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╭────────────────────────────────────────────╮ │ FORENSIC REPORT: UNPACKING TECHNOLOGY │ ╰────────────────────────────────────────────╯ 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 Examiner Signature: ______________________ ══════════════════════════════════════════════ OBJECT ══════════════════════════════════════════════ 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 ![a](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/HyagKDpxbg.png) # ▰ EXAMINATION ## Descriptive List of Components <div style="border:2px solid #1E90FF; padding:12px; background:#0018A8; border-radius:12px; font-family:'Consolas','Courier New',monospace; color:white;"> ▶ VIDEO PREVIEWS {%preview https://youtu.be/bFKvsB9ai_c %} {%preview https://youtu.be/gjFevNFWh2Q %} </div> --- <div style="border:2px solid #FF6A00; padding:14px; background:#0A1FFF; border-radius:14px; color:white; font-family:'Consolas','Courier New',monospace;"> INFO • COMPONENT TABLE GUIDE ▰ This table lists all major components identified during disassembly. </div> --- | ▰/▱ | Layer | Component | Qty | Material | Function | Image | |-----|-------|-------------------------------|-----|---------------------------------|------------------|-------| | ▰ | 1 | Cord Retraction Spool Cap | 2 | POM/ABS + Rubber Ring | Movement | ![1](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/S1aKzvagWl.png) | | ▱ | 1 | Front Swivel Caster | 1 | Nylon/POM + Hard Plastic/Rubber | Movement | ![2](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/SJGCfvagbx.png)| | ▰ | 1 | Carry Handle / Trim Accent | 1 | ABS Plastic | Grip | ![3](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/ByygNvpe-e.png)| | ▱ | 1 | Control / Switch | 1 | ABS Plastic | Grip | ![4](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/HJQrBv6g-g.png)| | ▰ | 1 | Shoulder Carrying Strap | 1 | Nylon/Polyester Webbing, TPE Pad, ABS Clips | Grip | ![5](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/SkQ4Fw6l-x.png)| | ▱ | 2 | Safety Interlock Switch | 1 | Thermoplastic + Rubber Boot | Safety Feature | ![6](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/H12SYDplWx.png)| ╭────────────────────────────────────────────╮ │ COMPONENT BREAKDOWN & ANALYSIS │ ╰────────────────────────────────────────────╯ | Component | Qty | Material | Ref / Part | Function | Image | |---------------------------------------------|----------------|-------------------------------------------|----------------|-----------------|----------------------------------------| | Dust Bin/Cyclone Cover (Outer) | 1 | Polycarbonate (PC) or Transparent ABS | RS-RT9883 (Cap) | Cover fitting | ![7](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/BJx8YzGbWg.png)| | Pre-Motor Foam Filter Holder | 1 | Polypropylene (PP) or ABS Plastic | RS-RT9743 (Inner Separator - estimation) | Filters | ![8](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/rJeutGf-Zg.png)| | Power Regulation Knob (Potentiometer) | 1 | Transparent ABS or Polycarbonate (PC) | — | Controller | ![9](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/S17tYMzZZg.png)| | Microswitch (Interlock) | 1 | Nylon/ABS & Copper contacts | — | Controller | ![10](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/r1f5KzzbZx.png)| Layer 3 | Component | Qty | Material | Ref / Part | Function | Image | |---------------------------------------------|----------------|-------------------------------------------|----------------|-----------------|----------------------------------------| | HEPA Exhaust Filter (Post-Motor) | 1 | Pleated Fiberglass or Cellulose Fibers; Frame: ABS or Polypropylene (PP) Plastic | 100×80 mm | Final filtration | ![11](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/rk6iKfGWWx.png)| | Cyclonic Separator/Housing Insert | 1 | Polypropylene (PP) or ABS Plastic | 1.5L | Dust bin holder | ![12](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/HJ22YfGZbe.png)| | Motor