MEAM.Design - MEAM 101 - MACHINES


Task

Over the centuries, a great many mechanical systems have been conceived, designed, prototyped, built, and/or produced. In this individual final project, you will begin with an existing design or concept, apply any necessary interpretation, create a fully detailed 3D CAD model, build a scaled prototype, and finally document your work with a beautiful poster.


Expectations

  • Machine - The machine should have a moderate to high level of mechanical complexity. It could be ancient (daVinci, for example), historical, or modern.
  • Interpretation - You may need to modify and interpret certain aspects of the machine to make it suitable for this project. For example, if you were to choose to work with an internal-combustion engine, you would not actually include combustion gases in the final prototype!
  • CAD Model - This is your opportunity to showcase your SolidWorks skills, and we expect excellent work.
  • Prototype - Using a combination of laser-cut and 3D-printed parts along with components ordered from www.amazon.com or www.mcmaster.com (via this Google Form), you are to build a small (fit within a 10x10x10-inch cube) prototype of your machine that is as functional as reasonably possible. External part orders will be placed on Wednesdays and Fridays, and all orders must include brief justification.
  • Poster - Designed for printing at 11"x17", your poster should provide a standalone presentation of both the breadth and detail your work on this project.


Timeline Overview

  • March 31 - Project Begins
  • April 1 @ 11:59pm - Submit machine-selection request email
  • April 2 - Machine Selection Complete
  • Weekly Progress Updates
  • April 28 - Final Showcase


Machine Selection

The first step in machine selection will be the submission of an via a PDF file to Canvas. The PDF file must contain the following details for THREE different machines that you would consider for this project, in order of preference (with the most preferred first)

  • at least one image
  • source information for the image
  • a brief self-written description of the machine
  • a brief justification

The assignment must submitted on canvas before midnight on Wednesday, April 1st, and we will work with you to ensure that all selections are settled before the end of the lab on Thursday, April 2nd.


Weekly Progress Updates

Each week you will meet briefly with either your section TA or Dr. Fiene to discuss progress on your project.


Final Submission

  • Poster in PDF format submitted to Canvas. Due at 3:00PM on Monday, April 27th.
  • Physical prototype. The prototype must have your name on it somewhere. Due in class on Tuesday, April 28th.
  • Pack-and-Go upload of your completed CAD model to Canvas. Due by 3:00PM on Thursday, April 30th.