Abstract:

The use of specialized 3D CAD (Computer-aided design) systems during any mechanical design process is an essential skill which every mechanical engineer must have. Therefore a great deal of attention is being paid to these design software tools, and they are included in the study plans at all faculties dealing with the mechanical design of machines, equipment, devices and vehicles. Some advanced CAD software is complemented by a number of extension modules that facilitate the design process, or allow the creation of structures that cannot be created using the standard software. For example, these extra modules allow the creation of photorealistic visualisations of 3D models, animation creation, creation and analysis of the motions of mechanisms and much more. Often there is not enough time for proper education about these modules. Therefore, we have tried to implement and use these advanced design tools in group design projects in our department to allow our students to broaden their knowledge in this area. By implementing these modules into the solution process, education becomes more similar to the real industrial environment in which students will work after graduating from our faculty. This paper describes a group study project where emphasis is placed on the use of an advanced design module that deals with the analysis of a moving mechanism. The students' task is to design a complex machine with several mechanisms and use the mechanism module to analyse its structure. By solving this project, students improve their skills and gain essential practical design know-how, which will provide them with a competitive advantage for finding a better position on the labour market.

Keywords:

Mechanical engineering, education, group project, project based learning.