Project Type: Co-op
Duration: July 2021
Skills Used: SolidWorks CAD, GD&T
Description: Gauge rod used in replacement of a leadscrew to precisely mount carriage blocks onto stereo imager lens barrel
Challenges:
- Attempt to create single tool to be used for two asymmetric sides of equal length
- Design a method of mounting to lens barrel to correctly align and install rail carriages
- Incorporate tight tolerances (~50 micron in places) for precision alignment
- Model the part in a clear, concise manner
Solutions:
- Created two part splitting design with center sliding alignment pin
- Used motor mount threads and wave spring as one point of mounting
- Used datums in lens barrel to create concentric alignment
- Through holes for each screw to be tightened for both sides
- Toleranced to sliding fit along concentric parts (pin, datums)
- Modeled using single revolve along a center axis
Results:
- Stainless steel tool properly modeled, toleranced, and drawn
- Revised to different specifications following change of plans, no longer using one tool for both sides
Learnings:
- GD&T conventions and when to properly use callouts in concentric models
- Designing parts in larger assemblies to reference dimensions of already-established components
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