Module Details

Module Code: INTR6023
Title: Mechanical CAD and Prototyping
Long Title: Mechanical CAD and Prototyping
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2023/24 ( January 2024 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5213 - Interdisciplinary Engineering
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will introduce the students to the processes through which the mechanical design of a component or device is carried out using a 3D CAD system. On completion of this module, students will have a fundamental understanding of how to leverage a CAD system to create designs and implement good engineering practices. Developing an understanding of appropiate materials used in prototyping the learner will start to explore the use of digital prototyping and testing and will be introduced to and will use 3D printing to deliver physcial prototypes.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 The students will learn to use a 3D CAD system to create models, assemblies and drawings. The students will also make use of imported geometry to aid in the design process.
LO2 Understanding the process of designing components within a CAD system.Understand the bottom up and top down approaches to design with a CAD system. The use of various methods to capture design intent within the models and assemblies.
LO3 Perform basic analysis using 3D CAD system to aid in the digital prototyping of components and assemblies to help guide the design evolution.
LO4 Produce a team engineering and design project and demonstrate effective sharing and collaboration skills. Learn to use design requirements and follow the design process to find solutions to implement the requirements.
LO5 Learn to recognise the benefits of prototype manufacturing methods and demonstrate the use of a method to create a physical prototype.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
3D CAD System.
Use of the CAD system to design components in metal and plastic materials to be manufactured using additive and subtractive methods. Implement top down and bottom up design methodologies. Build assemblies of components and implement design intent within the 3D software.
Detailed part design.
Develope fundamental knowledge on the detailed design of part features. Adapt the design to optimise the geometry for the choosen manufacturing method.
Digital testing
Use of the CAD system to perform basic analysis like interference detection, ESD, deformation under loading, maximum stress and shape optimisation to drive the design direction to satisfy design requirements.
Import of CAD data
Import electronics design data in different CAD exchange formats (IGES,STEP) into an assembly and design mechancical features to assemble and allow use of electronic components like switches, sesnors, connectors, LCD's.
Standard component selection.
Selecting standard or off the shelf mechanical components for use in a design solution. Selection criteria and use of CAD data.
Mechanical Prototyping
Gain uderstanding of the methods used on producing prototypes (3D printing, CNC Milling, manual moulding) Indeintify the most appropiate method to manufacture a prototype. Gain experience in generating Gcode and sending data to manufacturing machines and fine tune key parameters to optimise part quality.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Engineering design challenge 1. Produce a portfolio of 3D designs solving specified design challenges.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Engineering design challenge 2. Produce a portfolio of 3D designs solving specified design challenges.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Engineering design challenge 3. Produce a portfolio of 3D designs solving specified design challenges.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 20
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,5
Assessment Description
Produce a prototype design of a device or small mechanism and perform basic; insightful analysis to evolve the design. Produce a prototype to validate the design.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Team based mechanical design project.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Computer lab/ Makerspace Every Week 4.00 4
Independent Learning Non Contact Self directed project work Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Computer lab/maker space Every Week 4.00 4
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Norman, Donald A.. (2013), The design of everyday things, Revised and Expanded. The MIT press, London, p.347, [ISBN: 0262525674].
  • Peter R N Childs. (2018), Mechanical Design Engineering Handbook, 2. [ISBN: 9780081023686].
  • David G Ullman. (2018), The mechanical design process, [ISBN: 9780999357804].
  • Budynas, Richard G; Nisbett, J. Keith; Shigley, Joseph Edward. (2020), Shigley's mechanical engineering design, 11. McGraw-Hill Education, New York, [ISBN: 1260577112].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_ESMPR_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Smart Product Engineering 2 Mandatory