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CAD Instruction Techniques for Advanced Assembly Modeling and Mechanisms Design

Abstract

The Industrial Technology CAD/CAM program at Western Washington University (WWU) provides training to technologists in a range of CAD and CAM related areas. Critical amongst these is training in how to model large assemblies with moving components that can be simulated and analyzed. This takes place within the context of an advanced CAD course, ETEC 361, that uses the Assembly Modeler and Mechanisms application within Pro/Engineer®. This paper summarizes the approach taken to do this, offers observations that have been made on how it benefits CAD/CAM majors and discusses the challenges that remain.

After providing background on the IT-CAD/CAM program and the objectives of ETEC 361, a description of instructional approaches and assignments that students are required to complete is given. These include instruction in Top-down Modeling techniques and in assembling mechanisms for simulation and analysis purposes. Students have a basic understanding of the difference between the top-down and the bottom-up approach from freshman CAD classes. In this advanced CAD class the use of skeletons is introduced as another approach that applies the top-down methodology.

Examples of open-ended individual projects where students get to select a mechanism to model and analyze are presented. In addition an overview of the strategy adopted and experiences in conducting a collaborative team project for creating a complex mechanism will be discussed. This strategy enables a realistic model of an assembly with over 100 components to be modeled, simulated and analyzed within a 10 week term.

The paper concludes with a discussion of observations made on how students benefit from the instruction, assignments and project work in this advanced area of CAD. This includes their ability to assimilate and apply both the mechanics and strategies of advanced assembly modeling and the challenges faced in collaboratively creating large assemblies.

Introduction

The Engineering Technology Department at Western Washington University runs several programs that train Technologists and Industrial Designers in the area of product development. These include ABET accredited programs in Plastics and Manufacturing Engineering Technology (ET) and CAD/CAM and Vehicle Design programs that fall under the Industrial Technology (IT) umbrella. As with all technology programs a focus on hands-on project work to supplement rigorous coursework is considered critical to a well trained technologist upon graduation. Training in CAD is considered an essential component of this. Beyond just learning how to use a CAD system, much of the project work undertaken through the programs would be difficult if not impossible to accomplish without CAD modeling to support the creation of drawings and generation of CAM data to run CNC machines to produce parts and tooling.

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Yip-Hoi, D. (2010, June), Cad Instruction Techniques For Advanced Assembly Modeling And Mechanisms Design Paper presented at 2010 Annual Conference & Exposition, Louisville, Kentucky. 10.18260/1-2--15726