Theory of Operation
A description of how a device, product, component, or system should work, the science behind how and why the product/device does what it does. Developing a theory of operation becomes the first part of your product analysis.
Here are a few very basic examples:
Finding "Theory of Operation" Examples
Research articles and conference proceedings frequently contain Theory of Operation explanations for new products and processes. You can find these by searching a research article database like those listed under Useful Resources for a Product Analysis Report in this guide.
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Note: Depending on the product you've chosen to analyze, you may not find a theory of operation for your specific product. You may need to look for components of the product or similar products and extrapolate.
Product Analysis is a process of
Through this process, you break down the product from end to end analyzing components, functions, technology, and costs. Your goal is to gather consistent information for comparison. You may want to set up a spreadsheet with columns for the product your are comparing and rows for the attributes
A Sample Process:
Start by answering these questions:
These are not physical requirements, but must be met in order for this product to meet the overall requirements. Examples: the cost or time required to manufacture
Once you have answered these questions and have identified every component and feature. Create a 2-column spreadsheet or chart:
Next:
Sources: information on this page was adapted from What is Product Analysis on Chisel Blog and the Engineering Design Process: How to Analyze a Product on ScienceBuddies.org
Basic Product Analysis Example - a Pair of Crutches
If we assume that crutches help people who need to walk using only one foot when they are injured, then:
What are the major requirements of a pair of crutches?
Crutches help the user:
What is absolutely essential to satisfy each of these needs?
Walk While using 1 foot requires a way for the user to balance
Getting around requires that the crutches are:
What are the physical requirements or limits of a pair of crutches?
What are the conceptual requirements/limits of the crutches?
What are the individual components of crutches? What additional features are important?
Image Source: Engineering Design Process: How to Analyze a Physical Product. SciencBuddies.org. Accessed Aug 8, 2023
Source: This example was adapted from the Engineering Design Process: How to Analyze a Physical Product. SciencBuddies.org. Accessed Sept 5, 2023; URL: www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/engineering-design-process/product-analysis
Tips from ECE380 Students
Librarian's tips for your Assignment:
Information and examples on this page were adapted from: