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Ergonomic Dinosaur Grabber

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Objective

Students were to work with a peer to recreate a device with multiple parts in NX and complete an FEA analysis on an aspect of the geometry.

Skills, Software, and Applied Knowledge

- Siemens (Unigraphics) NX modeling, assembly, and FEA functions

- Working knowledge of a cantilever beam force diagram

- Creating various datum planes

- Creating 3D splines, surfaces, and sewing to make solids

- Using the texture tool in NX

My Contribution

I worked with my teammate to jointly write and design all deliverables, ideate, and assemble the designs. My 3D model contribution included all the parts of the dinosaur head (i.e., the top and bottom jaws, the connecting bolt, and teeth) and the assemblies therein.

Process

Concept

My teammate and I decided to recreate one of the classic dinosaur head grabbers that kids often get at amusement parks. We both agreed that currently, there is no fun equivalent for adults, and since things are so far away when you aren't willing to move. This design was created to add a little extra fun to grocery shopping or picking up litter off the side of the road. To be viable for any real-world application, we aimed for the telescoping rod to extend 5 feet and be able to hold objects up to 5 lbs. in weight before fracture.

Most Complex Geometries Construction

Final Assemblies

There were three main subassemblies that, when combined, make up the finished dinosaur grabber assembly.

Finite Element Analysis

To determine the optimal material for constructing the product, a finite element analysis was performed on the rod assembly. Constraints were implemented to streamline the calculations and ensure accurate results.

Constraints
The red force vectors apply 1.25 lb-f to the system.
The end (leftmost point) of the rod is fixed.
The head and handle are made from ABS plastic.
The rod will be analyzed using the material properties of aluminum 6061 and A36 steel.
The telescoping rod is the key point of failure and requires analysis.
All rods are connected.

Final Product

Comments

I was super excited about modeling this project. I had to figure out how best to create the complex geometry of the dinosaur head from scratch and without dimensions. I ended up having a lot of fun learning how to use NX and would have liked to have been able to actually fabricate this and test the FEA results against a real-world simulation. As the mathematical analysis stands currently, it is apparent that proper laziness requires proper reinforcement materials for load-bearing purposes.

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