Here explored is a method by which designers can use the tool of topology optimization to numerically improve barriers to reverse engineering. Recently developed metrics, which characterize the time (T) to reverse engineer a product, enable this optimization. A key parameter use din the calculation of T is information content (K). The method presented in this thesis pursues traditional topology optimization objectives while simultaneously maximizing K, and thus T, in the resulting topology. This thesis presents new algorithms to 1) evaluate K for any topology, 2)increase K for a topology by manipulating macro-scale geometry and micro-scale crystallographic information for each element, and 3) simultaneously maximize K and minimize structural compliance(a traditional topology optimization objective). These algorithms lead designers to desirable topologies with increased barriers to reverse engineering. It is concluded that barriers to reverse engineering can indeed be increased without sacrificing the desirable structural characteristic of compliance. This has been shown through the example of a novel electrical contact for a consumer electronics product.

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Yes / The purpose of this paper is to determine how best to reduce, reuse and dispose of household waste medicines in the National Health Service (NHS) (UK). Through a combination of literature review and empirical work, this research investigates the existing household waste medicines reverse logistics (RL) system and makes recommendations for improvement by benchmarking it against household waste batteries RL. The viability and feasibility of these recommendations are evaluated through in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals and end user surveys. The batteries RL system appears to be a more structured and effective system with more active engagement from actors/stakeholders in instigating RL practices and for this very reason is an excellent comparator for waste medicines RL practices. Appropriate best practices are recommended to be incorporated into the waste medicines RL system, including recapturing product value, revised processing approaches, system cooperation and enforcement, drivers and motivations and system design and facilitation. This study offers academics and professionals an improved insight into the current household waste medicines RL system and provides a step towards reducing an existing gap in this under-researched area. A limitation is that only a small sample of healthcare professionals were involved in subjectively evaluating the feasibility of the recommendations, so the applicability of the recommendations needs to be tested in a wider context and the cost effectiveness of implementing the recommendations needs to be analysed. Reducing, reusing and properly disposing of waste medicines contribute to economic sustainability, environmental protection and personal and community safety. The information retrieved from analysing returned medicines can be used to inform prescribing practice so as to reduce unnecessary medicine waste and meet the medicine optimisation agenda. This paper advocates learning from best practices in batteries RL to improve the waste medicines RL design and execution and supports the current NHS agenda on medicine waste reduction (DoH, 2012). The recommendations made in the paper not only aim to reduce medicine waste but also to use medicines effectively, placing the emphasis on improving health outcomes.

Yes / Purpose This study aims to provide insights into the scale and use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in managing medical devices in the NHS, with a focus on Reverse Exchange (RE) systems, as part of the broader Reverse Logistics (RL) systems, within which medical devices are returned and exchanged. Design/Methodology/Approach Two case studies were conducted with NHS Hospital Trusts, while another was built upon secondary resources. Primary findings were triangulated with information collected from the NHS Trusts’ reports, direct observation and a preliminary round of consultations with 12 healthcare professionals working in other NHS Trusts or Integrated Equipment Community Services. Findings The findings suggest that the sophistication of ICT implementation increases with the risks and value associated with medical devices. Operational attributes are derived from ICT implementations which can positively impact on RE performance. The forces that drive the adoption of ICT in the NHS include pressure from government, business partners and patients, competitive pressure, perceived benefits, organisation size, top management support and the availability of sufficient resources. Obstacles are mainly centred around the lack of sufficient resource. Research limitations/implications Although the Trusts that participated in this research are representative of different regions, the generalisation of the study results may be limited by the size of the sample organisations, so the results can only provide insights into the research problem. As this work is exploratory in nature, there is insufficient data on which to form definitive recommendations. Practical implications NHS Trusts may use the 6 operational attributes identified and verified by the case studies to benchmark their ICT implementation for device management. The actual and potential benefits of ICT implementation could inform technology development and encourage the uptake of ICT in healthcare. Governmental bodies can utilise this information to develop directives to actively drive ICT adoption in device management and the associated RE system. A well-considered training programme is needed to improve staff ICT skills in order to fully realise the potential of ICT systems which support the effective RE of medical devices. Originality/value The results suggest that ICT supported reverse exchange of medical devices backs up the supply chain reduces capital costs and medical risks and, facilitates the redeployment of funds to frontline medical treatment.

Published Article / The development of innovative products and their realisation by means of advanced manufacturing methods and process combinations is more becoming a key issue in international competitiveness. The industrial production is subsequently influenced ever more by the possibilities that Rapid Technologies -Rapid Modelling and Reverse Engineering, Rapid Prototyping and Tooling, Rapid Manufacturing can offer. Reverse Engineering (RE) is the process of digitising a physical object to obtain computerised data for further development as opposed to manufacturing a product from a digital model, e.g. CNC machining. This paper reflects experiences gained in the use of RE approaches for industrial applications, comparing specifically the use of tactile methods and digitising techniques based on photogrammetry principles. Process capabilities and the internal process chain are scrutinised. Practical case studies are presented and discussed with an emphasis on project lead times and dimensional accuracy obtained. Particular attention is paid to challenges related to surface recreation and manufacture of tooling for various components. The purpose of the paper is therefore to highlight the capabilities and wide range of applications for Reverse Engineering, while at the same time outlining pitfalls and limitations of this remarkable technology.

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Zugl.: Köln, Univ., Diss., 2008/2009

Thesis (Ph. D.)--West Virginia University, 2002. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains x, 200 p. : ill. Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--West Virginia University, 1999. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vi, 119 p. : ill. Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references.