Engineering Design Process with Autodesk Fusion 360

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/engineering-design-process-fusion-360

Introduction

**Course Review: Engineering Design Process with Autodesk Fusion 360** In the rapidly evolving landscape of engineering and design, the ability to effectively conceptualize, test, and optimize mechanical assemblies is essential. The Coursera course "Engineering Design Process with Autodesk Fusion 360" offers a thorough and practical examination of these vital skills, aimed at equipping learners with the tools needed to navigate the complex, iterative nature of engineering design. **Overview** This course dives deep into the components of mechanical assembly and simulation, providing students with a foundation built on exploration and iteration. As the description aptly points out, design is rarely a straightforward linear process. Instead, it's a journey defined by experimentation, revision, and continuous improvement. By employing Autodesk Fusion 360, participants will learn to not only design but also test and refine their creations. **Syllabus Highlights** 1. **Design Optimization** The first module focuses on the nuances of design optimization. The course emphasizes that a design often undergoes multiple revisions before reaching its final form. Through practical examples, such as enhancing the strength-to-weight ratio of a quadcopter design, participants gain insights on making informed design decisions. This section is invaluable for engineers who seek to create efficient and robust designs. 2. **Design Validation** Validation is crucial in the design process, especially against real-world costs associated with manufacturing. This module explores static simulation, allowing students to identify potential weak points in their designs before production. By integrating lessons on design validation, learners can ensure structural integrity and functionality, enhancing the likelihood of success in real-world applications. 3. **Assembly Motion** Understanding the mechanics of assembly motion is key in developing products with moving parts. Participants will delve into the mechanics of the quadcopter’s propellers and camera, emphasizing the importance of physical constraints to prevent collisions during operation. This segment effectively connects theoretical knowledge to practical application, illustrating how movement impacts overall design. 4. **Camera Gimbal Design Integration** The final module presents a hands-on project that pushes learners to apply their newfound skills. Integrating a live-feed camera that can be adjusted remotely via a servo introduces a complexity that enriches the learning experience. This segment actively engages students in the creative process, allowing them to brainstorm solutions and consider practical applications of their designs. **Recommendation** The "Engineering Design Process with Autodesk Fusion 360" course is highly recommended for anyone interested in mechanical engineering, product design, or a simply curious about how to bridge the gap between concept and reality in engineering projects. Whether you're a student, a professional looking to upskill, or someone intrigued by design, this course will provide you with valuable insights and hands-on experience. One of the standout features of this course is its application of Autodesk Fusion 360, which is an industry-standard tool in mechanical design and CAD. The software's functionalities are integrated seamlessly into the curriculum, providing learners with direct experience that can be transferred to real-world scenarios. In conclusion, if you're looking to enhance your understanding of mechanical design, improve your skills in iterative engineering, and gain insights into design simulation and optimization, the "Engineering Design Process with Autodesk Fusion 360" is a course not to be missed. It's a well-structured, engaging program that fosters practical learning and critical thinking — skills that are indispensable in today's engineering environments.

Syllabus

Design Optimization

Just because a design looks complete, doesn’t mean that it’s done. Often times you will go through dozens of revisions before achieving the final result. We'll explore ways to optimize the strength and reduce the weight of our quadcopter design, and we'll pull from experience to help guide design decisions.

Even with today's rapid manufacturing processes, there is still a cost associated. Regardless if you have access to a 3D printer, making informed design decisions is critical to the success of any product. In this week's lessons, we'll explore static simulation to identify weak areas of our design so they can be addressed before production.

Replicating real world motion is important to understanding physical constraints of any product. A quadcopter has spinning propellers, and in our case, a tilting camera. This is relatively simple mechanically speaking, but making sure they never touch is key to keeping it up in the air.

The overall scope of this project requires a live feed camera that can be adjusted by a person on the ground. Our project will use a single servo to allow the camera to tilt as needed but will require a servo mount on the body to function properly.