ELEFRIEND

REVERSE ENGINEERING

The objective of this design project was to reverse engineer a household appliance into a children’s toy. The toy must display relevance to the target age group, adhere to safety guidelines, and prove thorough functionality with testing. The team manipulated a Hoover Windtunnel Rewind: T Series vacuum to transform critical components into the game, Elefriend — inspired by the early ‘90s game, Elefun. Once loaded with butterflies, the “START” button is pressed. The Elefriend then ejects air flow, propelling butterflies out of the trunk, allowing players to catch them in nets.

Manufacturing, CAD, laser cutters, 3D printers, electrical circuitry, Arduino, design foundations, and knowledge of fluid dynamics and seals were key throughout the development process.