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Mechanical Design

Goals

Mechanical Design (part 1 of 2)

Group assignment:

  • Design a machine that includes mechanism + actuation + automation + application
  • Build the mechanical parts and operate it manually
  • Document the group project

Individual assignment:

  • Document your individual contribution

Machine Design (part 2 of 2)

Group assignment:

  • Actuate and automate your machine
  • Document the group project

Individual assignment:

  • Document your individual contribution

Prior Knowledge

I did not project a timeline, instead working at the pace of the group.

Timeline

  • Wednesday-Sunday
    • Plan
    • 3D design holder
    • Design NEMA mount
    • Design clamp
  • Monday
    • 3D print holder
  • Tuesday
    • General work

Process

I was in a group with Noah Smith, Angel Fang, and Kathryn Wu.

I focused on adding several CAD designs and preliminary 3D prints, although we all added and refined work. I also experimented with bearing dimensions and assisted in testing.

You can see our documentation on our group site.

Plan

We convened and exchanged ideas for the project, eventually consulting Mr. Dubick and asking if the lab would benefit from anything specific. He suggested an automatic wire bender, which would be doable with a tutorial.

CAD Pictures

NEMA Holder



Bearing Holder

Clamp

Reflection

Group Work

I was fortunate that we divided the work well and were able to work on different aspects of the design. However, we could have finished designing earlier in order to assemble sooner.

Positives

Playing to our strengths and cooperating. We used our knowledge to coordinate and test different aspects of the machine.

Negatives

The time it takes to assemble a complex mechanism - design, electronics, programming, and more - cannot be overstated. Every single part of the machine requires thought.

Takeaways

The final project will take a similar (if not higher) amount of effort, time, and concentration. Luckily, we have the support of each other and our teachers. This week showed me a side of engineering that is, albeit initially frusturating, very rewarding.

Lessons

  • Find a plan early on. Be creative, however, do not reach for overly ambitious designs beyond the scope of a week.
  • Designate the CAD, electrical, programming, and other aspects to different people. Of course, multiple people in one area can work, just keep in mind that everyone attempting everything all at once tends to lead to poor communication.

Files

Clamp
Holder
NEMA Mount


Last update: May 26, 2025