5.5 - Form, Surface, and Direct Modeling Modes

Introduction

As we get into more advanced forms of mechanical design we need to develop our understanding of form and function.  We develop an understanding that objects and their shape can imply their function and the function can change the shape.  So the question is:

Does Form follow Function or does Function follow Form?

Review the following video lecture to begin the conversation about this question. In this case students have been asked to pick 3 houshold objects and sketch them. then we discuss how the shape or form of the object influences how we use it. (This lecture was from the first itteration of this course, held during the summer or 2020.  That was a rough year.)

Activity

In this activity, we will work through Ideation with Forms. The goal is to create forms and shapes of a product then imagine the different ways that the shape might impact how the object is used. The activity is as follows:

• Find three objects that exist around your house and make sketches of the objects. (take bout 5 min each sketch)

• Now pick the object that has the fewest different form factors that you are aware of.

• Create 10 new forms for that object. (Ideate on  the Form)

• Analyse the form for what functions it might be useful for. 

• Place pictures of the sketches you made in the slide deck below. 

5.5 & 5.6 - Ideation and Form Investigation

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1XPbtU-mzoOEXlaNEY5B2lOxTyefsMj0UecrwoG4sSDE/edit?usp=sharing

Now we are going to develop an understanding of how this process might be done with the help of 3D modeling.  First we must understand the different modeling modes that exist in Fusion 360.  They include: 

• Parametric Modeling

• Direct Modeling

• Sheet Metal Modeling

• Free Form Modeling

• Surface Modeling

• Mesh Modeling

Take notes on the following video to get an idea of what each of the modes is and how it can be used: