Learn . Create . Succeed

Gears and Informational Resouces for them

Robotics and Gears

By Richard Williams, 5/28/09

          It has been awhile since I last submitted something to this distinguished membership and web site, but needless to say there aren’t enough hours in each day.  I was recently sent some informational resources that I wanted to share with all of you doing those projects like robotics, or anything else that needs gears.   Try out these two web sites.  You might have to cut and paste these web sites into your browser. http://www.omnigearandmachine.com/technical_information.htm, also, http://www.sdp-si.com/D190/D190cat.htm.  Both have a wealth of gear information.  Some free information can be sent for or downloaded as well.  This might help you resolve some of those issues about finding what you need.   Two other additional resources are: http://www.stockgearsinc.com/  and  http://www.playfairtoys.com/category/Gear-Toys-for-Kids    Hope it can help you.  Richie.

 

SolidWorks Tribot Assembly steps to make LEGO MINDSTORM (R) Robot

 I wanted to see if I could follow the steps in the LEGO MINDSTORMS(R) Users Guide and create a robot in SolidWorks. I first realized that I needed alot of components. So I went to www.3dcontentcentral.com and CMU Robotic Institute www.education.rec.ri.cmu.edu. 3dContentCentral provided models in native SolidWorks format. CMU provided models in SolidWorks format but with imported geometry. These are smaller in file size. However, you can only use Smart Mates with native SolidWorks geometry. SmartMates require you to hold the Alt key down and drag edges or faces from one component to another. So with two cylindrical edges - you can get a Coincident and Concentric Mate in one motion - really saves alot of time.
Also try the Ctrl key from the FeatureManager to drag in components with a quick Copy. This movie shows you how to set up your design library with a complete set of Legos.  Marie

Models: SolidWorks Tribot Final

Video: SolidWorks Tribot

Gravity Simulation Ball in Bowl for FIRST Robotics

How does gravity play a roll in a ball dropped into a spherical bowl?  You can simulate the physical condition with SolidWorks.  This was asked of a FIRST Robotics member who saw a similar movie somewhere on YouTube. Physical behavior is determined by the mates.  For example, a tangent mate was created between the ball and a bowl.  A coincident mate is also created between the Front Plane.  Then gravity was added to the ball.

The movie file shows the result and the part and assembly files are below.  Marie

Movie: bowlandball.avi

Model Files: Download gavity_ball_and_bowl.zip

Weldments for Buggy and Frame

SolidWorks Weldments are a great tool for creating frames for a buggy, fsae/formula student car frames, robot frames, and support frames.  Begin with a sketch and then chose your cross section member or define your cross section member.  Add gussets and weld beads to complete the assembly.  A cut list is available from the drawing.

The movie shows the methods to create a buggy using weldments.  The model file and drawing contains the frame.  The steps to create the frame and cut list drawing are availalble from help, solidworks tutorials.  Marie

Movie files: Download weldments.zip

Parts and Drawing: Download weldmentbox.zip

Brief History of Robotics and CAD

This PowerPoint presentation provides a brief overview of the history of industrial robotics and computer aided design from the early 1960's to present day.  Marie

Download brief_history_robot_and_cad.zip

SolidWorks Assembly for VEX Protobot Robot

Follow these free instructions to assemble the VEX Protobot Robot in SolidWorks in your classroom.  Download the free eDrawing viewer and use the eDrawing to show the complete VEX Protobot model from all angles. 

Obtain individual model files from www.3dcontentcentral.com.  Have fun with robotics.  Marie

Video: solidworks_instructions_for_vex_protobot_robot.wmv 

Instructions:VEXProtobot.swf (22Mbytes)

eDrawing Model: PROTOBOT-ASSY.EASM

SolidWorks Inspired to Design VEXplorer

This movie was featured at SolidWorks World 2008 featuring VEXplorer.  Thank you to the San Diego FIRST Regional Teams that participated in SolidWorks World.

Download solidworks_inspired_to_design_vexplorer.wmv

Bill of Materials, Weight and Custom Properties

You can set custom mass properites in a part or assembly and pass that information to a bill of materials in a drawing.  This movie takes you through the steps to assign mass properties and custom properties in a part, assembly and then link the properties to a Bill of Materials in the drawing.

Download Bill_of_Materials_and_Weight.avi

Chassis Assembly Instructions

Watch this movie for tips on how to assembly the IFI Chassis from the 2008 FIRST Robotics Kit of Parts.

To obtain model files for FIRST, go to www.3dcontentcentral.com Search words "VEX", "FirstRobotics", Lego

Download ChassisAssembly-Part1.avi

SolidWorks Assembly Instructions for VEXplorer

VEXplorer is a vex robotics hobby kit.  This movie contains the steps to assemble VEXplorer.

If movie does not play automatically, sSave the movie to your hard drive, right click VEXplorerInstructions.swf, select Open With, Internet Explorer.

Movie:  VEXplorerInstruction.swf