Datasheet

Waguespack c01.tex V2 - 08/30/2008 1:44pm Page 17
UNDERSTANDING FUNCTIONAL DESIGN 17
Functional design supports design through generators and wizards that add mechanical con-
tent and intelligence to the design. By using the components within Inventor functional design,
you can create mechanically correct components automatically by entering simple or complex
mechanical attributes inside the generator.
Using the functional design components within Inventor provides many advantages:
◆ You shorten the design and modification process through the use of wizards.
◆ You produce a higher level of design quality and accuracy.
◆ Functional design provides a more intuitive design environment, compared to creating
complicated geometrical designs.
◆ Functional design can eliminate the need for physical prototypes for the purpose of
analyzing stress and movement.
The following portions of Autodesk Inventor are part of the functional design system:
◆ Design Accelerator
◆ Frame Generator
◆ Inventor Studio
◆ AutoLimits
◆ Content Center
The Design Accelerator is an important component of the functional design system, providing
the user with engineering calculation and decision-making support to identify and place standard
components or create standards-based geometry from the input provided by the user. Design
Accelerator tools automate selecting standard parts and creating intelligent geometry. The ini-
tial design quality is improved by validating against design requirements. Standardization is
simplified by selecting the same components for the same tasks.
The Design Accelerator provides a set of wizards and calculators that are able to create mechan-
ically correct standard components automatically by entering simple or detailed information.
The Bolted Connection Generator is one example of a wizard that can create and insert a com-
plete bolted connection all at once by sizing the bolt diameter and length, by selecting the right
parts and holes, and by assembling all the components together.
The Frame Generator will create internal or external frame assemblies for machines. The Frame
Generator functions by creating a skeleton part to define the frame within an assembly file. You
then use the skeleton to place and size the frame members. You can then use multiple skele-
tal models within an assembly to create frame members, and you can create frame members
between skeletal models. You can also create frame members from the vertices and edges of exist-
ing subassemblies. This ability allows you to build framing between other components within an
assembly.
Joining frame members together and adjusting the end treatments for connection between
members is a simple matter in the use of this tool. Joining frame members with weld gaps and
coped joints is supported.
Inventor Studio is an environment within Autodesk Inventor with a complete set of tools for
creating and editing renderings and animations. With Inventor Studio you will be able to create
animated renderings and photo realistic still images of parts and assemblies to help visualize the
appearance and motion of designs before they are built.