Reverse Engineering a Garbage Truck
Project Overview: Used Solidworks to create a 1:1 model of a Toy garbage truck with engineering drawings and assembly drawings. Created an engineering drawing and an exploded view assembly.
Design Process:
Disassembly & Sketching: Carefully disassembled the toy, sketched each part, and recorded dimensions to understand its structure.
Hierarchical Modeling: Began with the largest foundational component as the base for the rest of the assembly.
Functional Assembly: Modeled components to fit and move together, focusing on external features for a 1:1 scaled, realistic representation.
Attention to Detail: Included realistic coloring and intricate details to replicate the movement and appearance of the device.
Challenges:
Complex Mating: With over 11 parts, ensuring proper dimensional and functional alignment was challenging.
Solution: Precision dimensioning and iterative adjustments were applied. For example, I created many unique parts within the assembly or learned new Solidworks tools like 3D sketch, mechanical mates, lofted base, shell, etc.
Project Outcome:
Skills Gained
Advanced sketch techniques: loft sketches, guided lines, and wrapping features.
Efficient assembly modeling: created parts directly within assemblies.
Visualization & detailing: added stickers, part appearances, and exploded view assemblies.
Modeling efficiency: shelling, mirroring, and linear pattern creation.
Final Deliverable
Accurate part mating and motion.
Simplified but near 1:1 representations of complex components.
A detailed and visually appealing model, complete with stickers and coloring for enhanced realism.
