For this assignment we were tasked with developing a 2D illustrator file with the parts to a simple machine. In this case, I chose to draw parts for a fast return actuator, the parts for which are shown below along with a finished example:
Most of the parts for the actuator were simple to make, requiring only simple shapes such as circles and rectangles. Many of the parts are dowels as well, which were not necessary to be shown. The parts that are included in the Illustrator file are:
- The base plate
- The main circle that turns
- The bottom base of the base plate
- The side plates of the yoke
- The main plates of the yoke
The base plate of the yoke was created using the measurements in the book. I assumed with width was twice the distance shown on the bottom, and the height was the sum of the two heights mentioned and them some more, which I estimated at around 4.25″ total. This gave dimensions of 3.25″ x 4.25″. In theory the height should not matter as long as it is greater than the two required heights, as it is simply the base plate. Additionally, I drew the bottom face of the base plate as it contains two holes that dowels are put into to secure it to a horizontal plane. The shaded areas are the indicated areas to be drilled/etched to a certain depth. Grid and guide lines came in very handing in determining the center of the ellipses:
Next I drew the center circle, which contains two holes in it as well for dowels to be placed. These are marked by the filled areas:
The most difficult section to make was the side parts of the yoke, as they were essentially two rectangles put together. I first tried drawing them with the pen, but this proved difficult with the proper dimensions and angles. I then decided to draw the two rectangles individually, overlay them in the proper location, and use the merge layers button to successfully create the shape I wanted. The rectangles were easy to create using a click and imputing the dimensions.
By using the rulers and guide lines, along with creating the file in an “inches” format, I was able to create shapes the perfect size by clicking and entering the correct dimensions. The rulers helped place the circles in the correct locations on each piece as well, and the merge layers function allowed me to create a complex shape from two simpler shapes. Here is the Illustrator file with all the parts:
Thanks for reading,
Tim
