6 Replies Latest reply on Oct 13, 2015 3:13 PM by Nicholas Scharpen

How can you make a functional pen-click mechanism in Solidworks?

Justin Berelsman Oct 1, 2015 3:09 PM

I am trying to make a functioning pen-click mechanism in SolidWorks, but I have run into a wall. I have been unsuccessful at mating the components of the pen concentrically while also allowing the cam of the pent to correctly follow the mate. I have attempted to draw a 3-d sketch of the grooves that the cam follow, but again I have been able to make these components concentric. Is there a way to project the path so that I can make all of the components concentric as well? The pen is a mock-up of a Pilot Click pen if you would need a physical reference. I believe that I have everything modeled correctly, but the trouble lies within the assembly. I will attach the files, and I appreciate the help.

Message was edited by: Justin Berelsman New to the forums, I hope that this file is correct.

Assem2.zip 4.0 MB

Re: How can you make a functional pen-click mechanism in Solidworks?

Zac Evans Oct 1, 2015 2:06 PM (in response to Justin Berelsman)

Your assembly you attached needs to include the part files as well, please pack and go the parts and and attach again so we can help.
Thanks
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Re: How can you make a functional pen-click mechanism in Solidworks?

Nicholas Scharpen Oct 1, 2015 2:58 PM (in response to Justin Berelsman)

You need to use Pack and Go to grab all files associated with an assembly or drawing. Flatten to a single folder when you do.

How did you try to build the barrel cam? With a sweep along a 3d path or a wrap? I've only been able to make working barrel cams with the wrap feature.
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- Re: How can you make a functional pen-click mechanism in Solidworks?
  
  Justin Berelsman Oct 1, 2015 3:12 PM (in response to Nicholas Scharpen)
  
  Okay, I think I finally have it packed correctly, thank you for your patience.
  
  To answer your question, I did use the wrap feature in order to build my barrel cam, however there are three variable thicknesses, so it isn't quite a uniform cam. I believe that I have it to the point where it will "click", but I first need to figure out the appropriate mates.
  
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  - Re: How can you make a functional pen-click mechanism in Solidworks?
    
    Nicholas Scharpen Oct 2, 2015 6:24 PM (in response to Justin Berelsman)
    
    Okay, I briefly looked at your model before leaving the office yesterday and noticed a few things about the feature I would change. First you're not going to be able to get the cam pin surfaces to engage the cam groove surfaces. Instead use a point on one of cam pins to follow a 3d sketch path coincident with the inside edge of the cam groove using the fit spline tool.
    
    Second, when making a cam groove that wraps entirely around a cylinder use an equation to drive the overall length of the wrap sketch to the circumference of the surface you're wrapping (dia*pi). If you break the wrap into sections and give it a radial pattern the pieces may not line up correctly and even if they do feature patterns can't link sketch/feature geometry to ensure proper alignment so if the cylinder changes at all gaps or overlap could show up in the pattern.
    
    I wish I had a better answer but when I make gates and doors that run on rollers in tracks I don't bother trying to mate the roller face to the track face, I mate a point on the roller to a sketch path on the track and it works just fine for me.
    
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    - Re: How can you make a functional pen-click mechanism in Solidworks?
      
      Justin Berelsman Oct 6, 2015 10:43 AM (in response to Nicholas Scharpen)
      
      Thank you for the advice. I was able to wrap the cam grooves around the inside cylinder using the equation driven method. However, I am still unable to make the cam concentric with the pen shaft while following the shaft. Is there a way to make a 3d sketch of the path that is on the same diameter as the intersection between the cam grooves and cam pins? I will post a picture to clarify what I mean.
      
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      - Re: How can you make a functional pen-click mechanism in Solidworks?
        
        Nicholas Scharpen Oct 13, 2015 3:13 PM (in response to Justin Berelsman)
        
        Enable temporary axis and mate the center axis of the outer shell with the center axis of the inner piece.
        
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