Household appliances

Part 5: Household appliances –

engineering report

Acknowledgments
This publication is copyright Learning Materials Production, Open Training and
Education Network – Distance Education, NSW Department of Education and
Training, however it may contain material from other sources which is not

   
 owned by Learning Materials Production. Learning Materials Production would
like to acknowledge the following people and organisations whose material has
been used.

Board of Studies, NSW

All reasonable efforts have been made to obtain copyright permissions. All claims will
be settled in good faith.

Matrials development: John Burns

Revised version: Brian Jobson, Jeff Appleby, Joesphine Wilms and Stephen
Russell
Coordination: Jeff Appleby and Nicola Pegum
Illustrations: Tom Brown and David Evans
DTP: Nick Loutkovsky and Carolina Barbieri

Copyright in this material is reserved to the Crown in the right of the State of New
South Wales. Reproduction or transmittal in whole, or in part, other than in accordance
with provisions of the
Copyright Act, is prohibited without the written authority of Learning Materials
Production.

© Learning Materials Production, Open Training and Education Network – Distance

Education,
NSW Department of Education and Training, 1999. 51 Wentworth Rd. Strathfield
NSW 2135.

Revised 2001

    
 Introduction.................................................................................. 2

What will you learn?.......................................................................... 2

An engineering report.................................................................. 3

Research skills.................................................................................. 3

Aims of an engineering report.......................................................... 5

Structure of an engineering report.................................................... 5

Developing an engineering report.................................................... 7

Sample engineering report............................................................... 8

Exercise......................................................................................15

Progress check.......................................................................... 17

Exercise cover sheet.................................................................. 19

Bibliography............................................................................... 21

Module evaluation...................................................................... 23

Part 5: Household appliances – engineering report 1

 Introduction

During the Engineering Studies course you will complete an engineering

report as part of each module. Each engineering report may vary
depending on the purpose.

An engineering report must contain technical information which should

be communicated in a variety of formats – words are essential, but so are
freehand and technical drawings. A wide range of sources of information
need to be consulted and the material used documented. There must be
evidence of analysis which supports conclusions or recommendations.

As this is the last part of the module you should demonstrate the knowledge
and skills you have gained to produce the best possible engineering report.
Your engineering report should provide clear evidence of the level of
achievement in this module.
In this part you will investigate the materials used in a household appliance of
your choice and explain manufacturing or inservice properties of the materials.

What will you learn?

You will learn about:
• engineering report writing
• communication
– research methods including the Internet, CD-ROM and libraries
– collaborative work practices.

You will learn to:

• complete an engineering report based on the analysis of one or more
household appliances, integrating the use of computer software
• conduct research using appropriate computer technologies and other
resources.
Extract from Stage 6 Engineering Studies Syllabus, © Board of Studies, NSW, 1999.
Refer to <http//ww.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au> for original and current documents.

Part 5: Household appliances – engineering report 3

 An engineering report is a formal, considered document which draws
together information gained about a product or field, through research
and analysis, to arrive at a conclusion or present recommendations based
on investigation.

Engineers do not communicate with words alone. In an engineering

report, technical information is presented using a combination of text,
tables, graphs and diagrams.

An engineering report for an application module involves:

• outlining the area under investigation
• collecting and analysing available data
• drawing conclusions and/or proposing recommendations
• acknowledging contributions form individuals or groups
• recording sources of information
• including any relevant additional support material.

An engineering report for a focus module involves covering additional

aspects such as:
• examining the nature of the work done by the profession
• discussing issues related to the field.

Research skills
One of the main challenges of using the Internet to search for information
is being able to refine your search to find what you are looking for.

When looking for information it is important that you know exactly what
terms you are looking for and/or alternative terms that will help locate
the information.

For example, when locating information on the topic ‘Magnetic

Induction’ via the CD-ROM of an encyclopaedia, I found my search

Part 5: Household appliances – engineering report 3

 unsuccessful. However, using a bit of lateral thinking I was able to
develop a number of alternative words and phrases that eventually
proved more successful, including
• induction
• magnetic
• electric
• electric induction.

The process of developing alternative terms is essential for successful

research. Time spent developing these alternatives will in the long term
save you time and when on the Internet, money.

Preparing for your engineering report

This is the last part before commencing your first engineering report.

The sample engineering report will feature toasters. The engineering

report is more detailed than the brief case studies you have read. Your
report requires you to complete research. You will need to begin
(continue?) your research this week. You may base your report on any
type of household appliances you have access to.

Do not dismantle any working appliance!

