CAD Bridge Model Reflection

I think that there are a lot of advantage to creating a CAD model before actually constructing the bridge. Because first of all, the CAD model allows you to see a realistic view of how you want your model to look like, and during the process of creating a CAD model, it gets you to think of many detailed things you otherwise would not have thought of just by imagining or even sketching the model. Also, the CAD model gives you very specific dimensions and allows you see the exactly proportion of every parts and it allows you to adjust it according to your needs. 

Our group will make sue of this model, and for this project, our group is using the CAD to create a bridge model. By using it, we were able to see our ideas to turn out to be an actual model in a short period of time. And it allows us to move on to the next step quickly. For the deadline next Friday, we were supposed to get wood on Tuesday, but unfortunately we did not get wood because of some miscommunications with another group. So we spent the class time to build a basic mould/model for the outer part of the bridge and hopefully we will be able to use that for the actual bridge. However, since the actual model is due in the beginning of class, we will get together before class on Friday to get the fabrication done. 

CAD Modeling Reflection

I think having CAD modeling as part of the Engineering Design process is very important. Since model/prototype is one of the step in the design process, CAD modeling can be very useful and convenient in terms of making sure the ideas work out. I see myself using it quite often because I really enjoy learning and using this tool and I see myself using it when i try to design a model or just trying to see if things will work out. 

CAD modeling should be used because it gives engineers a realistic view of how a model will look. Because when simply sketching a drawing and labeling the sizes can sometimes be unrealistic and will not work, and sometimes modeling can really be used to give a sense of if a model will work out, the parts that are missing, or the parts that need to be changed.

When I tried to learn how to use CAD software, I faced many obstacles. I did not have a third button mouse in the beginning so it was difficult to rotate around the model or add lengths to a size. Then small things will often stuck me such as unable to select a size, or unable to find a certain tool. But luckily, most things turn out well and smooth. 

1st Entry - 2013 FRC Competition

For my first Engineering project, I think this 2013 FRC Robotic Competition assignment is a very well thought-out project that both enhanced my understanding of the Engineering Design Process and gave me a basic overview of the field of Engineering in general. Through out this process, my team followed a very basic outline of the Engineering Design Process we learned in class. We wrote down every single step of the process, from defining the problem, brainstorm, research, to exploring possibilities, and we followed them precisely. By doing this, I not only gained an understanding of what every step mean, but how they work in practice. Also for this process, I realized that many of the steps are interchangeable and cyclical: if a certain approach does not work, we have to go back to brainstorming or try to figure out ways to change the certain situation. 

Although I have done internships related to Engineering and Technology before, it is my first time being involved in a project. It is also my first time putting myself in a situation where i have the rights to make decisions and change the direction a project goes. Feeling a sense of participation and involvement, I felt like I have the responsibility to ensure that this project goes well. It does not matter if it actually did turn out well, I think the most important thing is that I really tried to make things work out and put the efforts into it. Overall, I learned about the level of “compatibleness” between the field of Engineering and me. I think it is not something that I feel very confident because my lack of confidence, but I think it is quiet interesting.

From this experience, I gained a quiet amount of knowledge in both Engineering and Robotics. Other than learning about how a project works, I learned a lot of engineering terms from searching through the material and components needed for a certain parts. I also learned how some physics knowledge i previously learned in class apply to real situations. Although It is not something that just naturally came up to my mind, but doing this project helped me review many things I learned before. As a part of a team, I leaned how I fit and function within in. Currently, because my lack of knowledge compared to some of my other teammates, so I can only act as a supporting role, helping others to find certain things or draw certain parts. But I believe that when I gain more knowledge in the future, I can become a more crucial part of the team.