Design and Application of the Visual Model Pool of Mechanical Parts based on Computer-Aided Technologies

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1 Design and Application of the Visual Model Pool of Mechanical Parts based on Computer-Aided Technologies Xiaoying Dong, Xia Ye, Qinxian Jiang, Xianghua Zhang and Wei Bi School of Mechanical and Automobile Engineering, Jiangsu Teacher s University of Technology, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province , P.R. China Abstract - To meet the need of the integration of computer-aided technologies (CAX) and the teaching of CAX courses, three dimensional (3D) bodies were modeled with Auto CAD, the rotation, intersection and animation were made with Solid Works and 3Ds Max, the model and the scene were real-time rendered with VrmlPad, the images were post-processed with Photoshop, the source elements were merged and linked on the platform of Dreamweaver, and finally, the visual model pool of mechanical parts was established. The pool consists of four components: the integrated parts, the single parts, the assembled parts and the standard parts. Users can see animations and different views of a 3D body as well as observe a body by zoom, drag and rotation. Keywords: Computer-aided technologies, Mechanical parts, Visual model pool, SolidWorks, Dreamweaver, AutoCAD 1 Introduction It is a long established tradition that the training of engineering students design capability begins with engineering graphics courses. To enhance students recognition, large amounts of real models are needed to assist both class teaching and homework. The use of these models has obvious positive effects on the training space thinking capabilities, but it is practically limited and difficult to realize in the teaching of engineering graphics [1,2]. In addition, problems such as fragile, non-portable and irreversible greatly hinder the application of real models. Traditionally, the freshman begins with real models and finishes with drawing sheets, followed in subsequent courses from drawing sheets to parts, which reduces efficiency. Computer-aided technologies (CAX) course series has become an important component of mechanical engineering majored courses. CAX also meets the demand of various industrial applications. Based on the characteristics of CAX, this research constructed a visual model pool of mechanical parts, with computer-aided design (CAD) three dimensional (3D) model and educational modernization technologies. The visual model pool meets both demands from teaching and industry, which provides a multi-functional, efficient, and portable tool for a novel learning mode of students and a novel working mode of engineers.

2 2 Structure More than 5000 models are stored in the visual model pool, which consists of single parts, integrated parts, assembled parts and standard parts. Some industrial products are also available. The pool is an open system with parameterized design. Administrators can easily change, add or delete models from the pool, which not only facilitate the design of new product, but also substantially reduce the development cycle of new industrial products. Figure1 illustrate the general scheme of the visual model pool of mechanical parts (Fig. 1). ( Functions and characters of the four categories of the pool are briefly introduced. Browsers can leave a message to developers, or choose to enter a category main page (Fig. 2). Fig. 2 Mainpage of the visual modeling pool of mechanical parts 2.2 Secondary Mainpage Single Parts Mainpage More than 1000 single parts here consists of four types, the bracket, the cover, the box and the shaft (Fig. 3). Fig. 1 Schematic illustration of visual model pool of mechanical parts 2.1 Homepage The homepage is an introduction of the visual model pool of mechanical parts, available on the website of Jiangsu Teachers University of Technology, P.R. China Fig. 3 Mainpage of the single parts model pool Integrated Parts Mainpage More 1000 integrated parts here consists of four types, intersected parts, cut parts, superposed parts and complex parts (Fig. 4).

3 Fig. 4 Mainpage of the integrated parts model pool Fig. 6 Mainpage of the standard parts model pool Assembled parts Mainpage About 100 product models here include the lifter, the decelerator, the pump, the bumper, the fast pincer, the sphere valve, the crane and the manipulator (Fig. 5). 2.3 Assembled Parts Category As the most important category of the pool, the assembled parts encompass more than 100 mechanical products, which can be easily modified and updated. Figure 7 shows a model pump. Fig. 5 Mainpage of the assembly model pool Standard parts Mainpage The construction of a standard parts pool is a prerequisite for the fast upgrade of products. Standard parts in the visual model pool include more than 1000 keys, pins, nuts, bolts, shafts and shims (Fig. 6). Fig. 7 Mainpage of the pump model pool Among others, the functions of the assembled parts navigation module include animation, product introduction, multi-view representation, free observation and seeing single parts, etc. The animation shows the dismounting and assembly of the pump (Fig. 8).

