Reverse Engineering Project
In this project we had to pick an object and find the answers to questions about the existing object. Our goal was to find the purpose and then disassemble it and finally analyze the elements. For my group we chose a flashlight that is hand cranked.
The big question we wanted to find out was how it works and focus more on the mechanical and electrical parts. We knew generally how the flashlight worked but still had questions. In order for us to find the answer we had to take apart the flashlight and do a lot of research. Since one of my group members had the object before it was already taken apart and there was a sketch of what it looked like.
Down below is our presentation and our report which analyzes the functional, structural, material, and manufacturing of the flashlight.
In this project we had to pick an object and find the answers to questions about the existing object. Our goal was to find the purpose and then disassemble it and finally analyze the elements. For my group we chose a flashlight that is hand cranked.
The big question we wanted to find out was how it works and focus more on the mechanical and electrical parts. We knew generally how the flashlight worked but still had questions. In order for us to find the answer we had to take apart the flashlight and do a lot of research. Since one of my group members had the object before it was already taken apart and there was a sketch of what it looked like.
Down below is our presentation and our report which analyzes the functional, structural, material, and manufacturing of the flashlight.
Content:
It was a six step process. We had to identify the purpose and our propose was to find out how it works focusing more on the mechanical and electrical point of view. After, we developed a hypothesis. The group believed the energy would go through the crank then to the DC generator then the diodes. After that the capacitor then the switch and lastly the LEDS. For the material analysis, almost all of the materials were cheap plastic because the flashlight was not meant to last long and is usually used for emergencies. The lithium battery was used because it was cheap and wears out easily. Then we wrote the report which consisted of sketches and analysis of the flashlight. Lastly, we did a redesign. The group wanted to use the gears in the flashlight and use it to turn any rotational energy to power a light source.
Refection:
During the project we spent a lot of time doing research and not enough time working on the presentation and the report. Towards the end of the project I felt the group rushing. We didn't get all the requirements for the presentation and the report. We had poor time management which did not help us in the end. For the next project I will make sure all the tasks are fully completed and to do the requirements. We all worked well together and was communication well with one another. Overall, the project was interesting and we learned a lot from it but could improve our work schedule.