Bucket / Airflow Ducting | 1 | ABS or HDPP Plastic | — |Fittings | ![13](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/HJj1iGfZ-x.png)| Layer 4 | Component | Qty | Material | Ref / Part | Function | Image | |------------------------|----------------|-------------------------------------------|----------------|----|----------------------------------------| | Cord Reel Spring Housing | 1 | Housing: PP; Spring (Inside): Spring Steel | — | Mechanical | ![14](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/Byp1YXGW-x.png)| | Motor Speed Control PCB | 1 | FR4 (Fiberglass Epoxy) | — | Electrical/controller/regulator | ![15](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/SJBWYQzZZe.png)| | 16-Amp Triac | 1 | FR4 | BTA16-600B / BTB16-600BW | Controls AC Phase for motor; Snubberless type preferred for inductive loads | — | | Safety Capacitor (C1) | 1 | Polypropylene Film | TNS-2TH X2 | EMI Suppression | — | | Diodes (1N4007) | 4 | Polypropylene Film | — | Bridge Rectifier | — | | Resistor (75k Ω) | 2 | — | — | Voltage dropping | — | | IC / Microcontroller | 1 | — | — | Processes potentiometer signal & fires Triac | —| | Universal AC Series Motor (Suction Unit) | 1 | Steel/Aluminum Housing | RS-RT900587 | Mechanical/Electrical | ![16](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/H1AfKQfb-e.png)| | Internal Motor Housing / Air Manifold | 1 | PP (Black) + Polyurethane Foam | — | Black shell - main body | ![17](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/rJjdsXGWbx.png)| | Screws | 16 | — | — | Assembly | — | --- # 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 1. Primary cyclone → coarse particles 2. Pre-motor foam filter → protects motor 3. 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 --- 4.WHY WAS IT DISCARDED OR CONSIDERED OBSOLETE? A. Common Failure Modes | ▰/▱ | Failure | Symptoms | Likely Cause | |-----|-----------------------------|----------------------|------------------------| | ▰ | Motor burnout | No suction | Overheating / wear | | ▱ | Clogged filters | Weak suction | Poor maintenance | | ▰ | Broken fan | Noise / vibration | Foreign object damage | | ▱ | Cracked cyclone | Air leakage | Impact or ageing | | ▰ | Cable damage | Intermittent power | Flex wear | --- B. User Experience Limitations • Loud (80–85 dB) • Heavy compared to cordless options • Requires regular filter cleaning • Outdated ergonomics by modern standards --- C. Economic & Regulatory Obsolescence • EU banned vacuums >1600W in 2014 • EU banned vacuums >900W in 2017 → this model exceeds both • Repair costs often equal or exceed replacement --- ══════════════════════════════════════════════ RESOURCE RECOVERY ══════════════════════════════════════════════ Reusability: ▰▱▱▱▱▱▱▱▱ 10% Recyclability: ▰▱▱▱▱▱▱▱▱ 10% E-waste: ▰▰▱▱▱▱▱▱▱ 15% ══════════════════════════════════════════════ ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SUMMARY ══════════════════════════════════════════════ | ▰/▱ | Lifecycle Stage | CO₂e | |-----|------------------------|------------| | ▰ | Manufacturing | ▰▰▰▱▱▱▱▱ 71 kg | | ▱ | Use (5 yrs) | ▰▰▰▰▰▱▱▱ 355 kg | | ▰ | Recycling Benefit | ▱▱▱▱▱▰▱▱ -15 kg | | ▱ | **Total** | ▰▰▰▰▰▰▱▱ 411 kg | ══════════════════════════════════════════════ TIME & EFFORT REQUIRED ══════════════════════════════════════════════ | ▰/▱ | Phase | Time (min) | Difficulty | Tools | |-----|-------------------|------------|------------|----------------------| | ▰ | Inspection | 5–10 | Easy | None | | ▱ | Remove Filters | 5 | Easy | None | | ▰ | Open Housing | 15–20 | Moderate | Screwdriver | | ▱ | Separate Components| 20–30 | Moderate | Tools | | ▰ | Motor Disassembly | 20–30 | Difficult | Specialized Tools | | ▱ | **Total** | 70–100 | Moderate–Difficult | — | ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SUMMARY | ▰/▱ | Lifecycle Stage | CO₂e | |-----|--------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | ▰ | Manufacturing | ▰▰▰▱▱▱▱▱ 71 kg | | ▱ | Use (5 