Group 10 - Snow Blower (Gasoline Powered)

Executive Summary

Throughout the course of this project, we reverse engineered and developed a detailed analysis of a Bolens 726-01 snow blower by dissecting, recording/analyzing and reassembling each part of the snow blower. The Bolens 726-01 is a gas powered, dual-stage and self-propelled snow blower. Powering it is a, single cylinder, four stroke engine that provides power to both the wheels and the blades. After completion of this project we were left with an extremely detailed understanding of how this product works/how it was made, an understanding of factors considered in the design process, and ideas on how to revise the design of the snow blower to improve its overall functionality.

During dis-assembly, we came across certain difficulties that were mainly due to the design of certain components of the snow blower. For example, disassembling the linear drive was probably the most difficult part of the process simply because everything was built in very tightly and was all held compact within the rigid walls of the linear housing box. We developed the idea of revising this component so that the walls of the housing box are bolted together as opposed to welding so it can be easily removable, thus making potential maintenance much easier for the consumer. Rusted bolts were also a big problem in the dis-assembly process. We suggested that stainless steel bolts be used instead to eliminate this problem.

During dis-assembly we discovered that there are two methods of engine ignition. This included a pull start ignition and an electric start that requires the starter to be plugged into an AC outlet. Upon discovery, we realized that this may be a potentially inconvenient method of starting the engine in the case where the consumer is physically unable to use the pull start or the pull start mechanism isn’t functioning. There may not always be an AC power source nearby so we recommended the revision of implementing a battery into the snow blower to spark ignition. Having a battery integrated into the snow blower also allows potential for additional electrical components to be incorporated into the overall design.

This gate is the planning stage of the our Product investigation. Here we begin by assessing the project, the product, and our group. The deliverables for this gate are a Work Proposal, Management Proposal, and the Initial product Assessment.

• Gate 1 - Project Planning (Group 10)

With the groundwork of planning the dissection and organizing the team done, you are now ready to begin dissection of the physical product. Following your plan, you are to dissect the product, documenting the steps as you go. Post the dissection procedure and the supporting analysis to your technical report on the wiki.

• Gate 2 - Product Dissection (Group 10)

With the product dissected, you can now complete a detailed analysis of it. In this stage you will examine the product at the component and subsystem level, gathering detailed information. Present the information in your technical report on your wiki page.

• Gate 3 - Product Analysis (Group 10)

This is the planning stage of the project. You will be assessing the project, the product, and your group. The deliverables for this gate are the Work Proposal, Management Proposal, and the Initial Assessment. These are to be submitted in a technical report via the group’s wiki page.

• Gate 4 - Product Explanation (Group 10)