Geometric Constraints

Trampoline by Joshua Jenkins

Geometric shapes are found everywhere. Take a moment to analyze products or objects you use every day. Geometric shapes and solids are the basis of these products. Engineers who have a strong understanding of these shapes, solids, and other geometric relationships can help designers develop and create solutions to a variety of problems. As designers progress through the design process and these design solutions are formalized, the level of accuracy and precision in the design specifications must increase. Conceptual sketches are converted to computer models and formal drawings, which include annotations describing the size and characteristics of the design features. A strong understanding of shapes and other geometric relationships is necessary to effectively and efficiently develop these computer and graphic representations.

Deliverables

Monday, 2/9:

• Discuss geometric constraints
• Calculating Properties of Shapes

Tuesday, 2/10:

• Inventor Research

Wednesday, 2/11:

• Review Calculating Properties of Shapes

Thursday, 2/12:

• Teach What You Know: Understanding Inventor

Friday, 2/13:

• Instant Challenge

Reflection Post

1. What shapes did you use in the design of your model shelter, and why did you choose those shapes?

2. What angles resulted from the shapes you chose?

3. What was the overall surface area of the shelter’s exterior? What material would you cover the outside of your shelter with, and how much of it would you need?

4. What was the overall surface area of the shelter’s interior? Approximately, how many people would comfortably fit in your shelter?

5. What external load factors did you taken into account for your shelter? How did you design your shelter model to meet those constraints?

6. How did you consider “form follows function” in the design of your shelter?