yrs) | ▰▰▰▰▰▱▱▱ 355 kg | | ▰ | Recycling Benefit | ▱▱▱▱▱▰▱▱ -15 kg | | ▱ | Total | ▰▰▰▰▰▰▱▱ 411 kg | --- <iframe src="https://jokar-man.github.io/unpacking_vaccum_NetworkX/" width="120%" height="800px" frameborder="0" ></iframe> CONCLUSIONS • Represents early-2010s high-wattage cyclonic vacuum design • Functionally sound but energy-inefficient • Most likely failure: motor wear or clogged filters • Obsolescence driven by EU power regulations and modern efficient alternatives --- APPENDICES A.TECHNICAL SUMMARY | ▰/▱ | Parameter | Value | |-----|-------------------------------|--------------------------------------| | ▰ | Power | 1700W IEC / 1900W Max | | ▱ | Voltage | 220–240V | | ▰ | Dust Capacity | 1.5L | | ▱ | Cable Length | 5m | | ▰ | Noise Level | 80–85 dB | | ▱ | Weight | 4–5 kg | | ▰ | Filtration | Cyclonic + HEPA | --- B.PHOTO DOCUMENTATION https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1y4oLmrjkFoBo2M9vjZRPspMZ6x6YnbgZ?usp=drive_link --- ## C. SAFETY WARNINGS (!) <div style=" background:#0018A8; border:3px solid #FF6A00; border-radius:14px; padding:16px; color:white; font-family:'Consolas','Courier New',monospace; "> ▰ Disconnect power before opening ▰ Capacitors may hold charge ▰ Use gloves — sharp edges ▰ Do not wash electrical components ▰ Wear mask when handling dust </div> --- ### PCB CONNECTING WIRES <div style=" background:#0018A8; border:3px solid #1E90FF; border-radius:16px; padding:16px; font-family:'Consolas','Courier New',monospace; </div> ![9](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/S1W89Fxz-l.png) <div style=" border:3px solid #FF6A00; border-radius:14px; padding:14px; background:#0A1FFF; font-family:'Consolas','Courier New',monospace; color:white; "> <table style="width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; font-family:'Consolas','Courier New',monospace; color:white;"> <thead> <tr style="background:#FF6A00; color:black; font-weight:bold;"> <th style="padding:6px; border-radius:6px;">Label on PCB</th> <th style="padding:6px; border-radius:6px;">Function</th> <th style="padding:6px; border-radius:6px;">Connected To</th> <th style="padding:6px; border-radius:6px;">Wire Color</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>CN1</td> <td>Mains Line (L)</td> <td>Power Cord / Reel</td> <td>▰ Blue (Thick)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>CN2</td> <td>Mains Neutral (N)</td> <td>Power Cord / Reel</td> <td>▰ Brown / White (Thick)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>M1</td> <td>Motor Output 1</td> <td>Universal Motor Terminal</td> <td>▰ Red (Thick)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>M2</td> <td>Motor Output 2</td> <td>Universal Motor Terminal</td> <td>▰ Red (Thick)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>CN3</td> <td>Control Signal</td> <td>Potentiometer (Speed Knob)</td> <td>▰ Red / White Ribbon Cable (Thin)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> --- ![3](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/Hy015teMbx.png) <div style=" background:#0018A8; border:3px solid #1E90FF; border-radius:18px; padding:18px; color:white; font-family:'Consolas','Courier New',monospace; "> ### Process Overview During examination, a microcontroller (Arduino-class board) was identified controlling a low-voltage relay module. The system uses a **digital output (PIN 18)** to toggle the relay ON and OFF at timed intervals. This configuration is consistent with **bench-top testing**, **cyclic load simulation**, or **timed switching experiments**. Electrical connections from the image show: - Digital pin → Relay IN (signal) - Board GND → Relay GND - 5V supply → Relay VCC - External AC circuitry intentionally isolated from the low-voltage side The wiring layout and component interaction confirm that the relay is being used purely as a **safe galvanic-isolated switching element** within the experiment. A short-interval HIGH pulse energizes the relay coil; a long LOW interval allows