assembly modeling © project lead the way, inc.. the following presentation will guide you through...

Assembly Modeling

© Project Lead The Way, Inc.

The following presentation will guide you through the construction and assembly of a toy train engine.

The parts will include the train body, wheels, axle peg, wheel linkage arm, and link pin.

The final step will be the animation of the linkages with drive constraints.

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A hyperlink index page has been included to allow you to view parts of the slide show on an as-needed basis.

This tutorial can be run simultaneously with Inventor, allowing the user to move

between PowerPoint and Inventor.


Select The Item You Wish to View

Train Body

Wheel

Axle Peg

Linkage Arm

Link Pin

Getting Started

DesignProf

The End

Printing Slide Notes

3

Assembly Modeling

DesignProf Review

Placing the Parts

Adding Constraints

Part Editing in an Assembly

Animating the Assembly

Visual Syllabus


Before viewing this presentation, you should print the slides in handout format to enable you to take detailed notes. Exit the

slide show and follow the directions below.

Pick File

Pick PrintBy activating printin this manner, you

are able to configurethe type of output as

in the dialog boxto the right.

PickBlack & White

Pick Handouts(3 slides per page)

then pick OK

Index4


From the Windowsdesktop, double

click AutoDesk Inventor.

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Pick Getting Started.

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In addition to starting new drawingsand opening existing work, from this screen you can access a variety of tutorials, demonstrations, and design

assistance animations.

It is highly recommended that you exploreand utilize these resources as you learn

AutoDesk Inventor.

As you move the cursor over these topics,

explanations will appear on the bottom of

the screen.

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Starting a new drawing in single part modePick here and

follow directionsbelow.


For units in inches,pick English.

Pick Standard (in).ipt, then pick OK.

The .ipt file extensionis used for single Inventor

part files.


Pick here tomaximize the

drawing space.

Save this startup sheetas Train Body.

Enter filenameand pick Save.


Adjust X and Y snapvalues as needed.

Pick OK when done.

Grid Control

Pick here toadjust Grid.

11 Index


Let’s review the Sketching process using

the DesignProf.

The DesignProf will be ofgreat assistance in the

classroom, as it containsvery complete, self-pacedtutorials and animations.

Next, Pick Demo.

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The DesignProf is composed of 3 modes: Demo, Mentor, and Study.Let’s try the Demo Mode

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PickPart Modeling.


After watching thesketching animation,pick Next to see theremaining steps to

complete the part model.

15© Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Use the Show Mebutton to review specificsketching techniques.

17 Index


Train Body

The next series of slides will guide you through the construction of the train body.

Start a new drawing and save it as Train Body.


Now that we have reviewedthe sketch, constraining,

dimensioning, and extrusionprocess, let’s create the base

feature of the train body.

Refer to the IED Resource Guide for

the dimensions.


Pick View, Toolbar, Sketch

to activate theSketching tools.

Pick Line.

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Pick this intersectionand drag up.

Current X,Ycoordinates of cursor

Current length ofsketch line

Current polar angleof sketch line from

0,0

User hintsare given here.

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Sketch 3 lines

Select 3 point Arc fromthe Sketch toolbar andpick start of Arc here.

Select End ofArc here.

Drag up to the rightand pick another point. Right click

and pick Done.

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Pick here.

We will now dimensionthe rough profile using

the General Dimension tool.

Pick this line, then drag down and pick another

point to place the dimension.

When a dimensionneeds changing,double click it tobring up the Dim

edit box.

Key in thecorrect size and

press Enter.


This sketch is fully dimensioned. Anyadditional dimensions will result in the

error message below.


Right click the drawingscreen and pickIsometric View.

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Pick Viewand launch

the FeaturesToolbar.

Pick Extrude.

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Key in distance.

Select thedirection of Extrusion and

pick OK.

Extrusion Preview

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The base feature has successfullybeen extruded and displayed

in Shaded mode. The next slide will demo two other display modes that may be useful in the future.

Now would be a goodtime to save.

Saving your work shouldbe done after any major

feature addition hasbeen completed!


Pick Sketch,then pick this endof the extrusion.

Notice the darkoutline on the end of

the extrusion. This is visualfeedback that signifies a

sketching surface is ready.

Now we will apply a cutextrusion on the front end

of the train body.


Pick Rectangle.

Pick about herefirst,

then drag toabout here and

pick a point, right clickand pick Done.

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Only onedimension is

needed

Pick Extrude from theFeatures toolbar, then pick

this rectangle.

In the next slide we willadjust the size and type

of extrusion.


First,set the distance.

Second,select the direction.

Third,set the Extrusion

type to Cut and pick OK.


We will now build thetank on the front of the

train body. Pick Sketch.

Now, pick this face.

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Use the Rotate Viewfunction to maneuvertrain body for clarity.

When the viewing directionis satisfactory, right click and

pick Done.

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Sketch a circle approximately in this

position, then dimensionits diameter and X,Y location

as illustrated to the right.


Set extrusion typeto Join.

Extent of extrusionis set at To.

Select this surfaceto end the extrusion

and pick OK.

Save your workafter extruding!


Now we will drill the axle holes and extrude cut the cab.

Pick Sketch and select thelong side of the train body.

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For some sketch situations,it is helpful to look directly

at the surface. We willdo that now. Pick the

Look At icon, and then pickthe long surface of the

train body.

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Sketch a circle and lines about here, trim

and dimension asillustrated below. Thiswill serve as the cutting

profile.


Adjust settings in the Extrudedialog box as shown below.

Then pick OK.

Rotate the viewand Cut Extrude

the profile.


To improve clarity,the color, viewing angle,and display type have

been changed.

Now it’s time to locatethe center points for the

axle holes.


First,assign a sketch plane

to this surface.

Next,use Point, Hole Center

to locate position of holes.


When finished marking thecenters, right click and pick

Done.

Pick approximate locationfor each hole. In the next

slide we will place dimensions.


Use the General Dimensioningtool to precisely locate

the hole centers.

Initial dimensionsare red, double click

to adjust values.

Key in correct value andpress Enter or pickgreen check mark.


Pick the Hole function fromthe Features toolbar.

Adjust the settings asindicated by arrowsbelow and pick OK.

Save your work!


In the next few slides, we will add the smoke stack to the top of the tank. Since there is no

flat sketching surface on the tank, we first must place a work plane tangent to the tank and then offset it from the top surface of the cylinder.

Switch to the isometric view.

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Pick Work Planefrom the Features

Toolbar.

Next, pick the cylinder.

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Move the cursor along the cylinder until this

workplane is previewed,then pick that plane to

produce the workplane aspictured on the right.


We now will create an offset workplane from the original workplane.

Select the Workplane icon from the Features toolbar.

First,pick this workplane

and drag up.

Next,key in the offset valueof 1 and press Enter.


The result is two work planes. We will now turn off the plane on the bottom by selecting it from the browser.


In the Browser, left click on the

Work Plane name,then right click to

produce the visibilityprompt below

Left click on Visibility, the result

is shown on theright.


Switch to Top View of the tank using the

Look At function.Pick this edge.

Pick Sketch, then pick the edge of the

work plane.


Sketch and dimension this circle.

After sketching,switch to the isometric

view.


Pick Extrude from the Featurestoolbar and set the parameters

as shown below. Pick OKwhen done.

The first tapered extrusionis done. Next, we will

apply the tapered cap on top of the smoke stack.


In the Isometricview, select top of

stack as sketch plane and sketch this circle. Next, constrain it with

Concentric andSame radius constraints.

Pick here to launch constraint

toolbar.

Concentricconstraint

Sameconstraint


Results of Concentric andSame radius constraints.


Pick Extrude from the Featurestoolbar and set up the parameters,

as shown on the right. Pick OKwhen done.

Now would be a good time to save!


From the Features toolbar,pick the Fillet icon.


Pick edge to identify thefirst loop, then pick OK.

Rotate model and repeat asneeded.

Use the Loop option when applying filletsaround a face. It is much faster than single edge picking. To fillet the intersection of

2 or more surfaces, use the Edge select mode.

Key in a valueof 0.100.


Completed Train Body

Save your work!61 Index


Wheel

Start a new drawing and save it as Wheel.

The next series of slides will guide you through the construction of the train wheel.


For units in inches,pick English.

Pick Standard (in).ipt, then pick OK.

The .ipt file extensionis used for single Inventor

part files.


Pick here tomaximize the

drawing space.

Save this startup sheetas Wheel.

Enter filenameand pick Save.

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Pick View, Toolbar, Sketch

to activate theSketching tools.

Sketch this figure and apply dimensions as in the

figure to the right.

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Switch to theIsometric View.

Pick Revolve.


You must firstpick a line on the

profile that will serve as the

centerline of rotation.

Set Extents to Fulland pick OK.


Pick Sketch, then pick surfaceindicated below.

Pick this icon to mark thecenter for the axle hole.


Adjust the settings asindicated by arrowsBelow, and pick OK.

SAVE YOUR WORK!


The next group will demonstrate how to add the link pin post.

Select the lower surface for the Sketch plane.

Use the Look Atfunction to view

straight on.


Sketch and dimensionthis circle, then switch to

the Isometric View.

Activate Extrudeand pick this profile.

Set up the dialog boxusing the values onthe left and pick OK.


Set the Sketch plane tothe top of the peg andsketch and dimensionas given on the right.Make sure to apply aconcentric constraint.


Set up dialog box asindicated above and

pick OK.

The last operation on the wheelwill be to drill a hole here for

the link pin fastener.


Set the Sketchplane to the end

of the pin. Locate the holecenter here.

Use this function toplace the hole center.


Adjust settings asabove and pick

OK.

Save your work!


Adding a Work Axis

We first have to puthole centers in bothholes on the correct

sketch plane.

First,pick Sketch.

Pick the innercircular edge forthe sketch plane.


Pick Hole Center.

Then pick thisIntersection.

This is a Zoomed view of the center

mark.


Launch theFeatures toolbar

from the View menu.

PickWork Axis.


First, pick the center.

Next,pick this circular edge.A vertical axis shouldappear. Later, we will

use this axis to animatethe wheel linkages.

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Save your work!

Index


Axle Peg

Start a new drawing and save it as Peg.

The next series of slides will guide you through the construction of the axle peg.


Sketch anddimension a circle.

Adjust settings in the Extrude dialog box as

shown below. Then pick OK.


Now we will put a cap on the tapered peg. To do this, a sketch plane on the YZ axis going through the center of the peg must be applied.

Follow the steps below.

Pick the plussign to expand

the origin.

Then pick here.


Pick Sketch.

Rotate view untilthis axis is near

horizontal.


Sketch and dimensionthe figure on the right.

Sketch two lines,then use 3 point arc.

Dimension as shown.

Finally, use the Revolvefunction to complete the cap.


Pick this line as Centerline of

rotation.


Save your work!Index


Linkage Arm

The next series of slides will guide you through the construction of the linkage arm. We will make use of the

adaptive sketch and adaptive extrusion functions.

Start a new drawing and save it as Linkage Arm.


Sketch this figure.

Trim until it looks likethis on both ends.

Apply dimensions as givenon the left, and switch to the

Isometric View. The distance between the arcs is not needed, as this will be left free to Adapt to the assembly in a later step.


Set the dialog boxvalues as given on the left

and pick OK.

Place HoleCenters as shownin preparation for

drilling holes.


Adjust the settings shownin the dialog box and pick OK.

The next slide will demonstrate how to make the linkadapt to the changing needs of an assembly.


Right click Extrusion1 in the Browser.

Select Adaptive, thenobserve the Adaptive

symbol next to Extrusion1 in the

Browser.

When you Right clickExtrusion1 in the Browser, then pick Properties. You

will get the dialog box below.

Remember, anyundimensioned sketch

geometry such as length,diameter, and extrusionthickness, can be made

adaptive to meet assembly constraints.

Save Your Work! Index


Link Pin

The next series of slides will guide you through the construction of the link pin.

Start a new drawing and save it as Link Pin.


Second,switch to the Isometric View

and Zoom in as needed.

First, sketch anddimension this circle.