It is most important that no electrical appliance has its electrical

compartment opened. The 240 volt power will kill. Any appliance
tampered with will be a danger to all future users. Do not take the risk
with your life and never take the risk with other peoples lives.

The report has many sections, but a critical section that requires
speciality research involves material used.

Try to find information about specific materials that you have identified
in the product.

For instance, you can see a metal part that looks like chrome. Research
Chromium plated steel and prepare information for your report.

It will be more difficult to specifically identify polymers. You may be

able to contact the manufactures directly. In the case of a particular part
of appliances, such as the electrical cord, you may research electrical
cord directly rather than through the appliance manufacturer.

4 Household appliances
 Begin your research on the materials in a household appliance before
you start Part 5. This will make it easier for you to analyse your product
and to draw conclusion about the materials used.

Aims of an engineering report

A well structured engineering report aims to:
• demonstrate effective management, research, analysis and
communication skills related to the content
• include data relevant to the area under investigation
• present information clearly and concisely so that it is easily
understood by the reader through the use of tables, graphs and
diagrams to illustrate mathematical and scientific facts
• justify the purpose using observations, calculations, or other
evidence, to support a conclusion or recommendations.
• document contributions and sources of information.

Structure of an engineering report

An engineering report generally includes the following sections:
• title page
• abstract
• introduction
• analysis
• result summary
• conclusions/recommendations
• acknowledgments
• bibliography
• appendices.

Title page
The title page gives the title of the engineering report, identifies the
author and gives the date when the report was completed.

Part 5: Household appliances – engineering report 1

 Abstract
The abstract is a concise statement that describes the content of the
engineering report. It covers the scope of the report (what it is about)
and the approaches used to complete the analysis (how the information
was assembled).

The purpose of the abstract is to allow a reader to decide if the

engineering report contains relevant information.

The abstract should be no more than two or three paragraphs – shorter if

possible.

Introduction
The introduction provides an overview of the subject, purpose and scope of the
engineering report. It may contain background information regarding the topic.
It also outlines the sections of the engineering report including why the
investigation was undertaken, what research occurred, how data was collected
and what anaylsis was conducted.

Analysis
The analysis is the body of the engineering report and should show evidence of
research and experimentation. Information about materials and the mechanics
of products should be collected or calculated for all engineering reports. This
section must contain information required to satisfy the aim and purpose of the
report.
Tables and graphs, used to summarise detailed data in a concise form, are
common features of an engineering report.

Result summary
The result summary should present the results concisely and note any
limitations on the investigation.
The results inform and support the conclusions and recommendations.

Conclusions/recommendations
The conclusions/recommendations summarises major points or issues in earlier
sections of the engineering report.
This section requires the author to draw conclusions or make recommendations
based on data collected. If the purpose of the engineering report was to ‘select
the best…..’, then the selection should be stated and the reason for the choice
explained.

Part 5: Household appliances – engineering report 3

 Acknowledgments
The acknowledgment section provides the opportunity to credit other people’s
work that has contributed to the report.

Bibliography
The bibliography demonstrates that the report is well researched – all
references need to be included. Bibliographic entries should follow established
guidelines.
A standard approach for referencing bibliographic entries includes identifying
the name of the author, the year of publication, the title of the work, the name
of the publisher and the place of publication.
For example:

Ritchie. J, and Simpson. G, 1998 Engineering Application – A project-

based approach, Butterworth-Heineman, United Kingdom.

This information allows the reader to source the information for confirmation
of the details or conduct further research.

Appendices
The appendices should contain detail that has been separated from the main
body of the engineering report. The information in this section is not essential
but enhances the other data. Examples could be engineering drawings of
products being compared, where the overall dimensions of the product may not
have been part of the report, but may be relevant to some readers.
During the engineering course this section may contain a technical drawing and
could include information collected from organisations.

Developing an engineering report

Research and collaboration are the keys to developing an accurate and
informative engineering report.

Research methods
Research is a critical function for professional engineers. The process
involves:
1 Clarifying the issue
The first step involves clarifying the issue under investigation and
selecting an approach. This may require selecting sample materials,
experimentation, working collaboratively with others.

Part 5: Household appliances – engineering report 5

 2 Collecting data
The second step involves collecting data. Sources such as the
Internet, CD-ROM, encyclopedia, texts and journals are all locations
where information can be gathered.

NOTE:
Take care when gathering information from the Internet.
Verify the accuracy and reliability of the information by
checking the qualifications of the source, it cannot be assumed
that the person(s) placing the information on the Internet is an
expert on the subject.

3 Analysing and interpreting information

The third step involves relating the evidence collected to support
conclusions drawn or recommendations made.

Collaborative work practices

Collaboration involves working with others. It is an effective and
efficient means of obtaining information and support during a project.
The degree of collaboration can range from including the contribution of
others through discussion to the involvement of a team depending on the
project.

Sample engineering report

The following section contains a sample engineering report on a household
appliance – the electric toaster.
The sample engineering report compares an early model to a late model
appliance.

You can use the sample engineering report as a guide when presenting
your work.
Your engineering report will investigate the materials used in a household
appliance of your choice and explain manufacturing or inservice properties of
the materials.

Part 5: Household appliances – engineering report 7

Part 5: Household appliances – engineering report 9
Household appliances
Title: Comparison of the materials used in an early model electric
toaster to a late model electrical toaster.
Author: B. Zarzoff
Date: January 2000

Abstract
The report makes a comparison of the materials used in two electric toasters
– the Johnson 21B (1930) and the ‘Ubeaut’ (2000).

Introduction
The report examines two electric toasters, investigating the materials used.
The aim of this report is to identify and distinguish various materials.
The analysis section concerns identification of materials used in various
parts of the toasters. The results section presents the data in a table format.
The conclusion explains the differences in the materials used and suggests
reasons for the change. The acknowledgement section and the bibliography
section lists resources consulted. The appendices contains related
information and technical drawings.

Analysis
The main components of the electric toaster include the:
• electrical cord - wire plus insulation
• electrical plug - screws, fittings and body
• base
• electrical element
• sliding bread holder
• springs
• control switch
• crumb catching drawer.
The three main materials used in the electric toaster and the engineering
properties of each are:
1 Steel
– rigid and strong in service
 – heat resistant
– wear resistant – particularly necessary at the pivot points.
2 Copper
– flexible (the electrical cord can be bent without fracturing the wire)
– heat resistant
– conduct electricity with little resistance.
3 Thermosetting polymer
– smooth surface finish making it easy to clean
– insulator remains cool to the touch stable under variations in heat.

This section should continue to identify materials used in the toaster

component by component.

Results summary
The following table compares the materials used in the early model toaster
to the materials used in a late model toaster.

Part Early model Late model

toaster material toaster material

electrical cord copper wire, copper,

woven cloth multistrand wire,
coated with thermosoftening
rubber polymer
insulation

electrical plug moulded thermosoftening

– screws and thermosetting polymer plug, no
fittings polymer plug, metal fasteners in
steel screws plug

Base/body chrome plated polymer coated

steel steel
 heating nichrome nichrome
element

bread holder chrome plated chrome plated

steel steel

springs medium carbon medium carbon

steel steel, heavily
work hardened

control bakelite – thermosetting

switch/knob thermosetting polymer
polymer

crumb mild steel polymer tray

catching
drawer

A results summary should be concise overview of the information

gathered. Table format is typical, but graphs and text are also acceptable
and appropriate in particular circumstances.

Conclusions
Based on the inspection of the two toasters, a noticeable change has occurred
in the use of materials. The main trend has involved the increasing use of
polymers, particularly thermosoftening types.

These changes are likely to have been made by the manufacturer because:

• new materials have become available that fulfil the needs of the
component but can be purchased at a lower cost than the original
material
• new manufacturing techniques are available that are suited to particular
materials, notably polymers
• there appears to be an increase in the number of safety features present
in the new toaster, again linked to polymers and their insulating
properties.

Some materials have maintained their useage. For instance, steel remains
integral to both toasters.

The conclusion needs to directly relate to the abstract and introduction of

the report. All statements should be supported by evidence, that is data.
That data should be included in the report.
Acknowledgments
Use this section as evidence that extensive contacts have been made.

Bibliography
Bolton, W, 1998, Engineering materials Technology, Newness
Butterworth Heinemann Ltd, Oxford.
Brown, D, 1981, Basic Metallurgy, Delmar Pub. Inc,
Albany New York.
Sheedy, P. A, 1989, Materials – properties, R.Brown & Associates,
Bathurst NSW.
<www.csiro.au> Data

Use this section as evidence that extensive research has been undertaken
and the report is a well researched document.

Appendices

Technical Drawings

Isometric sketch of the toaster

Figure 5.1 Isometric sketch

Orthogonal drawing of the toaster

 Figure 5.2 Orthogonal drawing

Left side view Front view

Complete a technical drawing by hand, by instrument or by CAD. This

technical drawing should provide evidence that the report writer is able to
use technical drawing as a communication tool.

