Reverse Engineering 2012
As engineers, how do we figure out how something works? We take it apart, of course! This applies to both hardware and software.
Reverse engineering is the process--not a random act--of taking something apart to understand how it works. Engineers perform the process of reverse engineering to accomplish a variety of objectives:
- improve the device's function
- make it more cost efficient
- make it more environmentally friendly
- change the function
- create another use for the object (repurpose)
Reverse engineering is an important process in the (re)design and development of new and existing products. Designers get an opportunity to breakdown and analyze each part of the product to see how they operate. The information gathered during this process can help the team determine what they can do to make the product better and/or optimize manufacturing costs to increase company profits.
The process of reverse engineering involves analyzing a product's Form, Fit and Function. By applying this process your team will analyze a product and report on its visual elements, structure/materials, and operations. You will then suggest possible changes you would make to improve that product.
The Reverse Engineering Process we will use involves four phases:
- Phase I Visual Analysis: Visual design principles and elements constitute an aesthetic vocabulary that is used to describe products.
- Phase II Functional Analysis: Products operate as systems, with identifiable inputs and outputs; products are simple machines at work
- Phase III Structural and Material Analysis: Operational conditions, material properties, manufacturing and assembly methods help engineers determine the structural and material makeup of a design.
- Phase IV Product Improvement: Engineers analyze designs to identify shortcomings and opportunities for innovation.
Procedure
Navigate you way through each project phase and follow the outlined procedures there. You will work your way through the entire reverse engineering process using this web site as your main resource.
This project will be due three weeks after we start. You will need to put into practice the project management tools introduced in the Design Challenge.
- Create a SHARE folder for your team's digital products.
- Create a project management timeline called a Gantt Chart
- Choose a product to reverse engineer:
- found at home or buy (less than $5); it won't work again....
- must contain at least 8-12 unique parts
- must employ two different simple machines
- must be approved by Mr. Hays no later than March 16
- Teams will learn to use an objective decision making process using a "Decision Matrix." to choose which product to evaluate
- Your paper deliverables should be collected and kept in a binder until I request to see them. Your digital files should be stored on your SHARED folder
Like the real world, things move quickly and are subject to change. Be sure you check back on a regular and frequent basis to ensure you don't miss a key concept or requirement. As usual, taking good notes in your notebook will help guide you to success.
Resources
- CLASS REVERSE ENGINEERING PROJECT GANTT CHART
- The Tinkerer's Rules (The codified set of the builders, crafters, makers rules)
- You will be expected to view several episodes of Science Channel shows like How It's Made, How Do They Do It, etc.
- How Products Are Made
- THE DESIGN FOR THE OTHER 90%
- Manufacturing Is Cool
- Teardown analysis Apple iPhone
- Cost to make the Amazon Kindle Fire
- How to Teardown A Kindle Fire (iFixIt website is FUN!!)
- Watch an Inventor-analysis of a nail clipper
- How Stuff Works
- I just don't make the stuff up I tell you about real world: