A design and inspection based methodology for form-function reverse engineering of mechanical components

Abstract

When performing reverse engineering (RE) operations, large volumes of point cloud data may be collected, which are subsequently transformed into surface models using sophisticated RE modeling tools. However, for mechanical components, much extraneous data is collected, which is reduced to curves and surfaces that do not capture design intent. A data acquisition and modeling reconstruction methodology, which combines design and inspection approaches, has been developed to address these issues. Feature types and relationships are identified to formulate a representative 'construction' history tree to assist developing a relevant data collection strategy. The goal is to develop a model reconstruction plan so that a structurally idealized, editable CAD model can be created using standard geometry creation tools. The goal is to quickly develop a reversed engineered CAD model which contains form-function design intent and can be readily modified due to new design and manufacturing constraints. Case studies are presented to highlight the merits of this approach.

An approach for reverse engineering and redesign of additive manufactured spare parts

“…Hence, a knowledge-based approach that considers aspects of product functionality, form, physical principles, manufacturability, and assimilability (Otto and Wood, 1998) is needed to extract the original design intent to facilitate the redesign process. Urbanic (2015) stated that for redesign purposes, reconstruction of some type of functional model must be conducted to enable subsequent design changes during the redesign process. Such RE process can be seen in a RE canvas, a visual tool for supporting RE activities developed by Akerdad et al (2021), where function structure is a key element of the RE process when one is trying to improve the existing design.…”