Report (Contribute to Design)

Final report for MEM30009A Contribute to the design of basic mechanical systems

Design Something

This unit covers topics contributing to basic mechanical system design, and selecting the components and mechanical features required to perform simple functions.

The final report for this unit includes the following 3 steps in the table below;

1. Research equipment function and operational requirements

2. Prepare a preliminary sketch/drawing/ specification

3. Issue or file completed sketch/drawing/specification list as required

For most students, step 3 is trivial, simply upload the assignment to the Moodle site. So most of the work is in the design stage (step 1) and the specification or CAD design (step 2).

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT	PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
1. Research equipment function and operational requirements	1.1. All relevant drawings, specifications, manuals and documentation are obtained in accordance with workplace procedures. 1.2. Appropriate personnel are consulted to determine requirements. 1.3. Information collected is interpreted and draft functional and operational requirements are prepared and verified with supervisor or design team.
2. Prepare a preliminary sketch/drawing/ specification	2.1. Appropriate components, assemblies and fasteners are selected to perform the required function. 2.2. Where required, components and/or materials are selected from supplier/manufacturer catalogues. 2.3. Appropriate and relevant codes are applied to the sketch/drawing/specification in accordance with workplace procedures. 2.4. The preliminary sketch/drawing/specification is referred to a higher authority for approval in accordance with policy and procedures.
3. Issue or file completed sketch/drawing/specification list as required	3.1. Approved sketch/drawing/specification is stored and catalogued in accordance with standard operating procedures. 3.2. Approved sketch/drawing/specification is issued in accordance with standard operating procedures.

In the past, students have designed a small robot that navigates a maze.

The project is now more open, and students can chose any project they desire. Since it is a stand alone unit, it is not expected that the students actually build the design. However the invention/machine/apparatus must include several of the topics we covered in this unit. (Fasteners, Bearings, Shafts, Lifting Systems, Motors, Hydraulics or Pneumatics). It would be rare for a project to include all of these topics, but you should be able to include at least three.

Try to keep the design simple with few parts (like a dozen), otherwise you will be doing many hours of CAD. It is recommended to use a solid modelling CAD package (e.g. INVENTOR) which helps to visualize the product and makes drawings far easier to generate.

The Report

The report is primarily focussed on the CAD drawings themselves, and a parts list (Bill of Material) of the included components.

The core of the report is the CAD model, which is to include standard components (Fasteners, bearings, standard sections, etc) which are accessible from Inventors parts library (Content Centre). If you do not have the library of parts installed on your home computer you may need to open them at TAFE and save them (as *.ipt) into your parts file.

Along with the 3D CAD assembly and the folder of 3D parts, you need to write a short (1-3 page) overview of the design to explain how it works, and a list of all components in the assembly - which specifies the parts exactly.

(e.g. M6x20 Socket head cap screws grade 12.9 black high tensile)

Use ISO (International) or AS (Australian) standards for parts library.

Happy inventing with Inventor!