T9 TRUCK
Project Introduction
Reverse engineering is the process of deconstructing an object is to reveal its designs, architecture, or to extract knowledge from the object. To start our project Jack and I brainstormed many ideas, no matter how extravagant our out of the box! We then picked our top five favorites and weighed each pro and con to the design using a decision matrix.
Summary: Reverse Engineering
The process of Reverse Engineering occurs in three stages; visual, functional and structural analysis. The first step, visual analysis, is when an engineer observes an object without taking it apart to see what it looks like and how it was made. Functional analysis, the second step, is when one hypothesizes about what each part within the object does. The Black Box Method is just one example of how engineers predict what force or action is applied on the input to receive the output. The final step to the Revese Engineering process is structural analysis, when one takes apart an object to discover how it truly works.
Define the Problem
Generate Concepts
Develop a Solution
Construct and Test Prototype
Evaluate Solution
When I showed my Mom my completed T9 Monster Truck, she said it was very cool and she really liked the color scheme chosen, although she thought flames on the side would have given it an extra flare, which I agreed with. She was also very impressed that Jack and I were able to completely transform the original T9 Truck, she thinks the skills and abilities I am learning in this class will give me a great advantage in the real world! I also showed my final design to my Dad, he was very intrigued on how I was able to make the wheels bigger, because it would affect the size of the axle. I told him that I derived the wheels and added an extra piece to the bottom of the truck with a corresponding hole that the axle could fit into. He also agreed with my mom in saying that it was a little plain, if we were to remake this project I would definitely add flames to the side!
Present Solution
I really enjoyed this project, and the process of enhancing the T9 Truck through Reverse Engineering, it really does help to analysis an object. Jack and I worked very well together, we were able to bounce ideas off of each other and we both split the work evenly. If one of us couldn't get something or was having trouble the other would pitch in and help! I am very proud of our final design and impressed we finished it within the five days. My inventor skills were definitely tested by this project, but because of it they improved. This project has taught me to prioritize my time by following the Gantt Chart and it was very helpful!
When changing or enhancing an object you must keep in mind the main function of the object, Also who your consumers or audience is that you trying to appeal to. To grasp your consumers attention you can change to color, shape, or even texture to make you design more aesthetically pleasing. During the Generating Concepts step and the brainstorming process the use of the Desision Martix plays a huge role. It helps makes sure people don’t steal your ideas and gives you proof of your ideas. Also if your original idea does not work you can go back and use your Decison Martix to use another idea. Finally, the use of sketching is very key in brainstorming because some designs are hard to imagine by describing with words. But by having a visual representation of you idea you can share it, also it helps to have proof in case someone tried to steal your ideas.