Driving Constraints Automata

Automata Project Overview

The main task was to create an automata with parametric constraints parts. Parametric constraints control the size and geometry by using dimensions to define features but do not show the relationship between dimensions.

Criteria

The Automata must be parametrically constrained.
A unique cam must be created.
Must make a follower for the cam.
Use the provide parts.
Make a follower for the cam.

Constraints

Must use parametric constraints.
Limited in
A maximum of three cams.
It has to be a complicated part(s).

Hand Sketches

The Automata's main theme is sail boats and being on the water. This sketch is the design of a sailboat that will be moving up and down in the automata assembly. There will be two of the same sailboats that will only have a different color sail.

This is a sketch of a lighthouse that was used as decoration in the automata assembly. Originally, the lighthouse would have been connected to the automata in that, the light would spin when cranked.

This is a sketch of the pear cam used in the automata project. The cam uses reciprocating motion that will move the sailboats up and down.

In order to incorporate the design on Autodesk Inventor 2020, the cam is laid out on polar graph in order to graph the motion.

Orthographic Sketches

Parametric Spreadsheets

Sailboat

This is the orthographic sketch of the first parametric part file the automata consisted of, the sailboat. It includes two detailed views of specific dimensions on the hull and important notes.

Lighthouse

This is the orthographic sketch of the other parametric part file the automata consisted of, the lighthouse. It includes a section view of the inside of the lighthouse.

Final Assembly

Exploded View

This is the orthographic sketch of the exploded view of the automata. The Automata consisted of 10 unique parts, for a total of 15 parts. Although some parts were given at the start, both sailboats (9), the cams (8), the lighthouse (1), and both followers (10) were custom-built for the project.

Automata Animation

This is the final animation of the Automata project. To play the animation in Autodesk Inventor, the user must drive the angle of the crank which, rotates the axle and drives the automata.

Conclusion

Review of Project

Using parametrics in this project was essential in creating the final assembly. This skill is useful not only in this specific project but also in the industry as a whole since parametric constraints create design options and maintain specific requirements for a design if changes are made. The animation was a success in that it fully rotated and spun the cams.

Problems and Solutions

The main problem was getting the cams to spin on the animation. This was solved using local resources such as instruction videos and practicing within Autodesk Inventor, allowing for a working automata animation for the project.

Future Iterations

Making the lighthouse spin.
Use different cams.
Make the sailboats rock instead of going up and down.

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