Element I: Simulation/computational testing and data collection (M8, M9)
Element I details a concrete plan for how to accurately simulate and test my design, in a way that is feasible and will deliver verifiable results.
I will simulate and test the performance of my assembly with the Siemens NX program feature 'Motion'. This part of the program is one that I have not needed to interact with before, but it's actually really interesting. You can designate components as motors, as well as the axis that they rotate about, designate joints, set up gear coupling and meshing, and pretty much any other mechanical interaction, all while utilizing previously selected material strengths and densities. Using this feature, I will verify the results of previously shown analyses, as well as verifying that my assembly can perform it's functions without components intersecting.
Simulation 1: Analysis 1 and 2
I will use the Siemens NX motion simulation to verify that my motor can power my assembly. The first step will be to define all constraints, joints, and component types. I will define the motor, selecting it's specs, and lock it's axis of rotation to the small gear. Then, I'll define both gears, selecting teeth counts and rotation speed of the small gear, which will mesh with the large gear. I will define the coupling rod as being connected by two fasteners to the large gear and rotator disc, both of which can rotate freely. The large gear will then move the right assembly via the coupling rod, ideally lifting the ball. This will test material strengths, as well as ensuring my motor is up to the task.
Simulation 2: Analysis 3
I will also use the Siemens NX motion simulation to verify that the falling steel ball can depress the lever and dislodge the tab, releasing the hammer. I will do this using the motion feature multibody dynamics. I would start by defining all my objects as solid, and input their masses. I will artificially increase the mass of the tab being lifted, in order to simulate the resistance F(tension) would be exerting on it via friction. I would then assemble the lever, constraining it's components to simulate fasteners.
Simulation 3: General component compatibility
The final simulation I will perform will be a visual inspection of my subassembly in motion, to verify that all components have plenty of clearance between each other, and can perform their tasks without interfering with one another. This will be done also in Siemens NX motion, using the previously defined assembly constraints. I will look especially closely at the ball bearing release mechanism at the top of the staircase, to see where it lands below.