Work Proposal - Group 14 - 2009

Work Proposal

For the Reverse Engineering project, group 14 plans on dismantling a high powered portable Kerosene heater , in an effort of gaining a broader and in-depth understanding of how it was designed and manufactured as well as grasp the logic behind its inner workings. It also provides the team with a hands-on perspective of the assembly process involved in manufacturing the Kerosene heater.

The entire dismantling process will be captured in key stages through recordings, sketches and photographs to show how the different parts relate to each other. Effort would then be taken to name and catalog all the removed parts and fixings.

Tools

For the disassembly, the team will be utilizing a variety of hand tools (all supplied by various group members).

These include but are not limited to,

• Phillips head screwdriver (Size 3) – Outer screws
• Range of both flathead and Phillips screwdrivers (size 1-5) – Inner components
• 3/8” Ratchet
• Heat gun
• Pliers (Regular/Needle Nose)

(Note: This tool list is based on our external observations of the heater, and hence does not take into full consideration the tools which may be needed to take apart the internal components.)

Plan for Disassembly

1. Remove back fan cover (using bare hands)

2. Remove top cover of heater

3. Remove inner core tube of heater

4. Remove electric motor

5. Remove fan from motor

6. Disconnect visible wires from bottom shell to control panel

7. Remove control panel

8. Remove circuit board/remaining wires from panel

9. Remove knobs and user interface panels

10. Disconnect fuel/air injection tubes

11. Remove fuel tank

Time Management

The projected time to disassemble this product is approximately 5 hours. This approximation was based off of looking over the product, major pieces, and a specification sheet of a similar product. The allocated time; however, may be subject to change to accommodate any unforeseen difficulties.

We plan to separate each part of the project and work steadily through the time allotted until the due date, so we do not get backed up heavily with the work involved.

For more details, see Gantt chart.

Attributes of the group

Capabilities

• Each member is knowledgeable in the art of mechanical products
• Motivated to gain knowledge in unfamiliar fields, as well as products.
• Each member has extensive time management skills (as a result of previous experiences)
• Members are experienced in CAD and 3-D modeling (we have one who will specifically be working on the 3D modeling)
• Access to tools and work space (members have extensive access to multiple sets of tools from which they own)

Shortcomings

• Unfamiliarity with product
• Lack of experience in technical write-ups
• Scheduling conflicts between members
• Writing skills are not pristine with some members