Week 2 - Overview

In week 2 of the study, I gained a detailed understanding of computer-aided design (CAD)，which I found to be a fascinating skill set.
It allows for the combination of one's imagination with feasible practices to create desired items.
Here are some skills I learned:

  • 2D Raster: Creating a GIF animation of a speaker using GIMP.
  • 2D Vector: Drawing my design idea as a PNG with Inkscape.
  • 3D Project 1: Designing a small part online with Onshape.
  • 3D Project 2: Designing a tank with Fusion 360.

    • These skills are not only interesting but also empower me to bring my creative ideas to life through practical implementation.


    Reference Links

    Week2 Computer Aided design Guide for my Fab Academy Journey.
    Version control & GitLab.


    2D-Raster-GIMP

    1.Install GIMP in your computer

  • Download GIMP
    • - GIMP Download link: see this page.
  • Install GIMP


    • 2.Create an 800x600px Canvas

  • Open GIMP, select "File" > "New", enter dimensions as 800 width by 600 height pixels, and click "OK" to create a new canvas.


    • 3.Draw a Speaker and Sound Waves

  • Use the drawing tools in the toolbox to draw the outline of the speaker.
  • On the new layer, draw the sound waves to represent the sound.


    • 4.Create Two More Layers for the Sound-Off Appearance and Changed Sound Waves

  • Select "Layer" > "New Layer" to create two new layers.
  • On one layer, draw the appearance of the speaker when it's silent (possibly static sound waves or no waves).
  • On another layer, draw the changed sound waves to show the change in sound or increase in intensity.


    • 5.Arrange These 3 Layers in Order and Use a GIF Maker

  • Ensure the layers are in the correct order to reflect the presence and change of sound.
  • Go to "File" > "Export As", choose the export options, then select the GIF format. In the pop-up window, check the "As animation" option.


    • 6.Test My GIF

  • After saving and exporting the GIF file, open it with an image viewer or web browser to check if the animation meets your expectations.


    • 7.Generate My GIF File Output

  • During the GIF export process, you can set parameters like the number of animation loops, the delay time between frames, etc., to optimize the animation effect.
  • After confirming all settings, complete the export, and your GIF animation will be ready.


    • 2D-Vector-Inkscape

    1.Install Inkscape in your computer

  • Download Inkscape
    • - Inkscape Download link: see this page.
  • Install Inkscape


    • 2.Try to draw the Project idea page.


    3.Put out the PNG of my project idea


    3D-design-Onshape

    1.Open Onshape and select a sketch plane from a specific viewpoint, then draw a circle.

  • Open the Onshape online
    • - Onshape link: see this page.
  • Draw a sketch


    • 2.Create Solid

  • Above this plane, create a new plane and draw a smaller circle.
  • Proceed to extrude and fillet the edges to obtain a part as shown in the figure.


    • 3.On the surface of this smaller circle, create a new cylinder as illustrated in the figure.


    4.Add threads to the top and threaded holes to the bottom of the part.


    5.Merge all parts to obtain the desired component. Below is the link to the design diagram of this part.


  • See the final part design online
    • - Part linke of Onshape: A small part.

    3D-design-Fusion360

    I was used Fusion360 before and I like it,so I built a Tank model.LOL.
    Ok~ let's see the video!


    Detail of the model tank

    tank by chenxin-yang on Sketchfab



    Sketch of Final Project

    Now it's time to show the design of my final project:"Dao Clock"
    It includes three parts:

  • a transparent top cover
  • a middle support structure
  • a base structure

  • Software introduction: Shapr3D

    • Shapr3D is a software that allows users to create 3D models and animations using a drag-and-drop interface.
    It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
    I downloaded the software from the iTunes store and installed it on my iPad.
    It very easy to use and has a lot of features, including a 3D model editor, a path editor, and a rendering engine.
    I just use my apple pencil to draw the designs and export them as DXF files.

  • Design of the Dao Clock
    • 1. Base Design
    Because I want to make this interesting product look good and find standard parts that can be used directly to complete this project, I found the suction cup I wanted on Taobao.
    Based on the dimensions provided by this suction cup, I designed the base and made it fit into my base.

    2. Casing Design
    Since I need to use various sensors to detect environmental changes, especially light sensors and temperature sensors, I chose to design the casing in a transparent style to allow light to pass through.
    At the same time, I considered making holes in certain positions to ensure that the microphone and speaker work without interference.


    3. Connection Structure Between Casing and Base
    I designed a connection structure between the base and the casing to ensure that the sensors can be easily connected.
    I designed embedded grooves to make the installation of the casing and base more precise.
    I chose to use screws and nuts for the connection, so I designed screw holes.
    It is necessary to explain that since the casing may need to be disassembled for debugging and testing, I designed a hot melt nut process on the casing.
    This makes it easy to connect the casing and the base, and it is more solid.


    Detail of the 3D design of the Dao Clock



    The_DAO_ Clock by chenxin-yang on Sketchfab



    Assignment files

  • - 2D-Raster-GIMP: Sound waves.gif
  • - 2D-Vector-Inkscape: Inkscape finished.png
  • - 3D-design-Onshape: A small part.stl
  • - 3D-design-Fusion360: Tank.obj
  • - Final Project: The Dao Clock: The_DAO_Clock.stl



    • Let's Jump to the Top !!!