Design of a Box Transport Mechanism
ME 307
MATLAB
Structural Analysis
2023
Siemens NX
About Project
The project aims to design a cost-effective box transportation mechanism for small-scale industries. This involves analyzing and designing various machine elements such as shafts, pins, links, and curved beams, using welding processes. The project is divided into two stages First stage of project is about draw free body diagrams, derive and solve equations to find necessary forces, and perform force analysis for components like the slider, connecting rod, and links. Second stage of project is about design the shaft with fatigue considerations, calculate critical element dimensions, and design the pin, curved beam, and weld sections using CAD software for 3-D modeling. Validation includes ensuring the mechanism withstands operational forces through static and fatigue design checks. Tools and methods used include mathematical equations for force analysis, CAD software for modeling, and design principles to verify structural integrity. The outcome is a functional and economical box transportation mechanism, showcasing the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical design for industrial applications.
ME 307
ME 110 is an introductory course in mechanical engineering offered to first-year students at Middle East Technical University. The course introduces students to the main areas of mechanical engineering and emphasizes soft skills such as project management and report preparation. Throughout the semester, students complete various assignments, exams, and a term project. Each of the four assignments focuses on a specific skill, such as evaluation, planning, concept creation, and reporting. The term project is a collaborative effort between two students, with responsibilities divided among team members. In this project, my role involved preparing, explaining, and evaluating concept designs.
Steps of Project
- Draw free body diagrams for all components.
- Derive and solve equations to find necessary forces.
- Perform force analysis for components such as the slider, connecting rod, and various links.
- Design the shaft with fatigue considerations.
- Calculate the inner and outer lengths of critical elements, such as hollow square structured Link 9.
- Sequentially design the pin, curved beam, and weld sections.
- Validate that the designed mechanism withstands operational forces.
- Conduct static and fatigue design checks.
- Model the shaft, curved member, and weld section in 3-D using CAD software.
Conclusion
Throughout this project, I applied the design concepts for various machine elements we studied during the term. Although the analysis stages were few, the process was lengthy. Designing the shaft was particularly challenging, as its diameter influences many factors, requiring a hypothetical path. Using the trial and error method, I achieved satisfactory results after a few attempts. Although I limited the trials to three to keep the report concise, more iterations could have been included.
The shaft design involved understanding stress distribution and ensuring it could withstand operational loads without failure. The design of permanent and detachable joints was crucial for maintaining structural integrity, each requiring a different approach to handle applied forces and moments. Fatigue stress criteria were important for elements subjected to cyclic loading, ensuring they could endure repetitive stress.
I chose to complete the term project individually, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios and enhance my understanding of machine elements and their applications. This project provided valuable hands-on experience in designing and analyzing mechanical components.
In conclusion, this project allowed me to deepen my understanding of structural design and apply various design concepts to practical scenarios. The detailed analysis and iterative design process were critical in achieving reliable and functional machine elements. I hope this report proves useful for your review.