摘要 : Mechatronic systems comprise physical parts, as well as digital electronics commanded by software. These devices are envisioned to provide functionalities with control, increase operational efficiency, and provide flexibility. Whe... 展开 Mechatronic systems comprise physical parts, as well as digital electronics commanded by software. These devices are envisioned to provide functionalities with control, increase operational efficiency, and provide flexibility. When operational efficiency, cost, and security are no longer satisfactory, retrofitting and updating are alternatives. Yet, system alterations may impact its reliability, which can be increased to justify any investment. Therefore, an adaptation of the product development process was proposed to guide designers in life-extending mechatronic products. It encompasses reverse engineering principles and makes use of logic diagrams to support the reliability modelling used to upgrading and updating the decision-making process. The proposed process was applied to a 20 years old hydraulic power and conditioning unit, through which it was possible to identify the components that presented the highest impact on the system life expectancy and failure frequency. New concepts were proposed and modifications were performed, which resulted in a more precise and reliable system. 收起