Hand Drawn
CAD Software
Week02
Assignment: Computer-Aided Design
Software used: Solidworks
What is Computer-Aided Design?
For generations, hand-drawn engineering drawings served as the language of engineering, facilitating communication among designers, manufacturers, and quality inspectors. With the advent of computers and their increasing capabilities, design engineers began leveraging design software to create virtual 2D and 3D models. These models enable the design of individual parts, their assembly into mechanisms, and the generation of final engineering drawings essential for manufacturing.
Hand Drawn | CAD Software |
Images - pinterest.com
Computer-Aided Design Softwares
2D - AutoCAD by AutoDESK | 3D - FreeCAD - Opensource | 3D - Solidworks by Dassault Systems |
3D - Creo by PTC | 3D - CATIA by Dassault Systems | 3D - NX CAD by Siemens |
Short History of Solidworks
SolidWorks, a 3D CAD tool, was developed by MIT graduate Jon Hirschtick in 1993 with the goal of creating a user-friendly and cost-effective CAD program for Windows. The first product, SolidWorks 95, was released in 1995. In 1997, the French software company Dassault Systèmes acquired SolidWorks and now offers a range of CAD tools.(Source : Wikipedia)
Concept Design Problem Statement
Design of a compliant mechanism clothespin, minimizing part count, suitable for 3D printing, and optimized for mass production via plastic injection molding.
Compliant Mechanism
The compliant mechanism is a type of mechanism system that can achieve motion and force transmission through flexible members. Using CM concept a single-piece flexible system can replace multiple parts and assembly. A more simplified version of a mechanism can effectively reduce the system's weight, be easy to manufacture, and be cost-effective.
To Know more about Compliant Mechanism - NPTL Link
Simple Switch | Walking Mechanism | Satellite Application |
Source: Brigham Young University CMR
Conventional Clothespin:
Traditional clothespin consist of multiple components, including two prongs and a metal spring. The complex design of the prongs, necessary for both connection and the central hinging action, complicates the injection mold tooling and necessitates an assembly line for final product construction.
My Design Concept:
Inspired by the 19th-century one-piece wooden peg patented by Jeremie Victor Opdebec. A wedge-shaped two prongs which can squeeze the cloths in between. Source: Wikipedia
SolidWorks Design steps:
Features Used | Image |
Sketch | |
Extrude | |
Extrude Cut | |
Fillet | |
Steps in Design | |
Finite Element Analysis Simulation | |
3D Printed using FDM machine and PLA material
Example 2 for Compliant Mechanism
Wheel design for RC Car model with self-shock absorption
