Useless box

Lesson 3 introduces drawing basics. This tutorial contains three lessons, wherein four drawing sheets are created. It is recommended that you complete the lessons in this order: 

Time Tutorial 

 Creating Drawing Views shows how to create and dimension different drawing views.  

 Detailing shows how to use tools to annotate drawings.  

 Assembly Drawing Views shows how to create an exploded assembly view and use annotations specifically designed for assemblies.  

SOLIDWORKS Motion Tutorial

SOLIDWORKS Motion uses complete kinematic modeling to compute component motion. You can use SOLIDWORKS Motion to analyze forces in models that include springs, dampers, motors, and friction.

In this tutorial, you learn how to:

• Run a SOLIDWORKS Motion study for a model that includes a spring and a motor.

• Plot the results.

• Duplicate the motion study with modified simulation parameters.

• Use the results to redesign the model.

Advanced Design Techniques

Suppose that you want to design a hinge assembly that you can modify easily to make similar assemblies. You need an efficient way to create two matching hinge pieces and a pin for a variety of hinge assembly sizes.

Some analysis and planning can help you develop a design that is flexible, efficient, and well defined. You can then adjust the size as needed, and the hinge assembly still satisfies the design intent.

This tutorial discusses:

• Using a layout sketch

• Suppressing features to create part configurations

• Creating a new part in the context of the assembly

• Detecting collisions in assemblies

This tutorial assumes that you know how to perform basic assembly operations, such as moving and rotating components, and adding mates.

INTRODUCTION

The Useless Box is exactly what it sounds like.  But it can be a fun contraption!  This challenge will test your skills in SolidWorks design, precision measurement, simple electronics, and soldering.

OBJECTIVES

Overall, the objective of this challenge is to create a uniquely themed Useless Box using SolidWorks and additive manufacturing.  A Gantt Chart will be used daily to keep track of tasks.

SolidWorks - Advanced Drawings, Advanced Design, and SOLIDWORKS Motion Tutorials will need to be completed.  Objectives from each tutorial will be used in this project.  A 3D-printed, hinged container, with sides no thicker than 4mm, must be designed to contain the electrical and mechanical components. The container can take no more space than 562,500mm3 (120Xmm75mmX75mm). The switch cover will also need to be removed to access the components. Each component, as well as hardware for mounting, will need to be designed along with their mounting methods and shared amongst team members, although each member’s box will be uniquely different. Each team member will create their own drawing package for their useless box, including a title page, bill of materials, subsystems, a wiring schematic, views of moving mechanical or hinged parts, and any hardware used.

Soldering - These components will also be soldered into a working circuit. Consider all safety protocols when working with a solder station.

Hardware - Heat-set inserts (shown below) can be used along with their corresponding bolts. Make sure the printed material is properly designed for heat-set nuts.  Also, refer to the available charts below for sizing.