Starting from unpacking a machine, exploring the machines functionality, critically reporting and creating a machine paradox. In our first week, we were introduced to a bunch of scrap in our backyard.
We choose to unpack a vacuum cleaner which was not fully functional.
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│ FORENSIC REPORT: UNPACKING TECHNOLOGY │
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Reporting Agency: MACT, MAA, MDEF
Case Identifier: Forensics of the Obsolescence
Submitters: Lakshmi Narayanan, Sakshi Advani, Nina Avdalyan, Aishwarya Kaur, Amon
Date of Receipt: 20/11/2025
Date of Report: 20/11/2025
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OBJECT
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Brand: Rowenta Compact Cyclonic Vacuum Cleaner
Model: VC21VW0
Serial: R0346301 / RO346301
Color: ORANGE (plastic), BLACK (plastic & resin)
Made In: Germany, Romania, Spain, China, France, International
Forensic Questions
1. WHAT DOES IT DO?
The Rowenta Compacte Cyclonic is a bagless household vacuum cleaner that uses cyclonic separation to collect dust without disposable bags.
KEY ABILITIES
• Cyclonic dust separation
• Multi-surface cleaning
• HEPA filtration
• Compact and portable form
• Adjustable reach via telescopic tubes
• Suitable for mixed household surfaces
INTENDED USE CASES
• Daily floor cleaning
• Carpet & rug maintenance
• Hard floor cleaning
• Upholstery & furniture
• Crevice and corner dust removal
2. HOW DOES IT WORK?
OPERATING STEPS
Step 1: Power Generation
The 1700W universal motor spins at high RPM to create suction.
Step 2: Air Intake
Air + debris enter through the nozzle → hose → tube → cyclone.
Step 3: Cyclonic Separation
Debris spins rapidly; heavier particles drop into the dust bin.
Step 4: Multi-Stage Filtration
- Primary cyclone → coarse particles
- Pre-motor foam filter → protects motor
- HEPA filter → captures fine particles
Step 5: Clean Air Exhaust
Filtered air exits via rear exhaust vents.
3. HOW IS IT BUILT?
SUBSYSTEMS
• Motor assembly — universal motor + impeller
• Cyclone system — transparent dust chamber
• Filtration — foam + HEPA filters
• Electronics — PCB speed/triac control
• Cable system — retractable 5 m power cord
• Mobility — rear wheels + front swivel caster
• Accessories — nozzle, tubes, brushes
We created a network graph using python where each item in the machine was values individually based on scores given by our analysis. The following are the parameters: Electrical, Mechanical, Importance of the component in the machine, Recyclable factor and Danger?
At last, we tried to switch on the motor for just 0.30 second since it was a dangerous AC motor. In order to do that, we used a basic arduino blink code.
In our second week, “Machine Paradox” we aimed to create useless machine but using the components that we dismantled from our first week. Using the AC motor that sucks and throws air, we came up the idea to make a goblet of fire.
We decided to use the Universal A.C motor but one of the most challenging part is to control it using arduino. Since the arduino and sensors work on a D.C current, controlling the AC motor or even touching it was more dangerous as getting short circuited.
