Mechanism Modeling Project Placemat

Taylor K. & Teddy R. 2021

Can you build a mechanical system that exhibits rotational, translational and general plane motion? Can you build one that uses a cam?

More info on the project

More info on cams


Getting Started

  1. Download a circular Solidworks cam template by clicking the image.
  2. Edit the cam template to your liking, or if you need more help, scroll further down for more ideas.
  3. Laser cut your cam.
  4. Use your BricQ LEGO kit to build a mechanical system with rotational, translational, and plane motion.
Circle Cam

Help with Solidworks Configurations
Help with Solidworks Global Variables

Laser Cutting Cam

To laser cut your cam, follow these steps:

  • Right click on the face of the cam
  • Select 'Export to DXF / DWG'
  • Save the DXF on your computer
  • Go laser cut your cam at the Nolop Makerspace


Hint:

Think like a builder:

  • How would you secure the cam with LEGO?
  • Can you find some springy LEGO pieces that would be able to "ride" on the cam?
  • How would you keep those LEGO pieces in contact with the cam?

Hint:

Think like a mathematictian:

  • How does a cam-rider move relative to a cam?
  • What does this mean mathematically?
  • How does an angular velocity relate to a tangential velocity?


Need a hint on how to make a better cam?

Editable Generic Cam

This is a classic generic cam shape. You can modify the following features:

  • Overall Size
  • Cam Radii
  • Hole Configuration

Generic cam

Need a hint on how to understand cam math?

Textbook Problem 16-44

Try to work through this textbook problem. Keep these principles in mind:

  • Relate the x-coordinate of point C to the rotation of the cam
  • Don't forget the chain rule!
  • Click the image if you get stuck

cam image

Want an example of a more advanced cam design?

Editable Lobed Cam

This is a unique lobed cam shape. You can modify the following features:

  • Number of lobes
  • Lobe radii
  • Hole Configuration

cam image

Want an example of a more advanced cam design?

Equation-Driven Cam

These are Equation-Driven Cams. They are defined by parametric equations. Download an example and edit it, or make your own using the guide below.

Line Driven Cam
Line Driven Cam

Guide to Equation-Driven Curves


Want to see a complete solution?

Taylor and Teddy's Solution

We used two lego springs in series attached to a cam follower. This follower drove a wheel and rode on a line-driven cardioid cam.

Our Solution
Our Solution