Reverse Engineering: Functional and Structural Analysis
Reverse Engineering: Functional and Structural Analysis
©iStockphoto.com
WHY is Reverse Engineering Used?
• Documentation
– No existing documentation
– Interoperability
– Maintenance
©iStockphoto.com
WHY is Reverse Engineering Used?
• Discovery
– Academic/research/learning
– Curiosity
Human Genome Project
B-29 RQ-170
Source: Wikimedia, author: Dr. Lee Lowery Jr., PE Source: Wikimedia, author: Dr. Lee Lowery Jr., PE
WHY is Reverse Engineering Used?
• Improve or redesign a product
– Increase efficiency
– Improve reliability
– Improve manufacturing techniques
– Eliminate failure mode
– Reduce cost
– Increase ease-of-use
– Reduce negative environmental impacts
– Recycle parts
– Etc.
Insert Picture of 3D laser
Reverse Engineering Tools scanner or image of scan
Medical Imaging
Purpose
The purpose of a
toothbrush is to clean
teeth and gums to
prevent tooth and gum
decay. Water and a
cleansing paste are used
in conjunction with the
brush.
Functional Analysis Example
Function
An annotated sketch, with
all visible components
labeled, is created.
A hypothesis is devised to
describe (in detail) the
sequential operation or
function of the device
using the sketch as a
reference.
Black Box Systems Model
Inputs Output
Product
Function
Black Box Systems Model
Inputs Output
Product
Function
Functional Analysis Example
Inputs Output
Product
Function
• Sound
• Hand Motion
• Heat
• Toothpaste
• Waste
• Water
• Clean teeth
• Energy
and gums
Structural Analysis
and
Product Disassembly
process of reverse engineering
Product Disassembly
• Disassembly or teardown of a product is a major
step in the reverse engineering process
• It uncovers the principles behind how a product
works
• It is always fun to tear apart a product, but
nothing will be accomplished if data is not
collected during the process
• To gather this data, we will use a Product
Disassembly Chart
Answer the Following Questions
• How do the parts interact?
• What are the good and bad features of the
product?
– Form
– Function
• What has caused the product to succeed or fail?
• Are the materials appropriate?
• What manufacturing process was used?
• What is the estimated cost of the product?
Why Disassemble a Product?
• To identify components and interaction of
components
• To determine strength and weaknesses of
parts
• To understand the operation
• To develop (computer) documentation
Suggested Supplies for Disassembly
• Small drill • Hand saw / miter box
• Calipers and back saw
• Screwdriver set • Scale
• Socket set • Protractor
• Wrenches • Handout – Product
• Wire cutters Teardown Chart
• Hand tool to compress
• Needle nose and
regular pliers springs
• Radius gauge