Mechanisms
Basic Concepts
- use a sketch to create a 2d linkage. Figure out the linkage dimensions then go into 3d. use blocks to help.
- use 2d blocks for 3d mechanism development
- local blocks are created and remain in the same sketch
- make a block by combining several other blocks
- group multiple sketch entities together so they move in a group. This can be used to develop mechanisms.
Along the Way
- model the Pitch Circles to facilitate mating
- create belt "relations" to a sketch to relate sketched circles (pulleys)
- create traction relations to a skecth to relate sketches circles (gears)
- add a gear mate between two rotating pulleys
- use Insert>Assembly Feature>Belt/Chain to connect more than two pulleys (say two pulleys and an idler)
- add Rack and Pinion, or Cam mates
- cam mates can have multiple entities, but is better to have a single spline profile. It's more natural like that.
Techniques
- create a layout sketch and then RMB>Create Assembly from Layout Sketch to create a new assembly with parts using that sketch
- create configurations with different component motions