Finally, pick Extrude andchange the values

as given in the dialogbox on the right.

Then pick OK.


Now we will put a cap on the tapered peg. To do this, a sketch plane on the YZ axis going through the center of the peg must be applied.

Follow the steps below.

Pick the plussign to expand

the origin.

Then pick here.


Pick Sketch.

Rotate view untilthis axis is near

horizontal.


Sketch and dimensionthe figure on the right.

Sketch two lines,then use 3 point arc.

Dimension as shown.

Finally, use the Revolvefunction to complete the cap.

See how in the next slide.


Pick this line as Centerline of

rotation.


Index


Let’s review the Assembly process using

the DesignProf.



Next, pick Demo.

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The DesignProf is composed of 3 modes: Demo, Mentor, and Study.Let’s try the Demo Mode


PickAssembly Modeling.


Follow the directions above,then pick Next to reviewthe remaining topics forAssembly Modeling.

Index


Assembling the Train Engine

The next series of slides will guide you through placing the

parts in the assembly and animation procedures.

Start a new drawing using the assembly template, and save it as Train Engine.


Pick OK.

Give the drawing this name,and pick Save.


Launch the Assemblytoolbar by picking

View, Toolbar, Assembly.

Use Place Component to bring in the parts of the train engine.

The Windows file explorer may also be used to place parts

in the assembly drawing.


The first part to bring inwill be the Base part. (Also

known as the grounded part.)

This part will later remainstationary while other parts

are able to move through theuse of Drive Constraints.

After selectingthe part name,

pick Open.


This symbolindicates the train

body is the base part.

We will now continue to placeall the remaining parts.


After all the wheels are in place,right click and pick Done.

Save your work!© Project Lead The Way, Inc.

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Continue placingthe remainingcomponents.

Save your work!

Index


Pick here to activatethe Visual Syllabus.

The Visual Syllabus will be ofgreat assistance in the

classroom, as it contains very complete, self-paced tutorials.

Take time to explore all of theicons or use them as needed

while designing with Inventor.

Index


Adding Constraints

Let’s review the Constraining process using

the DesignProf.



Next, pick Demo.


Pick Assembly Modeling.


View theDesignProf demo

on constraints.

Step Two of the Design Prof Assembly Modeling Tutorial


Use theDesignProf to learnmore about Degrees

of Freedom.


Constraints are rules that determinehow parts in an assembly fit together.As you apply constraints, you remove

degrees of freedom, restricting theways parts can move.

You will occasionally need to move parts after bringing

them into the assembly.

In addition to movingparts for clarity, you

will also have to rotateparts to gain access to

proper edges or surfaces.


First, pick PlaceConstraint.

Second, pick Insert.

Third, pickthis edge.

Finally, pick this edge. Notethe direction of the arrows.

The surface arrows must point at each other. To adjust the arrow

direction, use the Flip 1 or the Flip 2 box, then pick Apply.


Now Insert the axlepeg into the wheel.

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Continue using Insert until all wheels and pegs are in place. You will have to use Rotate and Move in order to

select the proper edges.


Move the linkage arm closer to the wheel, then

use the Insert constraint.


One end of linkage armis attached, now you

will have to Zoom,Pan and Rotate theview to insert the left

end of link.


Note that the displayhas been changed to

Wireframe. This allowsthe viewing of the

direction arrows for theinsert process.


The linkage arm hasbeen constrained to thewheels. Now, let’s put the link pins in place.


Move the link pinsCloser.

Pick this edge.


Continue using the insert constraint on theremaining link pin, then Rotate, Pan, Moveto the other side to constrain the remainder

of the parts.

Save your work!


The assembly parts have been constrained with

the Insert function.

We will now use the Angleconstraint to control theposition of the wheels inrelation to the front of

the train body.

In the next slide, wewill use the browser to

turn on the visibilityof the wheel axes.


Left click the Plussign to expand the

browser for Wheel 1.

Left click Work Axis,then right click to reveal

the box below. Thenleft click on Visibility.

Work axesnow arevisible.

In the next group of slides,we will use the Angle

constraint to control theposition of the wheels.


