Enkeltfag Danish 10 ECTS

Mechanical product documentation and analysis

Two business professionals networking during a tech conference.

Overall Course Objectives

When designing a product, or just a component, it is necessary to determine the fundamental challenges an engineer is faced. In addition to understanding the physical loads acting on the component, the technical documentation conventions need to be understood.

The purpose of the course is to introduce the student to work within the field of engineering, by the application of traditional engineering competences as well as including an aspect such a group dynamics. During the course, the students will form the basic understanding of a problem in an engineering context. Among these, the formation of a professional and scientific vocabulary and application of e.g. mathematics, mechanics knowledge and technical drawing during the solution of specific engineering problems.

Explain the characteristics of the projection (double-orthogonal and axonometric projection) and choose the most appropriate projection form for a given task.
Perform the drawing types, principles sketches and diagrams that describe machine construction and function and apply them to spatial visual drawings and sketches, mechanical engineering and design drawing.
Read a mechanical drawing and judge whether it is clear and unambiguous.
Produce a high-quality mechanical engineering drawing suitable for manufacture in an external workshop, including having demonstrated knowledge of relevant standards.
Model a product of multiple components in an advanced CAD system and apply the models as a basis for the production of simple machining drawings and Rapid Protyping of the models.
Use drawing (graphic modeling and communication) for problem solving, including proposition and presentation.
Demonstrate effective group collaboration, including clear communication, division of responsibility and constructive conflict management.
Systematically disassemble a mechanical product, identify main components and create bill of materials.
Identify components, materials, and analyze their properties in relation to function.
Document project work and results in technical reports, use technical terminology from a high professional level (objective, theory, methods, results, discussion and conclusion).
Visualize and present data using graphs, diagrams and tables.

Sketching techniques, basic projection rules and standards for performing drawings of machine components. Dimensioning, including indication of simple tolerances and surface roughness. General introduction to graphic communication, including presentation of results in technical journals. Use of CAD for product modeling, production of technical drawings as well as illustrations and animations.

The students will in small groups analyze a product of their own choice (for example, electrical drill, mini-robot) where main components and function are identified. The work with product analysis is documented in a technical report with focus on production methods, material costs, sustainability and functionality. Thereafter, the students will develop a 3D-printed prototype of a simple mechanical product (for example, a syringe pump) based on a given product specification. The product will be based on a linear actuator controlled by a single-board computer and stepper motor. The project is finalized with a systematic evaluation of the prototype with documentation of the results in a test report.