Reverse Engineering: Excavator
The purpose of this reverse engineering project was to analyze, deconstruct, and accurately reconstruct the mechanical design of an existing excavator assembly. By understanding the function of each component and the relationships between them, the team was able to recreate the system in CAD while documenting the design intent behind the original machine.
This project was completed over 10 weeks and focused on practical engineering skills such as measurement, modeling, simulation, and technical documentation. It gave us a stronger understanding of how real mechanical systems are structured, how parts interact, and how design decisions affect manufacturability and performance.
Team members: Daniel, Emil, Callum, Iknoor, Namit, and myself.
Process
Our team disassembled the excavator mechanism, measured each part, and recreated the full assembly in SolidWorks with precise dimensions and constraints. We then used motion simulation to verify that the assembly functioned as intended and applied geometric dimensioning and tolerancing to improve manufacturability and clarity in the drawings.
We also documented the process through detailed engineering drawings and design logs, which helped us trace decisions and communicate the work clearly throughout the project.
What I Did
- Measured and modeled 10 individual parts of the excavator assembly.
- Contributed to project management by checking progress and keeping the team updated.
- Helped troubleshoot questions and supported teammates when parts of the process were unclear.
- Contributed to the final assembly and helped document the overall reverse engineering workflow.
Key Takeaways
This project strengthened my understanding of mechanical systems, precision modeling, and how reverse engineering can be used to uncover design intent. It also reinforced the value of teamwork, clear documentation, and a structured engineering workflow when working through a complex physical mechanism.
Project Media
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