Our next task will be the applicationof an Angle constraint between the

two front wheel axes. This willsynchronize the linkage position.

Rotate and Zoom as needed to viewboth axes.

Pick the Angle constraint,then pick both the wheel

axes, as indicated by the arrows.


Pick Apply after selectingboth the front wheel

axes. You should observethat the wheel axes are now

aligned.

Next, we will apply an Angleconstraint between one of the

wheel axes and the front ofthe train engine.

This is the constraint that willlater be used to animate

the wheel linkages.


Using the Angle constraint,pick the wheel axis and front of

the train as indicated by the arrows.

Pick Apply to finish.


Your train should looklike this if all the Angleconstraints have beensuccessfully applied.

Turn off the Visibility ofthe wheel axes in the Browser.

Refer to the next group of slides for dimensioned views of the straightand curved track sections. Use

them to create your own.

The slides that follow will demonstrate how to use the Tangent and Mate

constraints to assemble the track and place the train on the track.


Close up Orthographicviews follow this image.


Top ViewCurved Track


Front ViewCurved Track


Close up Orthographicviews follow this image.


Top ViewStraight Track


Front ViewStraight Track


The insert constraint has beenapplied to the track sections.

We now will apply a Mate/Flushconstraint to the vertical surfaces

of the track.


After picking the Constraintoption, set up the dialogbox as shown, then pickthe vertical surfaces as shown on the track, then

pick Apply.


The next task will be the placement of the train above the track by using the Tangent constraint between the wheels and the track. Then we will use the Mate

constraint to align the train with the track.

Use Rotate view as wellas Move and Rotate part

until the view appears as shown.


Activate the Tangent constraint,then set up the dialog box asshown. Pick the surfaces, asIndicated, then pick Apply.


Rotate the view aroundto check the effect of

the first tangentconstraint. As you will

see, the rear wheelalso needs to be

constrained as tangent.Do this now!

Once that is completed,we will apply a Mate

constraint between thevertical face of the frontwheel and the inside

vertical face of the track.


Rotate this view until it lookslike the view below.


Activate the Mateconstraint, set up the dialogbox as shown, then pick the

indicated surfaces. Pick Apply when done.


Train engine has beensuccessfully constrained.

Save Your Work!

Index


Animating a Mechanism with the Drive Constraint

Use the DesignProf Assembly Modeling optionto review the use of Drive

Constraints.


In the browser, expand the last wheel constrained.

Right click on the second angleconstraint. Next, left click the

Drive Constraint option.

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Pick the More buttonto access the complete

control panel for theDrive Constraint.

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Adjust the values for the DriveConstraint as shown in the dialog

box on the left.

Pick the Play button to view the animation.

Try changing the values and observethe effects upon the animation.

To learn more about the DriveConstraint, use the DesignProf

for Assembly Modeling.

148 Index


Part Editing in an Assembly

The next series of slides will demonstrate how to edit a part while in an Assembly drawing.


Use Rotate view until the train Isometric

looks like this.


In the Browser, find the Train Body, then double-click on it. This will

enable just the engine body to beedited.

Note the appearance of the body compared to the other parts. Also,

observe the Browser hasbeen automatically

expanded to reveal allthe features used to create

the train body.


Second,pick Sketch.

The result is asketch plane applied

to this surface.First,

pick this surface.


Now we will use the Look At function to view the sketch plane straight on.

Pick this surfaceusing the Look At function.The result should resemble

the view on the right.© Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Sketch anddimension this

Rectangle.

Switch to theIsometric view

and pick theExtrude icon.

Pick the Profile,then set up theExtrude dialogbox as shown, then pick OK.


Apply 0.375” fillet toall the vertical edges

of the hitch to produce the feature as shown

on the right.


Apply 0.1” filletto the top and bottom

edge of the hitch.

We will now drill a hole in the hitch. Select the topsurface of the hitch as the sketch plane, then

activate the Hole function. Set up the dialog boxas shown, then pick OK.


Now that we have finished the part editing process, we must exit the part editing mode by double clicking in the

Browser the name of the assembly.

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assembly modeling © project lead the way, inc.. the following presentation will guide you through...

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