Curtis
Go to
www.solidworks.com/SponsoredDesignContest to fill out the form to get a copy of SolidWorks as a mentor. I have an RPI intern working for me this winter break. Send me a private message and I will make a connection.
Marie's crash course in Assembly Modeling - no matter what CAD software you use- but I am glad you are using SolidWorks.
1. Think small sub assemblies, how would something physically go together. Break down the robot into its functional pieces: Frame, Drive Train, Arm, Gripper, etc. Now break down the subassemblies into even smaller sub assemblies. With the Frame, make a wheel assembly. Name your subassemblies with descriptive names.
2.Reuse geometry and components. Think about symmetry, patterns, hole wizard. The Hole Wizard and Pattern Feature in a part become very powerful in the assembly - but you need to keep track of the seed feature.
3.Think about part behavior in the assembly. You want the part to move and rotate they way it will in real life. Let your mates reflect motion. Marie