Reverse Engineering Project:
During this project, we learned about how engineers build objects and the different components and mechanics of the systems at play. We drew conceptual sketches and discovered how each part works in relation to the others. Keeping a design notebook, we recorded all of our information. We created a Gantt chart to plan out our timeline for our project. The beginning of our project started with the break it apart activity in which we brought an object from home and broke it apart, detailing and labeling all components of the object. The purpose of this project was to learn about the different parts of a portable speaker through reverse engineering. The object we chose was the portable speaker. Its' function is to produce light and play music. Our prediction was that when the speaker was plugged in, an electrical current would be sent through the PCB (printed circuit board), causing the cone(speaker) to vibrate, creating sound. Through our project, we found our hypothesis to be correct.
As a group, we chose to use the portable speaker for our reverse engineering project. We created a hypothesis and then analyzed the function, structure, materials and manufacturing process of the speaker. We created a detailed slideshow presentation which we delivered to the class. This slideshow included the schematics of the speaker, an email sent to the manufacturer, images of the disassembled parts of the object, as well as precise labeling with detailed definitions.
As a group, we chose to use the portable speaker for our reverse engineering project. We created a hypothesis and then analyzed the function, structure, materials and manufacturing process of the speaker. We created a detailed slideshow presentation which we delivered to the class. This slideshow included the schematics of the speaker, an email sent to the manufacturer, images of the disassembled parts of the object, as well as precise labeling with detailed definitions.
Gantt Chart:
Report:
Reverse_Engineering.pdf Report | |
File Size: | 294 kb |
File Type: |
Presentation:
Concepts:
Reverse Engineering: Process used to find answers to questions about existing products that can be used in the design process of other products.
Frame: outer plastic shell, supports the cone and permanent magnet
Field Magnet: moving voice coil, attracts or repels
Voice Coil: plastic cone, contains fine gauge insulated copper wire wound around it, pushes against cone causing vibrations
Light Emitting Diode (LED): create light by electroluminescence in a semiconductor material
Integrated Circuit: complex layering of semiconductor wafers and copper that interconnect to form transistors, resistors or other components in a circuit, backbone of PCB
Diodes: Block current flowing in one direction, allowing movement in other direction
Dielectric: Complex current layering of semiconductor wafers and copper that interconect to form transistors, resistors or other components in a circuit
Resistors: Limits current through LED to prevents it from burning out
Capacitors: Harbors electrical charge
Printed Circuits: Made of copper, coated in tin-lead (prevents oxidation) and etched into substrate
Printed Circuit Board (PCB):
Substrate: Insulating board-part of PCB
Cone: Vibrates to produce sound
Schematic Sketch: a drawing of an object with a scale, labels, and sometimes colors for better visuals
Electricity: a form of energy resulting from the existence of charged particles
Battery: device consisting of one or more electrochemical cells with external connections provided to power electrical devices:
Semiconductor: material has an electrical conductivity value falling between that of a conductor and an insulator
Frame: outer plastic shell, supports the cone and permanent magnet
Field Magnet: moving voice coil, attracts or repels
Voice Coil: plastic cone, contains fine gauge insulated copper wire wound around it, pushes against cone causing vibrations
Light Emitting Diode (LED): create light by electroluminescence in a semiconductor material
Integrated Circuit: complex layering of semiconductor wafers and copper that interconnect to form transistors, resistors or other components in a circuit, backbone of PCB
Diodes: Block current flowing in one direction, allowing movement in other direction
Dielectric: Complex current layering of semiconductor wafers and copper that interconect to form transistors, resistors or other components in a circuit
Resistors: Limits current through LED to prevents it from burning out
Capacitors: Harbors electrical charge
Printed Circuits: Made of copper, coated in tin-lead (prevents oxidation) and etched into substrate
Printed Circuit Board (PCB):
Substrate: Insulating board-part of PCB
Cone: Vibrates to produce sound
Schematic Sketch: a drawing of an object with a scale, labels, and sometimes colors for better visuals
Electricity: a form of energy resulting from the existence of charged particles
Battery: device consisting of one or more electrochemical cells with external connections provided to power electrical devices:
Semiconductor: material has an electrical conductivity value falling between that of a conductor and an insulator
Reflection
During this project I was able to discuss ideas with my group members very easily. Our communication, as a unit, was very great and we were able to bounce ideas off each other to create a more successful project. During this assignment, we did not realize there were certain slides that needed to be put into the presentation until we were sharing between groups. This caused our time frame to be slightly behind, but we managed to get back on schedule by putting in extra time. If we were to redo this project, I would email more companies to get responses on the general manufacturing process of portable speakers. I would also manage my time more efficiently. In future projects I need to work on my collaboration efforts and finding ways to be productive during times when the work load is lighter. I also need to work on my presentation skills, sounding more confident to support that I understand my research. Our project was completed before the due date and it was very thorough. In conclusion, this project was successful and I learned a lot about the process of reverse engineering.