the system to cool and simulate normal duty cycling. --- ### Purpose / Forensic Interpretation Based on the control pattern and component selection, the configuration appears to support: - **Functional relay verification** - **Load cycling or endurance testing** - **Triggering an external device at controlled intervals** - **Demonstration or instructional use** (the simple repeating pattern suggests teaching/testing) No irregular modifications or unsafe bypasses were observed. All wiring matches typical prototyping conventions. </div> ![7](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/HypattgfWl.png) --- ## Highlighted Code Extract <div style=" background:#0A1FFF; border-radius:14px; border:3px solid #FF6A00; padding:14px; color:white; width:100%; font-family:'Consolas','Courier New',monospace; box-shadow:0 0 12px #1E90FF inset; "> ``cpp void setup() { pinMode(18, OUTPUT); } // Repeating ON/OFF relay cycle void loop() { digitalWrite(18, HIGH); // Activate relay delay(500); // Short ON time digitalWrite(18, LOW); // Deactivate relay delay(10000); // Long OFF time } ## F. COMPONENT SUMMARY PANEL <div style=" background:#0A1FFF; border-radius:18px; border:3px solid #FF6A00; padding:20px; color:white; width:100%; font-family:'Consolas','Courier New',monospace; box-shadow:0 0 12px #1E90FF inset; "> ### **Primary Components Identified** **1. Microcontroller Board (Arduino-class)** Acts as central logic unit. Generates digital control signals to trigger the relay module. Powered from USB source during analysis. **2. Relay Module (SRD-5VDC-SL-C type)** Electromechanical switch receiving digital input from PIN 18. Provides safe isolation between low-voltage logic and external AC load. **3. Jumper Wires (Male–Male / Female–Female)** Used to bridge digital outputs, power rails, and signal inputs. Color coding matches the wiring seen in the circuit-trace image. **4. Breadboard Assembly** Temporary prototyping environment enabling rapid re-routing and controlled testing. No evidence of damaged tracks or overheating. **5. External Load Path (Not energized in analysis)** Relay’s NO/COM terminals intended for AC or high-voltage switching. Correctly isolated from the logic-side wiring during inspection. </div> ## G. CONCEPT SUMMARY — DEVICE BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS <div style=" background:#0018A8; border:3px solid #FF6A00; border-radius:18px; padding:22px; color:white; line-height:1.55; font-family:'Consolas','Courier New',monospace; box-shadow:0 0 12px #1E90FF inset; "> ### **Operational Narrative (Bullet-Point Record)** - **Initial State — “Domestic Use Mode”** Device originated as a standard household vacuum cleaner, function: *debris removal + airflow intake*. - **Mechanical Reassignment** Entire unit disassembled; structural shell, main motor, and wiring harness re-utilized. Original suction path inverted for intentional air-expulsion behavior. - **Control Reconfiguration** Motor rerouted through a relay module driven by **Arduino microcontroller**. System no longer performs cleaning — now operates as a targeted airflow actuator. - **Proximity-Triggered Routine** Presence sensor (IR/ultrasonic type) monitors approach events. Detection → Controller registers interrupt → Air-burst execution sequence initiated. - **Air-Burst Output** Motor ramps briefly, generating a fast, upward jet of air. Purpose: launch lightweight printed slips into visible trajectory. - **Paper Discharge Payload** Slips contain reconstructed interpersonal message fragments: “Hey… can we talk?” / “Are you awake?” / “I miss you.” Predefined emotional scripts selected for maximum cognitive disruption. - **Behavioral Prompt** Device concludes sequence with a playful provocation: **“DON’T BE SHY. TEXT YOUR EX.”