Name: _____Vidhyashree S (1BG21AI120)_____ Date: ______20-06-2024__________
Assignment-1
Engineering in Reverse! Activity – Engineering in Reverse Worksheet
Q 1) Reverse Engineer on Electric Milk Frother for
a) Component functionality.
b) Component associativity with assembly.
c) 3-D- CAD Model / 3-D Printed Part
Name of the System/Device/Assembly : Electric Milk Frother
Reverse Engineering: Activity 1, Engineering in Reverse! — Engineering in Reverse Worksheet
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Name: _____Vidhyashree S (1BG21AI120)_____ Date: ______20-06-2024__________
In the box below, complete a detailed drawing of the internal components
(i.e, the inside mechanisms) in the given system before it has been disassembled.
Your drawing should include:
● Label for all parts
● Brief description of each part’s function(s)
BEFORE Disassembly
Reverse Engineering: Activity 1, Engineering in Reverse! — Engineering in Reverse Worksheet
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Name: _____Vidhyashree S (1BG21AI120)_____ Date: ______20-06-2024__________
In the box below, complete a detailed drawing of the internal components of the given system
after it has been disassembled. Your drawing should include:
● Label for all parts
● Brief description of each part’s function(s)
AFTER Disassembly
Reverse Engineering: Activity 1, Engineering in Reverse! — Engineering in Reverse Worksheet
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Name: _____Vidhyashree S (1BG21AI120)_____ Date: ______20-06-2024__________
a) Component functionality.
Handheld beater: A plastic handheld electric milk frother typically consists of a lightweight
handle housing a small motor and a detachable whisk made of either stainless steel or plastic.
The handle contains the power switch or button to activate the frother. When turned on, the
motor spins the whisk rapidly, aerating the milk by creating small bubbles that give it a creamy
and frothy texture. The whisk's material, whether stainless steel or plastic, affects its durability
and performance. Stainless steel whisks are generally more durable and effective at frothing,
while plastic whisks may be used for lighter frothing tasks. The handle and housing are usually
made of durable plastic, which makes the frother lightweight and easy to handle. Plastic frothers
are popular for their affordability, ease of use, and suitability for basic frothing needs such as
making frothy milk for coffee drinks at home.
Electric motor: Electric milk frothers commonly employ brushed DC motors for their
efficiency and suitability for battery-powered operation. These motors feature carbon brushes
that transfer electrical current to the rotor through a commutator, causing it to spin and thereby
driving the whisk or agitator. This spinning action aerates the milk, creating froth for beverages
like cappuccinos and lattes. Brushed DC motors are favored for their simplicity, cost-
effectiveness, and reliability in providing the necessary torque and speed for frothing. While they
may require occasional brush replacement and can produce some operational noise, their overall
performance makes them a practical choice for electric milk frothers.
Battery compartment : The battery compartment in an electric milk frother is a feature
designed for convenient, portable operation. Typically, it is designed to accommodate two AA
batteries, which provide the necessary power to operate the frother's motor. This design allows
users to froth milk without being tethered to a power outlet, offering flexibility in where and
when they can use the frother. The compartment is usually located in the handle of the frother,
ensuring that it remains balanced and easy to hold during operation. This battery-powered
functionality makes the frother ideal for use in various settings, such as home kitchens, offices,
or while traveling, providing consistent frothing capability without the need for direct electrical
connection.
Frothing chamber :The frothing chamber in an electric milk frother is a dedicated
compartment where milk or liquid is placed for frothing. It often includes a coiled wire or
heating element that serves to heat the liquid evenly and create turbulence, essential for forming
froth. This chamber is crucial for achieving consistent frothy textures in beverages like
cappuccinos and lattes. Users simply pour their desired liquid into the chamber, activate the
frothing mechanism, and the heated element helps achieve the desired frothiness effectively and
efficiently.
Reverse Engineering: Activity 1, Engineering in Reverse! — Engineering in Reverse Worksheet
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Name: _____Vidhyashree S (1BG21AI120)_____ Date: ______20-06-2024__________
b) Component associativity with assembly.
1. Handheld beater: This component's robust construction, often from stainless steel, ensures
durability and effective frothing. Some frothers offer interchangeable whisk attachments for
different froth textures, catering to various preferences.
2. Electric motor: Typically a small DC motor, it not only powers the whisk's rotation but also
dictates the frothing speed and consistency. Advanced frothers may feature variable speed
settings to customize froth density for different beverages.
3. Battery compartment: Housing two AA batteries, this compartment provides portability and
convenience. It allows users to froth milk anywhere without dependence on electrical outlets,
making it ideal for travel or outdoor use.
4. Frothing chamber: Beyond its heating element or coiled wire, modern frothers may include
temperature sensors or controls to maintain precise heating levels. This ensures optimal froth
quality and temperature management for various recipes.
5. Assembly and usability: The design of these components is often ergonomic, ensuring
comfortable handling during frothing. Additionally, ease of disassembly and cleaning enhances
maintenance convenience, crucial for preserving frother performance and hygiene.
Together, these features illustrate how each component collaborates within the assembly to
deliver consistent, customizable frothing results. Whether at home or on the move, electric milk
frothers facilitate the creation of cafe-quality beverages with ease and efficiency.
Reverse Engineering: Activity 1, Engineering in Reverse! — Engineering in Reverse Worksheet
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Name: _____Vidhyashree S (1BG21AI120)_____ Date: ______20-06-2024__________
c) 3-D- CAD Model / 3-D Printed Part
Reverse Engineering: Activity 1, Engineering in Reverse! — Engineering in Reverse Worksheet
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Name: _____Vidhyashree S (1BG21AI120)_____ Date: ______20-06-2024__________
Reverse Engineering: Activity 1, Engineering in Reverse! — Engineering in Reverse Worksheet
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Name: _____Vidhyashree S (1BG21AI120)_____ Date: ______20-06-2024__________
Reverse Engineering: Activity 1, Engineering in Reverse! — Engineering in Reverse Worksheet
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Name: _____Vidhyashree S (1BG21AI120)_____ Date: ______20-06-2024__________
After you have completed your drawing, answer the following questions.
1) What does this device do? What parts make it work this way?
An electric milk frother is a device designed to aerate milk or other liquids, creating a frothy
texture essential for beverages like cappuccinos and lattes. It operates through the rapid spinning
of a handheld whisk or beater, typically made of durable materials like stainless steel. This whisk
is powered by a small DC motor, which drives its rotation and agitates the liquid to introduce air
and create foam. The device can be powered either by batteries, housed in a compartment within
the frother, or by connecting directly to a power source via a cord. Some frothers include a
frothing chamber with a heating element, such as a coiled wire, to heat the liquid and aid in froth
formation. This simple yet effective mechanism allows users to froth milk quickly and easily,
producing professional-quality froth for a variety of hot beverages.
2) How would you improve the way this device is made?
To enhance the electric milk frother's design, several key improvements can be implemented.
Upgrading to high-quality, food-grade materials like stainless steel for the whisk and frothing
chamber ensures durability and safety. Incorporating a more efficient DC motor or brushless
motor technology improves performance and energy efficiency, potentially extending battery life
in portable models. Adding variable speed settings allows users to customize froth consistency,
while enhancing the heating element ensures precise temperature control for optimal frothing
results. Ergonomic improvements such as comfortable handle design and intuitive controls
enhance usability, while easy-to-clean components simplify maintenance. These enhancements
collectively elevate the frothing experience, catering to both home users and professional baristas
seeking consistent, high-quality froth for various beverages.
Reverse Engineering: Activity 1, Engineering in Reverse! — Engineering in Reverse Worksheet
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Name: _____Vidhyashree S (1BG21AI120)_____ Date: ______20-06-2024__________
3) How could you change this device to make it more cost effective to produce?
To enhance the cost-effectiveness of producing an electric milk frother, several key strategies
can be implemented. First, selecting cost-effective yet durable materials for components such as
the whisk, frothing chamber, and housing is essential. Simplifying the overall design to minimize
the number of parts and assembly steps reduces both material and labor costs. Utilizing
standardized parts wherever feasible helps streamline procurement and assembly processes,
further reducing costs. Optimizing manufacturing processes through automation and efficient
production techniques can decrease labor expenses and improve overall efficiency. Additionally,
exploring opportunities for component integration and increasing production volume to benefit
from economies of scale can lower unit costs. By focusing on these strategies while maintaining
product quality and functionality.
4) Can you redesign this device to make it function differently? How would you do this?
Redesigning an electric milk frother to function differently involves several innovative
approaches. One strategy is to adopt a modular design that allows interchangeable attachments
for frothing, stirring, or mixing, expanding the device's utility beyond just frothing milk. Another
enhancement could be integrating adjustable temperature controls or variable heating settings to
accommodate both frothing and heating liquids to different temperatures. Incorporating a built-in
dispenser mechanism would enable direct dispensing of frothed milk into cups, enhancing
convenience. Programmable functions for various froth textures and beverage types would offer
users customization options, while smart connectivity features like smartphone app control and
safety measures such as automatic shut-off would further modernize and improve user
experience. These redesign concepts aim to make the electric milk frother more versatile, user-
friendly, and capable of meeting diverse beverage preparation needs.
Reverse Engineering: Activity 1, Engineering in Reverse! — Engineering in Reverse Worksheet
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