Embedded Files
Task
Task
This project was a build-off of the Break It Apart project. We were assigned to choose one object out of the group from the Break It Apart project and redesign it and address a concern in order to make it better. The purpose of reverse engineering is to discover how an object works and how it can be improved.
Reverse Engineering
Reverse Engineering
Prior to starting this project, we completed the Break it Apart project in order to give us a better understanding of the object and how it works. This allowed us to already know the elements that make up the object. For our particular project, our group chose to reverse engineer a toy hamster that can mimic your speech. Before starting the project, our group created a Gantt chart to ensure that each of us stayed on task and used our time to the best of our abilities. This laid out an agenda for each class period, which allowed us to stay productive. Once everything was planned out, our first step to starting the reverse engineering project was to identify a purpose, which was to fully engage and entertain a young audience with the hamster toy. To do this, we moved onto our second step of forming a hypothesis. We claimed that if another gear system that attaches feet to the hamster were connected to the motor, then it would be able to walk, making it unique to other toy hamsters. To begin testing if this is true, we started the disassembly process and observed how each system is connected to one another. By looking at the sketches that I already made for the previous project, I was able to analyze the elements on an extended level. This leads to the next step of thorough analysis, which includes material, structural, functional, and manufacturing analysis. In order to fully analyze each of these components, we had to do some extra research on certain elements, such as the PCB (printed circuit board), to better understand how it works and how it can be improved. While doing this, our group noted the important things to add to our reverse engineering report. We made more sketches of the redesign and added the cost of materials. Finally, after we gathered enough information, we communicated our results through a presentation.
Important Concepts
Important Concepts
reverse engineering: a strategy used to find answers to questions about an existing product that are used in the design of another product
invention: design work that results in something unique or novel
innovation: process of improving or modifying an existing product
material analysis: lists materials and their properties
structural analysis: describes how the different parts are connected internally and externally
functional analysis: answers questions about a mechanical system or how an electronic circuit works
manufacturing analysis: describes the application of tools and processes to the transformation of raw materials into finished goods
motherboard: a printed circuit board
hypothesis: a statement that suggests a possible, unproven answer to a question
flow chart: type of diagram that represents a step-by-step approach of a process
Gantt chart: bar chart that illustrates a project schedule
Our Gantt Chart
Our Flow Chart
Reflection
Reflection
During this project, there were multiple times where I showed areas of strength, such as the communication skills executed within the group along with myself. When my group and I found ourselves with nothing to do, we communicated with one another to figure out what else needed to be completed by taking a divide-and-conquer approach. We each assigned ourselves with a task and successfully finished our project, which contributed to the overall quality of our presentation. I also practiced my communication skills by asking the teacher questions when I didn't understand something. For example, when I didn't know what else to add to the report, I reached out and asked questions about what was specifically missing, which allowed me to communicate my results in a clear and detailed way. Another area of strength was my organization skills. Our presentation is easy to follow and is visually organized for the audience to analyze our findings. We also organized a plan through the Gantt chart, which was helpful to follow during class and gave us the opportunity to be productive. In addition, we included organized and detailed sketches that provide information about our object. All of this contributed to our final result of our project, which was a success!
There were also areas that could use some improvement for future projects, such as my time management skills. There were often times where I wasn't using class time wisely, which put our whole group off track. Although we were able to complete our project successfully, we were scrambling to add in some extra details and finishing touches to our presentation. This was because we were often off track and not focused during class. In the future, I will do my best to make a Gantt chart, or any other method of planning, and follow it accordingly. For the future, I could also work on improving my collaboration skills. It's good to take initiative when doing group work, but there were times where I took too much control and didn't allow for my other group members to contribute and share their ideas. When my group and I were working on the presentation, there were some suggestions that my group members were sharing, but I didn't fully take the time to listen to them. Next time, I will keep an open mind when listening to my group members share their ideas because they can be beneficial to the quality of our project.
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