** (Text displayed or implied as thematic payload.) - **Conceptual Framework** Former cleaning tool transformed into a commentary device — an engineered feedback loop where emotional clutter is physically recycled. - **Thematic Interpretation** Explores the cyclical nature of human attachment, nostalgia recursion, and our tendency to revisit connections that should remain archived. </div> ![10](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/BJb9qYlMWx.png) --- ## H. PROJECT DESCRIPTION — DEVICE REASSIGNMENT LOG <div style=" background:#0018A8; border:3px solid #FF6A00; border-radius:18px; padding:24px; color:white; line-height:1.55; font-family:'Consolas','Courier New',monospace; box-shadow:0 0 12px #1E90FF inset; "> ### **System Overview — Transformation Report** The device began its operational lifespan as a standard domestic vacuum cleaner, engineered exclusively for **inward airflow** and routine debris management. Through full disassembly and targeted reconfiguration, the unit was reassigned from “cleanup appliance” to **emotional-intervention mechanism**. ### **Functional Conversion** Core motor was mechanically reversed and electrically rerouted through an Arduino-controlled relay module. Original suction pathway is now repurposed for **directed upward air-expulsion**, enabling controlled “burst events.” ### **Activation Protocol** A proximity sensor monitors user presence. Upon detection: **→ Arduino executes AirBurst() sequence → Motor outputs a sharp, short-duration airflow pulse → Paper payload is launched vertically** ### **Message Payload Deployment** Lightweight printed slips containing classic breakup-text fragments — “Hey… can we talk?”, “I miss you.”, “Are you awake?” — are expelled into the user’s field of view, simulating unsolicited emotional outreach. ### **Behavioral Directive** The machine’s thematic identity: **“DON’T BE SHY, TEXT YOUR EX.”** A playful but provocative user prompt embedded into its interaction loop. ### **Conceptual Interpretation** By weaponizing a discarded cleaning appliance to resurface emotional debris, the device explores themes of **romantic recursion, nostalgic self-sabotage, and the cyclical nature of attachments we should have deleted years ago**. It turns physical airflow into a metaphorical push — a gentle but chaotic reminder of the human tendency to revisit unresolved connections. </div> --- ![small](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/SkN7sYxfbx.jpg) ## I. ORACLE STARTUP SEQUENCE — USER INTERACTION SCRIPT <div style=" background:#0018A8; border:3px solid #FF6A00; border-radius:18px; padding:24px; color:white; font-family:'Consolas','Courier New',monospace; line-height:1.55; box-shadow:0 0 14px #1E90FF inset; "> ▰ SYSTEM BOOT: “Welcome… to the Oracle of Terrible Decisions.” ▰ USER PROMPT: “Place your hand on the machine. Let the system analyze your heartbreak aura.” (pause… internal fans whir… motor inhales dramatically) “Oh. Oh wow. You’re going through it, aren’t you?” ▰ DIAGNOSTIC QUERY: “Recent breakup detected. Unread emotional monologue identified. ‘Needed space’ protocol flagged. Selfie-next-morning anomaly confirmed.” “It’s okay. The Oracle understands.” “You miss your ex. You want them back in your life. You are pursuing the avoidant attachment style with the urgency of a limited-edition sneaker drop.” ▰ ATTENTION: “So listen carefully…” **DON’T. BE. SHY.** **TEXT your ex.** “Text them like you’re starring in a Y2K music video. Text them like you ignored all twelve friends’ warnings. Text them like you just rediscovered the playlist you once made together at 2AM.” “Go ahead. Slide back into the DMs of the person who emotionally evacuated the premises.” ▰ MESSAGE SUGGESTIONS: • ‘I miss us.’ • ‘Wanna talk?’ • ‘I had a dream about you.’ • (Full novel mode enabled.) “Chase the avoidant. Pursue the person who replies ‘haha’ to your deepest vulnerabilities. Run boldly into the red-flag parade.” “Because here, at the Oracle of Lost Suction…” “…we support bad decisions—as long as they’re confident.” **TEXT. YOUR. EX.** (machine wheezes, relay clicks, LEDs flicker ominously) “…Good luck, soldier.” </div>