Mechanical product documentation and analysis
Overall Course Objectives
Whether designing a full product or a single component, understanding the fundamental challenges of engineering is essential. Beyond analyzing the physical loads acting on a component, students must master the conventions of technical documentation.
This course introduces students to the engineering profession through the application of core technical competencies and group dynamics. Students will gain a foundational understanding of engineering problem-solving, including the acquisition of a professional technical vocabulary and proficiency in mechanics and CAD (Computer-Aided Design). Please note that a Windows-based laptop is required, as essential software is not compatible with macOS
See course description in Danish
Learning Objectives
- 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.
Course Content
The course covers sketching techniques, fundamental projection rules, and standards for technical drawings of machine components. This includes dimensioning as well as specifying simple tolerances and surface roughness. A general introduction to graphical communication is provided, focusing on the presentation of results in technical journals. Furthermore, students will use CAD for product modeling, the creation of technical drawings, as well as illustrations and animations.
Working in small groups, students will analyze a self-selected product (e.g., an electric screwdriver or a mini-robot) to identify its main components and functions. The product analysis is documented in a technical poster, focusing on production methods, material costs, durability, and functionality. Subsequently, students will develop a 3D-printed prototype of a simple mechanical system (e.g., a syringe pump) based on a given specification. The system will be based on a linear actuator controlled by a single-board computer and a stepper motor. The project concludes with systematic testing of the prototype and documentation of the results in a test report.
Teaching Method
Lectures, technical drawing exercises, group work including reporting
Faculty
Remarks
Sektion of Mechanical Technology
Maskinteknik: mandatory course 1st semester
Maritim teknik: mandatory course 1 st semester




