A Comparative Motion Study of Mated Gears on AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS

Abstract

Motion is a tool for exploring the kinematic and dynamic performance of a mechanical system. For the creation of motion of assembled entities, motion is fully incorporated and embedded in CAD software as an add-in module. This paper acquaints us with the multidisciplinary comparison of motion study performed on two mated gears of similar aspects on AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS designed as a part model. During the case study as a part of product development, two solid models of gears have been mated on both the software and a motion study is performed. Modeling has been done keeping the designing parameters the same on both the software. AutoCAD involves modeling and assembling on the same platform, whereas SOLIDWORKS generates two separate files for designing and assembly. During the motion study, a series of commands have been executed to study the motion. Rscript command has been utilized for generating and running the loop in AutoCAD, whereas motion manager is utilized for creating and playing the animation in SOLIDWORKS. A 3D modeling comparison matrix has been developed which compares the looping feature of AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS based on multiple disciplines. Further, quantitative comparison has been made for comparing the effectiveness of the process of product modeling to motion. The developed comparison may channelize the user to redesign the products and obtain a shorter and faster lead time to analyze and develop the motion.