Safety issues
• Electrical appliances are potentially fatal. They should always be
kept at a safe distance from water.

• Toasters should always be unplugged before attempting to remove

stuck toast. Contact with the electrical wires inside can cause
death.

• Any electrical appliance can cause fires. Smoke detectors should

be installed in all homes.

• Young children should not operate electrical equipment.

• Only profession electricians should repair damaged electrical

leads.

The early model toaster appears to have less electrical insulation. The
insulation materials used appear to have worn, as the material was cloth
based. There also appears to be some mica used as insulation in various
insulation positions.

Heat insulation is not good on the early model toaster. The outside surfaces
heat to a potentially dangerous temperature.
This information, while not directly related to the topic, it is vitally
important.
 Exercise 5.1

Report on materials used in a household appliance.

• Investigate the materials used in the product, component by
component.
• Explain what manufacturing or service properties are required for the
material in each component and why the material is suitable.

The conclusion for this report should describe any trends you noticed in
the application of materials for particular components or functions in
household appliances.

Remember, it is important to use graphics, tables and technical drawings

to support your engineering report and integrate the use of computing
software as appropriate.

You should have completed a lot of the background information and

research during each part of the module, now it is time to pull it all
together into a well presented engineering report.

Contact your teacher with any queries and to discuss your engineering
report.

16 Household appliances
 Try to:

•avoid euphemisms, for example, ‘previous owned’ should be

‘second hand’
•be brief and strive for clarity in your statements
•base your conclusions on the data you collect.

You may choose any household product you have available. A rejected
broken down appliance is probably a good choice. Read through the
format and make yourself familiar with what you need to answer.

If possible, telephone your teacher to discuss your choice of household

appliance.

Do not dismantle any electrical appliance that will be used again. Locate
an old appliance that can be/has been discarded.
Do not reassemble an appliance you have dismantled – electricity kills!

Part 5: Engineering report 17

 During this part of the module you produced an engineering report on a
household appliance.
Take a few moments to reflect on your learning then tick the box that best
represents your level of achievement.

A D U
✓
❏ Agree – well done
g is n
✓ Disagree – revise your work re a c
❏
e g e
✓
❏ Uncertain – contact your teacher r rt
e ai
e n

I have learnt about

• engineering report writing.

I have learnt to

• complete an engineering report based on the analysis

of one or more household appliances, integrating the
use of computer software.

Extract from Stage 6 Engineering StudiesSyllabus, © Board of Studies, NSW, 1999.

Refer to <http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au> for original and current documents.

Congratulations! You have now completed Household appliances.

18 Household appliances
Part 5: Engineering report 19
 Exercise 5.1 Name: __________________________________

Check!
Have you have completed the following exercise and included all the
sections?
❐ Exercise 5.1
• title page
• abstract
• introduction
• analysis
• result summary
• conclusions
• acknowledgments
• bibliography
• appendices.

If you study Stage 6 Engineering Studies through a Distance Education

Centre/School (DEC) you will need to return the exercise pages with
your responses.

Return the exercise pages with the Title Page cover attached. Do not
return all the notes, they should be filed for future reference.

If you study Stage 6 Engineering Studies through the OTEN Open

Learning Program (OLP) refer to the Learner’s Guide to determine which
exercises you need to return to your teacher along with the Mark Record
Slip.

Please complete and return the module evaluation that follows.

20 Household appliances
Part 5: Engineering report 21
 Board of Studies, 1999, The New Higher School Certificate
Assessment Support Document, Board of Studies NSW, Sydney.

Board of Studies, 1999, Stage 6 Engineering Stuidies Examination,

Assessment and Reporting, Board of Studies NSW, Sydney.

Board of Studies, 1999, Stage 6 Engineering Stuidies Support

Document, Board of Studies NSW, Sydney.

Board of Studies, 1999, Stage 6 Engineering Stuidies Syllabus,

Board of Studies NSW, Sydney.

Eide, A. Jenison, R. and Northup, L. 1998, Introduction to Engineering

Design and Problem Solving, McGaw Hill, United States.

Goldman Ruben, S. 1998, Toilets, Toasters & Telephones, Hardcourt

Brace & company, Florida.

Johnston, Gostelow & Jones, 1999, Engineering and Society – An

Australian Perspective, Longman, Melbourne.

Ritchie. J, and Simpson. G, 1998 Engineering Application – A project-

based approach, Butterworth-Heineman, United Kingdom.

Faraday. M, 1844–1855, Experimental Researches in Electricity, Vol

1-3, Taylor & Francis, London.

22
23
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