Finite Element Analysis

After hearing so much about it, I finally got the chance to do Finite Element Analysis. I've gotta say it helps out A LOT during the manufacturing process. I've been using Solidworks Simulation, which isn't as sophisticated as other FEA programs, but it gets the job done for now.

I have attached four project reports that I've done so far in my ME128 class that deals with the application of FEA:

Project 1: Computational and Graphical Design Analysis of a Generic Beam under Triple-State Loading

Project 2: Implementing Computer Aided Design in Real World Manufacturing - The Corkscrew Bottle Opener Example

Project 3: Parametric Design of a MEMS Accelerometer

Final Project: Drop Shock Dynamic Analysis of a MEMS Accelerometer System

Dell Latitude CD-ROM Module

Amidst the constant SolidWorks exposure I had at work over the summer, I decided to embark on a little side project just for fun. I had an old Dell Latitude laptop lying around, so I decided (with high ambition) to model it all out. So far, the CD-ROM drive is complete for your viewing pleasure:

The core of the CD reading and writing system: the laser pickup

The tracking motor and gear system that controls the movement of the laser pickup along the helical rod

The main head unit: bottom view. The full operation of the laser pickup movement can be seen here.

The main head unit: top view. Disc motor along with the PCB and the laser pickup

Disc motor connected to PCB. The PCB attaches to other devices in the system through the three ports on the right hand side of the image.

Motor and gear system responsible for opening and closing of the main unit based on user input.

Main Unit: bottom view with cover on

Main unit: bottom view. The center of operations.

Main Unit: top view, facing forward.

Main Unit with Drive Unit, including the railing mechanism

PCB responsible for interface between computer and CD Drive.

Complete Drive Unit

Module Assembly Exploded View

Final Module Assembly

Final Module Assembly Bottom. The awkward front shape can be explained by the fact that this module slides into the laptop front the front, and not the side. Therefore, it has to adhere to the curvature of the front lip of the laptop.

Wire Diagram of entire assembly, just for fun ^_^

Hope you enjoyed viewing part of what I spent my summer on. Let me know if you have any questions or comments. If you want to see the actual SolidWorks files, just shoot me an e-mail and I'll be glad to send them out.

Autodesk 3ds

During the last couple of months of E128, we were taught Autodesk 3d Studio. By the end of the course, I guess you can say we pretty much mastered the program, even though there is so much more to learn. The following is a collection of things I've done with 3d Studio over the course of the class:

P-51B flying over UC Berkeley campus



ARC Mate 120iC/10L Robot Welding



Final Project: Oster Beehive Blender Assembly & Function

Pro/E Homework

This is a collection of some designs I have done in my latest homeworks from my Advanced Engineering Graphical Communications class (E128). All models were drawn in Pro/E Wildfire 4.0, except for the first one, which was a remake of one of my assignments in Solidworks 2010.

See Solidworks version of this part in previous post.

Drawn with a large complexity of datums, axes, and points.

Magnifying Glass

I decided to take advantage of this 3 day weekend to play around with assemblies. I had a magnifying glass lying around, so I decided to CAD it out. Drawn in SolidWorks 2010.

The handle of the device, made of black plastic

The base of the glass itself.

The glass with the curvature for magnification.

Connector between the handle and glass base.

My Own Designs

The following are designs that I created during some free time I had.

AA Battery

Flash Drive

My classic iPod

A more recent design of my iPhone

CSWA Exam & Practice Homeworks

The following are from my CSWA (Certified SolidWorks Associate) exam and a couple of random homework problems I decided to do just for fun.

CSWA Exam Part 1

CSWA Exam Part 2

Random Homework Assignments

E28 Final Project

The following are some designs and drawings from my final project for my Basic Engineering Design Graphics class a couple of years ago. The goal was to construct a device that that when released, moves forward and back all by itself. This is just the gear system we developed for the project.

The original design

The final design, a lot simpler than before

Gearbox drawing

40 tooth bevel gear drawing

We ended up abandoning the whole project design due to severe malfunctions and developed a system that required no gears at all. Unfortunately, I can't find the files for it :-(

Homework Assignments

The following are images of some designs I've done in my homework assignments for my Basic Engineering Design Graphics class back in Fall of 2008. Nothing too special, but still worth putting up. All of the following were done in Solidworks.

Candlestick holder

Impeller made of molybdenum

Mechanical vice assembly - exploded view

Mechanical vice assembly - drawing

Mechanical vice base - drawing