MCEG/ELEG 1012
REVERSE ENGINEERING/
Product Dissection
ARKANSAS TECH
PROJECT #1
(Adapted from the project developed by Prof. Sotiris A. Pagdadis, Polytechnic University, New York, New York)
SUMMARY
This laboratory session will expose you to visual thought. You have a unique
opportunity to take apart a mechanical device, and describe its components.
You will use your hands and your set of tools to take the device apart. Keep
careful notes of what you are doing. We expect you to explain your findings.
Read the section in chapter 14 on Written Communication Skills. There is an
example report on reserve in the Library.
OBJECTIVES
 Take a device apart and determine how it works.
 Write and sketch a description of the device and its parts on your paper.
 Record your ideas about how the device should work.
 Write a report using the WORD PROCESSOR as indicated below.
PREPARATION
Read this document carefully before beginning work.
out notes.
Examine the hand-
MATERIALS
A device that you have chosen.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Take the device apart and describe how it works.
PROCEDURE
Divide up into groups of two to three students on a team. Have no more than
four students in a group. Each team will be given a device or you can select
your own. Inspect the intact device.
Describe it carefully in the paper given. Include a sketch and give the outside dimensions (if necessary) as part of your written description.
How do you think it works?
Write a brief explanation in your paper BEFORE
taking it apart. [Use complete sentences!]
Carefully disassemble your device. Take it apart without breaking it.
LET ONE PERSON DO ALL OF THE DISSECTION!!!
If it is electrical do NOT plug it in!!!
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DON’T
Write careful notes in your paper to describe what you see as you take the
device apart.
IMPORTANT: Develop an appreciation of how the device has been assembled.
do this, document in your paper how the parts fit together.
To
You must include sketches in addition to a written description of what you
see. Describe the different components that make up the whole. What do
you think are their individual functions? [Think of how the component is
used to help you define WHY it is used.]
When you are satisfied that you have disassembled the device as far as time
permits, you have completed your disassembly activity. Make sure you have
documented everything in written words and sketches on your paper. Completely reassemble the device to working order, and return it to your lab
instructor. This completes your lab activity.
REPORT
Use complete sentences.
Don’t use the word “cheap”. Write the report in the
same “Person.”
Write in paragraph form. Do not make your paragraphs too
long. Label figures with a title. List design constraints. Don’t use slang.
Don’t use “pretty” or “cut the cost.” Make sure that your “Person” does not
change. Keep agreement between subject and predicate. Use the same font type
and number and line spacing. Put a space between the headings and the first
sentence in the paragraph. Use complete sentences!
Number the pages. One
point will be taken off for each spelling error or grammar error.
One
point will be taken off for each incomplete sentence. Staple the pages together.
Read chapter 11 - 13 in the text to help you prepare your report.
An example is available in LIBRARY on Reserve under this course number.
 One type written report per team.
 Review your write-up and sketches from the lab session.
 The report should include the following (use these as headings!):
1. COVER PAGE: Your Names, Date, MCEG/ELEG 1012, “Reverse Engineering Report,” and the name of the device on the cover sheet.
2. INTRODUCTION:
What is the purpose of this project?
3. PICTURES
: Include any pictures from your PowerPoint presentation in
your report. Every picture should have a figure number and title. Refer to each figure in the report. Include a sketch of the device. Give
each sketch a title.
You will also want to put digital pictures in
your report. (see instructor
if you want to borrow a digital camera.
You may want to buy a flash drive to save your pictures to put in the
power point presentation))
4. DISASSEMBLY: A description of what you actually did in taking apart and
analyzing your device.
Include your notes from lab--include ALL your
notes and sketches at the back of your report.
5.
HOW IT OPERATES: Write a paragraph in clear, understandable language
describing how you think the device works, based on what you observed
in lab. Why is it constructed the way it is? Why is the SIZE of the
parts the way they are?
Why are the MATERIALS used as they are? Explain the operation of the device in terms of energy conversion. How
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is one type of energy transferred to another type of energy. List each
type of energy: electrical, kinetic, (motion), potential (spring,
height), chemical, heat, etc.
6. SAFETY: Describe how safety is built into this device.
7. ECONOMICS:
How much did the device cost? Explain how the device is
made in order to keep the price low.
8. DESIGN CONSTRAINTS: Are there other restrictions on the design: Height?
Weight? Length? Volume? Material? Cost? Etc. Be specific.
9. IMPROVEMENTS: How could the device be made better?
liable? Less Expensive?
10. SUMMARY:
Safer?
More Re-
What did you learn on this project?
11. PERCENT CONTRIBUTION: Make a list of each person in the group and the
% contribution to the project. Note that the sum of all of the %s must =
100%. Those that do less than their part will be graded down on the report and presentation.
Example:
Name
% Contribution
John
40
Mary
40
Sam (the Slacker)
20
Signature
PRESENTATION
Every group will give a short (5 minutes approx.) presentation on their
project explaining what they learned. Students are encouraged to use PowerPoint if desired. DO not put more than 20 words per slide. Everyone in the
group must speak
at the presentations.
Leave Brittany Spears or similar
entertainers out of your presentation or report!
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