Adding a Folding Neck Joint for Compact and Portability

Implementing a Revolute Joint for Smooth and Controlled Scooter Folding Functionality

Learn how to add joints to a foldable scooter design using Autodesk Inventor. Understand the process of setting origin modes, snap points, and motion for the folding bracket and neck.

Key Insights

  • The article explains how to add a joint to a foldable scooter design, specifically focusing on the folding bracket and neck.
  • Instructions are given on how to set the origin mode to 'Between Two Faces', select the correct faces, and determine the appropriate snap point.
  • Details are also provided on how to set the joint motion, with specific emphasis on changing the motion to 'Revolute', setting a maximum limit for folding, and naming the joint for easy identification.

Note: These materials offer prospective students a preview of how our classes are structured. Students enrolled in this course will receive access to the full set of materials, including video lectures, project-based assignments, and instructor feedback.

One really cool feature about our scooter is that it folds in onto itself. So let's zoom into that folding bracket right here. It is now anchored to the deck, and we have this neck that can fold back.

Let's go ahead and add that joint. We'll go to Assemble Joint, and we want to set our origin mode to Between Two Faces. And again, we'll orient ourselves looking towards the front of the scooter so that we can select the right face first, and then that left face.

Now we need our snap point, and it's kind of hard to select because that bracket is in the way. So let's go ahead and hide it for a moment. Now we can zoom in really tight, and we can snap right to the center of that hole.

With this folding neck selected, now we can go onto that bracket. So let's go ahead and unhide our folding bracket. And again, we'll select the Between Two Faces.

We'll select the right side and that left side. And now we need our snap point, which is right inside this hole. With that, we need to select our motion.

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Right now I have it set to Rigid from our last experience here, and we're going to go ahead and change this now to Revolute. Now I'm noticing that it is revolving the correct way. If I hit the Play button here, it's rotating towards the back of the scooter, which is what I want, but it's going too far.

So I want to set a minimum, which is zero. It's already at zero. It's fine where it belongs.

And we'll set our maximum to about 75. Now let's go ahead and look at the front view, and we'll click the Preview Limits. So imagine that scooter folding all the way back onto itself.

But we don't want it to go so far that it goes past this rear wheel and brake. That looks pretty good, so we can click OK. Then over here in our Relationships folder, our Joints, we have this Revolute that's generic.

We'll give it a name, and we'll call it Revolute Neck. And with that, we can hit our Save button.

photo of Reid Johnson

Reid Johnson

Licensed Architect | Contractor | CAD/BIM Specialist

Reid isn't just someone who knows CAD and BIM; he's a licensed architect and contractor who deeply integrates these technologies into every facet of his career. His hands-on experience as a practitioner building real-world projects provides him with an invaluable understanding of how BIM and CAD streamline workflows and enhance design. This practical foundation led him to Autodesk, where he shared his expertise, helping others effectively leverage these powerful tools. Throughout his professional journey, Reid also dedicates himself to education, consistently teaching university courses and shaping the next generation of design professionals by equipping them with essential CAD skills. His unique blend of practical experience, industry knowledge gained at Autodesk, and passion for teaching positions Reid as a true specialist in BIM and CAD technology, capable of bridging the gap between theory and real-world application.

Credentials:

  • Autodesk Fusion Certified User
  • Autodesk Revit Certified Professional
  • Autodesk Certified Instructor
  • Licensed Architect
  • Licensed General Contractor

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