A novel method of reverse engineering using axiomatic design

Abstract

Reverse engineering has been widely used to analyze existing objects such as software systems, products, etc. The main purpose is obtaining information by disassembling a product and finding an improved design. Based on the disassembling work, research for a systematic analysis has been well developed, but reverse engineering has been rarely employed in finding a new (an improved) design of a complex and large scale product. Therefore, even though the ultimate goal of reverse engineering is an improved design (or redesign), the opportunity to make a new feature is rarely given. A novel method of reverse engineering is proposed by using the axiomatic design viewpoint. The method not only keeps the fundamental concept of reverse engineering, but also realizes a new (or improved) design according to proposed procedures such as inference, design improvement module and a qualitative evaluation. A complex and large scale product (a ceiling type air conditioning system) is chosen as a case study to validate the proposed method. As a result, useful information for a new (or improved) design is obtained and also a new part (filter cleaning system) is proposed. The methodology provides a good way to design a new (or improved) product.