4 Fig. 10 Page of see each part of the pump Fig. 8 Page of pump dismounting and assembly animation By free observation, users can rotate, move, cut and zoom each single part, to help understand the internal structure (Fig. 9). Users can also see each part to go to corresponding single part s main page (Fig. 10). Fig. 9 Free observation function of the pump 3 Design and development 3D models in the visual model pool of mechanical parts (version 1.0) were constructed with SolidWorks and read by 3Ds Max in Standard Template Library (STL) format. In 3Ds Max, models were rendered for different view, light and materials.avi animations were exported after rotation, cut and intersection. VRML Codes were added with VrmlPad to carry out in-situ rendering to the model and scene. Images were post-processed with photoshop. Finally, the elements were integrated and linked on the platform of Dreamweaver. Based on the application of the above technologies, the system reaches the design requirements, with the following characteristics: 1) Visual reality is based on the Vrml. Browsers can observe a mechanical product comprehensively. Enterprises can manage their products simply and orderly. 2) The networked system facilitates data transfer and product exhibition. The included on-line trade system shortens the transaction time. 3) Researcher in industry can directly design products through the parameterized system, thanks to the integration of 3Ds Max and VRML codes with design softwares such as CAD and Solidworks. 4) To meet the need of teaching, great flexibility is enabled in the visual model pool; from students point of view, relevant professional knowledge is expended, to train the 3D thinking capability and enhance the understanding of engineering graphics.

5 4 Applications 4.1 Application in Education The visual model pool of mechanical parts (version 1.0) is applied in teaching. The class survey shows that the pool is impressed as accurate, vivid and colorful. Complicated structures are fully represented, such as the outer shape and the inner cavity of complex bodies, intersection lines and the assembly of single parts. Animations are easy understood. The interaction between the users and the on-line pool is supported by VRML. Multi-view representation and free observation reach the effect of usage of real models. Inner structures of models are also clearly seen. 4.2 Application in Industry Feedbacks from industrial partners show reduced product design periods, lowered costs and an increased efficiency. The development, research, exhibition and trading of products are effectively integrated. The on-line environment facilitates the sales and publicity of the products and enhances the interaction with customers. 7 References [1] Z. Wang. Journal of Guangdong Industry Technical College, Vol. 3, 25-28, [2] X. Chen, L. Li and X. Wang. Journal of Chengdu University of Technology, Vol. 32, No.4, 80-82, [3] X. Dong. Journal of Jiangsu Teachers University of Technology, Vol. 13, No.7, 57-60, [4] B. Lu. China Mechanical Engineering, Vol. 15, No.11, , [5] G. Zhou, K. Feng, Z. Zuo, et al.. Chinese Journal of Engineering Graphics, Vol. 34, No.6, , [6] M. Fan. Journal of Guandong Polytechnic Normal University, Vol. 28, No.3, , [7] Q. Li and X. Liu. Journal of Changchun University, Vol. 4, 1-3, [8] X. Ni, Y. Yang, J. Liu. Mechanical Design and Manufacture, Vol.7, , Conclusions With combined computer and multi-media technologies, the visual model pool of mechanical parts is designed and developed for educational and industrial applications, which substantially optimizes the quality of teaching and the profit of enterprises. The realization of parameterized design with the visual model pool show advantages in fast modification and supplementation of models, which has promising future applications. 6 Acknowledgments The development of the visual model pool of mechanical parts is funded by the Jiangsu Educational Bureau project Chinese-German cooperative educational research and practice in engineering graphics (KYZY07040)