Reverse Engineering: Functional Analysis

Standard Tape Measure


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


Function...

• To measure items that have unknown dimentsions
• To measure the distance between items
• Make measuring a one person job
• metal hook allows the tape to be held onto the item and pulled out to measure the distance, or length of the item, etc
• Makes measuring easier!!

2. Make an educated guess as to how this product operates. Use simple machines’ terminology to explain the object’s sequential operation.


How it works...

• use a metal spring that is attached to the end of the measuring tape (inside the case)
• other end of the measuring tape has a flat metal hook
• hook on to one end of what you are measuring 
• turns measuring something to a one-person job
• when the tape is pulled the spring starts to unwind
• it keeps energy in the metal spring
• used to wind the tape up again
• the hold switch holds the tape at a certain point
• does this to stop the spring from unwinding
• when hold switch is released the spring unwinds and pulls the tape back in the case  

3. Identify the system inputs, intended product function, and outputs. Use powerpoint to create a "black box" graphic like the toothbrush example discussed in class.  

4. What mechanical components are visible?

Visible Components...

• The hold switch is the only visible component
• this helps to hold the spring inside so the tape measure doesn't randomly go back in the case
• if you release the button the tape goes back in
• Be careful it hurts!!!
• The flat metal piece on the end of the tape to make measuring a one person job is also visible
• helps to hold on to objects to measure in between distances

5. What is it about this device’s function that you cannot identify, because the mechanical components are hidden from plain view?

What's Missing...

• The spring on the inside is not visible
• supports the whole idea of how the tape measure stays out, and  how it goes back in with help from the hold switch and release switch on the top of the case
• The coiling of the tape is also not seen
• can't see how the tape wraps up within the case itself