Wednesday, 12th of October 2011 - CAD 1

CAD Software:     Autodesk Inventor 2012 Suite: Educational Version
Render Engine:    Inventor Studio 2012: Educational Version
Image Editing:      Adobe Photoshop CS4 Version
                              Autodesk Sketchbook Pro 2012: Educational Version
Presentation:        Adobe Illustrator CS4 Version


 The mechanism has been designed and the form has a set criteria, but these need to be explored through the computer aided design process. The first part of this process is to determine the precise geometry of the mechanism as there will be many moving parts in close quarters to each other. This is expected to create some changes to the design of the gas release mechanism as the wedge mechanism will be pivoting back and forth around other wedge mechanism -

Render: Mechanism 1. This image shows how the mechanisms can work in harmony side by side without interference. NB: render is of completed Levi-Mate: purpose for explanation of CAD process.

Render: Mechanism 2. Close up of the gas release mechanism with the servo motor wheel in use. NB: render is of completed Levi-Mate: purpose for explanation of CAD process.

 As can be seen from the above render of the mechanism - the wedges are able to be work together to create a variable gas release mechanism that will allow the flames to update how many users are working together on the same project.

The modeling of the mechanism was relatively simple (although very tight tolerances). The key aspect was making sure that the outputs of the gas were close enough together (Lighter exploration) while allowing for the mechanisms to be far enough apart to be able to operate effectively. At first this seemed to be quite a challenge as the mechanisms would have to be so small (almost un-manufacturable) for the gas outputs to be so close together. This was because it was thought that the mechanisms would have to be the direct flame output.. this was until it was discovered that the use of a secondary gas line could be used and the mechanism could be positioned further down in the housing.


As the gas release mechanism was the first part to be modeled, some assumptions had to be made regarding the mounting. They were designed so they could be screwed into the side wall of whatever housing was going to be placed around the mechanism. It was also assumed M3 x 5mm counter-sunk machine screws were to be used though it is likely that smaller could be used.

The model will then be built up from here, now that the mechanism is shown to work (through the CAD simulation).