Crank & Piston Mechanism

thingiverse

The model is that of a simple crank and piston that is used in engines. The idea of the project is to teach/learn how the mechanism works and how can it be optimized to meet industrial demands. Post-Printing 3D assembly of the system How I Designed This Using a CAD software each part of the system was designed separately. The dimensions used were of a standard engine (approximated values can be used). Once all the parts were ready the entire system was assembled. In order to avoid complications in design instead of screw a clip was made to join the connecting rod with its cap. Crank & Piston Mechanism Project Name: Optimizing the crank and piston mechanism. Overview & Background: Every engineering design has possibilities of alteration when completed. A 3D model gives the chance to the designer to optimize his/her design and provide a cost effective design which can withstand more stress/pressure with less material and a better life expectancy. Objectives: Every student has a distinctive approach to deal with any academic project or assignment. Each student will be able to propose a design which could either have less material with great strength or a possible design that has more material but poor strength. Definitely the teacher must provide the students with conditional boundaries of how much material can be used or how heavy the project can be. Apart from that, the student will have a better understanding of how can a rotational movement be converted into a reciprocating movement. Audiences: It can be used to teach the high school students or the engineering students in their early stages of learning. Subjects: Physics and particularly for engineering (automotive and mechanical). Skills Learned (Standards): Lesson/Activity: 1) A frame to hold the mechanism 2) A piston 3) Piston pin 4) Connecting rod 5) Connecting rod cap 6) 2 screws/clips to hold the rod and cap together 7) Crank Duration: A weeks time for a group of 3 or a month for a single student to design and optimize the system along with 3D printing. Preparation: Students should be aware of the exact dimensions to avoid direct contact of crank with the piston else the rotational movement of the crank will be interrupted. References: Rubric & Assessment: Criteria that can be followed: 1) The combined height of the entire system when the piston is at its highest possible position should not exceed 30cm. 2) Smooth motion of the of the crank and the piston. 3) Can be easily assembled and disassembled. 4) The connecting rod (attached to its cap) should withstand a good amount of tensile stress (limits can be set as per teachers requirements). Handouts & Assets: