress on the project. I was determined to do my absolute best work and learn as much as possible. I rarely got side tracked and made sure to keep my group mates on task. This was beneficial because it allowed for my group and I to finish the project on time and do a thorough job.
One thing I need to improve upon is my presenting skills. When I presented, I read off of the slides and didn't go into much detail about the topic using my background knowledge. I need to start working on presenting without reading of the slideshow and feeling confident in what I am saying. I can do this by completely plenty of research on what I am presenting and practicing my presentation before I actually present. A second thing I need to improve upon is being a leader. For this project, I struggled with figuring out what step to take next in the project and how my group mates could contribute. I need to start planning out what specific tasks need to be done and then delegating them out to my teammates. This will also help me keep them busy and on task.