An image from Engineering and the Mind's Eye.

I quote it as an interesting example of the relation between an object and an idea. We see a series of utalitarian objects - they are the fruits, or more precisely - the by-products, of purposeful engineering investigations;

The objects themselves seem to be meant for little more than demonstration. Each is a model representing an instance of engineering thought. As models they are made very purposefully - raggedness and carelessness is allowed whenever the idea itself is already embodied within the form. In this sense they are very efficient objects.

The ideas expressed here are tied back into the objects themselves. The connection is so evident that the objects are both: designs and the designed objects. They encapsulate a wide span of the 'idea-object' spectrum: From the engineering purity of gear concepts to the crude materiality of weathered wood.

Finally, they are dynamic: obviously, as objects meant for movement, but even more so as fragments of some larger purpose-driven machinery they make potentially possible. In the latter sense they are very enigmatic (even though the principles of their operation are made visually apparent).

On the left we see another very purposeful model - demonstrating principles of Newtonian mechanics. A very 'informed' object.

What about these...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaHvLE_7lTY&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dR38uQN74c&feature=related