define the problem
This project was all about Inventor skills, like dimensioning and constructing 3-D models on Inventor. Before the start of this project, I learned about more types of dimensioning, like using detail, broken, and auxiliary views to show different angles of the object, and using different types of views, like full and half section views to show different features of each part. This project taught me how to use those, and when to use them at appropriate times. In this project, I constructed a toy train on Inventor and dimensioned/modeled each part in a way that was suited for that parts needs.
generating concepts
Each part in the packet that I received was dimensioned or shown in a different way. For example, the train body, hitch magnet, and hitch peg were all shown using datum dimensioning (dimensioning an object from one common point). These were easy to read, because I was already used to reading this types of dimensions. However, other parts, like the stack, the wheel, and the cow catcher were all a little bit overwhelming, because they were shown in either detail views or half section views. I was not used to reading dimensions in that format, but once I started analyzing, I saw that they were no different than reading dimensions when I was first taught how to.
As for modeling, I started with the parts that I knew I could do, like the train body, the stack, the hitch magnet, the hitch peg, the linkage peg, and the linkage arm. I then moved on to all the other parts, and (with the help of YouTube) I was able to make each part successfully.
As for modeling, I started with the parts that I knew I could do, like the train body, the stack, the hitch magnet, the hitch peg, the linkage peg, and the linkage arm. I then moved on to all the other parts, and (with the help of YouTube) I was able to make each part successfully.
develop a solution
construct and test a prototype
evaluate the solution
In order to get some feedback on my train, I went to my mom and sisters and asked them what they thought of my design and if there is anything I should change about it. I first showed my mom, and she was astonished when she saw it move. She also said that she thought that I should add more tracks, because it looked unfinished.
I then went to my older sister, and she again was amazed of how it moved, but she also said that I should revise my work. She thought I should color the train and make it more unique.
After that, I asked my younger sister, and she agreed with my older sister, saying that I should add color.
I then went to my older sister, and she again was amazed of how it moved, but she also said that I should revise my work. She thought I should color the train and make it more unique.
After that, I asked my younger sister, and she agreed with my older sister, saying that I should add color.
present the solution
This project helped me understand how and when it is appropriate to use certain dimensioning methods. Sometimes, it is useful to use the auxiliary view, or use bilateral tolerances on a multi-view of an object. This project was difficult at times, especially when it came to figuring out how to create all the different types of views on Inventor. Inventor needs everything to be super specific, and if its not, it won't work out the way you planned. Thankfully, I was able to figure it out.
With this project, I had to use many different dimensioning methods, like using an auxiliary view, a section view, and a broken view. Auxiliary views can come in handy, because they are used to show the true size and shape of an object on an angle. I used an auxiliary view to show all the parts of the cow catcher. I used this view for the cow catcher because it consists of angles that mislead its sizes. By only looking at the front view of the cow catcher, you would think that some of the lengths are longer than they appear. But by using the auxiliary view, you can see its true sizes.
I also needed to use a section view for the stack and the wheel. There are two main types of section views; half and full. A half section view is cutting away 1/4 of the object, while a full section view cuts away 1/2 of the object. The stack has a counterbole hole inside it, and in order to view the dimensions of it, I used a full section view. For the wheel, I used a half section view because there is a peg on it, and there is no need to use a full section view because it would cut too much of the material away. I needed to use a half section view in order to compare the location of the peg to other parts of the wheel.
Lastly, I also used a broken view on my linkage arm. A broken view is used to show specific dimensions of an object without using the whole object. I used it for the linkage peg because I needed to show the dimensions of the circles on the end. It is difficult to read the dimensions if I used the entire linkage peg because of how long it is. Using the broken view will minimize error.
And one of the most important things that I learned during this project was the use of tolerances. A tolerance is an amount of variation in the size of an object. This variation will still allow the part to function properly, and it reduces the chance of error when assembling the prototype.
I also learned about holes during this assignment. Holes are very easy to understand, and in engineering, people use symbols instead of words to model what type of hole it is. Symbols are used instead of words because symbols take up less space, so when someone is reading your mulit-view of an object, the dimensions will not get crowded together. This also decreases the chance of error when assembling a prototype.
This project helped me understand more rules about dimensioning, types of views, and everything about holes and tolerances.
With this project, I had to use many different dimensioning methods, like using an auxiliary view, a section view, and a broken view. Auxiliary views can come in handy, because they are used to show the true size and shape of an object on an angle. I used an auxiliary view to show all the parts of the cow catcher. I used this view for the cow catcher because it consists of angles that mislead its sizes. By only looking at the front view of the cow catcher, you would think that some of the lengths are longer than they appear. But by using the auxiliary view, you can see its true sizes.
I also needed to use a section view for the stack and the wheel. There are two main types of section views; half and full. A half section view is cutting away 1/4 of the object, while a full section view cuts away 1/2 of the object. The stack has a counterbole hole inside it, and in order to view the dimensions of it, I used a full section view. For the wheel, I used a half section view because there is a peg on it, and there is no need to use a full section view because it would cut too much of the material away. I needed to use a half section view in order to compare the location of the peg to other parts of the wheel.
Lastly, I also used a broken view on my linkage arm. A broken view is used to show specific dimensions of an object without using the whole object. I used it for the linkage peg because I needed to show the dimensions of the circles on the end. It is difficult to read the dimensions if I used the entire linkage peg because of how long it is. Using the broken view will minimize error.
And one of the most important things that I learned during this project was the use of tolerances. A tolerance is an amount of variation in the size of an object. This variation will still allow the part to function properly, and it reduces the chance of error when assembling the prototype.
I also learned about holes during this assignment. Holes are very easy to understand, and in engineering, people use symbols instead of words to model what type of hole it is. Symbols are used instead of words because symbols take up less space, so when someone is reading your mulit-view of an object, the dimensions will not get crowded together. This also decreases the chance of error when assembling a prototype.
This project helped me understand more rules about dimensioning, types of views, and everything about holes and tolerances.