Reverse engineering is the process of discovering the technological principles of a device, object, or system through analysis of its structure, function, and operation. It often involves taking something apart and analyzing its workings in detail to be used in maintenance.
Project Scope
A Reverse Engineering project should be of enough complexity to allow the student to gain an understanding of how something works in detail, without being overwhelming.
Select and acquire at least one product (typically, mechanical in nature), disassemble the unit, then mount and label all components.
A successful entry may have sub-components that are further disassembled
The tools used can be simple or complex, but the methods and sequence for disassembly should be documented
Project Display and Description
A successful entry in this category will have the components of the product mounted and labeled to show the following:
The overall unit and operation of the unit is described
Each component is described adequately, material is identified, and its function explained
Components are arranged so that they are located to the assembled unit correctly
A paper describing the operation and functionality of all of the components should be created and may include:
Illustrations or images of components and how they fit together
A description of the steps for deconstruction
Any notes or logs that are taken during the disassembly
A description of how the original object actually functions
An Entry in this category will be reviewed and judged on the following:
Preparation and display of the components or subcomponents of the original object
Shows completeness of thought and cause and effect are clearly identified
Project scope is reasonable and allows for disassembly to adequate level
The understanding of how the object works is not generally understood
High degree of complexity or complex disassembly procedure require