Chapter 9 Design Accelerator This chapter introduces you to the Design Accelerator, which allows you to easily insert standard and customizable components and features into your model ‘This chapter introduces: Design Accelerator Generators Calculators Engineer's HandbookASCENT - Canto for Technical Knowledge” 9.1 Design Accelerator ‘The Design Accelerator allows you to generate and perform calculations for common components by entering mechanical attributes. The Design Accelerator panel shown in Figure 9-1 ‘contains all the design accelerator tools, including generators, calculators, and the engineer's handbook Hostel comin son woos - ‘Reena = Woreeenore + Bon ee flores ie Generavors Calentators Engineer handbook Figure 9-1 Inventor Rit: Advanced Modoing osASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® General Steps 9.2 Generators Generators require specific mechanical aitbutes and dimensions to ‘auiomatically create components. For example, a clevis pin can be ‘created automatically with the Dasign Accelerator by specifying the levis width, rod width, pin diameter, and active pin length, Use the following general steps to insert a component using the Design Accelerator's Generator tools: | 4. Access the Design Accelerator panel Select the desired component generator. Enter and solect the required inputs. Perform calculations, as necessary. ‘Complete the generator. oak eN Correct errors, if necessary. In an assembly, select Design Accelerator from the Assembly Panel pull-down menu, as shown in Figure 9-2. Inventor R11: Advanced ModelingASCENT - Canter for Technical Knowledge” ‘Select the desired component generator from the Design Accelerator Browser. There are two distinct styies of interfaces you will see, depending on which generator is used: + Some generators have not yet been changed over to the new single dialog box style. For these generators, a series of screens ‘appears requiring inputs to define the component parameters. The (O-ring generator stil uses the series of screens far its definition, as shown in Figure 9-3. For this generator, there are six screens, Figure 9-3 Inventor R11: Advanced Modeling osASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge” + Assingle dialog box containing one main area to define the ‘component parameters is the new interface for many generators. Eventually the interface for all generators will switch over to this, single dialog box style. The spur gears generator, shown in Figure 9-4, uses the new single dialog box style, All parameters, ‘can be specified without switching screens, The spur gears generator is one of the more straightforward interfaces, where only values and references need to be specifie. ‘Another single dialog box style interface exists for particular generators, such as bolted connections and clevis pins. These dialog boxes contain a built-in link to the Content Center, allowing you to add several standard components, such as bolts, washers, land nuts, to the base component. The bolted connections dialog box is shown in Figure 9-5. Some common areas are labelled. 38 Inventor R11: Advanced Modeling[ASCENT - Cantor for Technical Knowledge” Design tab includes majority ofthe inputs required for most generators seep] Toles option to perform BBA calculations }— Options for modifying and deleting the fesienen Select to access the Content Center and select an alternative component to replace the existing one. (Click to aed additional fasteners or holes in the desired locations List of fasteners and holes Placement reference selection area Figure 9-5 Each generator contains only the fields and options applicable to that generator. For some corriponent generator dialog boxes, you can immediately select the placement references, such as for bolted connections, key connections, and spur gears. Select the required references, as necessary. Enter and select the required inputs, as necessary, such a a thread and diameter value, ‘Some component generator dialog boxes enable you to select ‘components from the Content Center, such as for bolted connections, bearings, and clevis pins. For example, to add a fastener within the Bolted Connection Component Generator, select ettnkiatatinie in the list of fasteners and holes, as shown in Figure 9-8, and select the desired fastener from the Content Center. Continue adding fasteners and holes as needed Invent R11: Advanced Medetng or[ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge” Depending on the Select here to adda fastener: components that have been added, youmay have | [ETaRSUMTEReTErS the option to add fasteners at different locations in the | connection. This fs | possible when you see | ‘mutioie In several generator dialog boxes, you can perform calculations to determine if the components are able to withstand particular force values. Many of the enhanced (single page) dialog boxes have a Caloutation tab. Although the Calculation tab for each generator is different, the more common areas are labelled in Figura 9-7. oe Inventor Rt: Advanced Modeting[ASCENT - Canter for Technical Knowledge T Expansion and Expandable calculations Loads input area Expandable results area Icons Compression report area Liste Pe pence eared Sle sc a cause: endear ete an se essen, a coum [| oe |e Jol Figure 8-7 To perform calculations, enter the necessary input data and select TEEBIEET| The eouts are ciopayed inthe expandable results area on the right-hand side. View a report for the calculations by expanding the bottom area, This area indicates f the calculations ‘show design compliance or design failure based on the values ‘ontored. To expand or collapse the expandable areas, selec! the expansion and compression arrows. To change the units ofan value inthe resus area, double-ciek onthe value and enter the new uns ‘When the input values cause a design failure, the critical values that have boon excooded are highlightod in red in the Results area. The calculations report explains the reason for the detected design failure. Inventor R11: Advances Mogoing 29[ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® (Once you have completed defining the component, select {0 place the component. ‘The Design Accelerator Doctor appears when an error is detected in the model, a constraint, or a calculation. A sample Design Accolerator ee Doctor dialog box is shown in Figure 9-8. S data inthe generator dialog box. Select HI to apply the changes wih the error(s) detected, The generator alalog box opens if ‘major ertor exists withthe current inputs and the error must be manually corrected. Select S21 0 close the dialog box and not correct any errors. toeditine Figure 9-8 40 Inventor R11: Advanced Modeing[ASCENT - Cantor for Techrical Knowledge® 9.3 Calculators ‘The Calculators in the Design Accelerator perform calculations to help ‘assess the feasibility of designs based on provided data. Many of the calculators are the same as the enhanced Calculation tab for generators. For example, to determine whether or not a rectangular beam can withstand a load, you can use the plate calculator. Enter the beam dimensions, load, and material properties; the calculator determines ifit can withstand the load. If the beam’s properties are sufficient forthe load, a calculated safety factor is provided. The Plate Calculator dialog box is shown in Figure 9-9. Seca | Figure 9-9 ‘The list of calculators available include the following: + Plug and Groove Weld + Cone Joint But Weld. + Tolerance ‘Spot Weld + Limits and Fits Filet Weld (Connection Pane Load) + Press Et Fillet Weld (Connection Spatial Load) + Power Screw Butt Solder Joint Beam Bevel Solder Joint Column Lap Solder Joint Plate ‘Step Tube Solderdoint ‘Shoe Drum Brake Step Solder Joint Disc Brake ‘Separated Hub Joint + Cone Brake Slotted Hub Joint + Band Brake Inventor R11: Advances Modeling on[ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge” 9.4 Engineer’s Handbook i | The Engineer's Handbook is a reference for all theories and formulas | used in the generators and calculators. A sample of the Engineers Handbook is shown in Figure 9-10, Engineer's Handbook Home Page Sn Sees hut omieFacacann Sree | Seca eee Bt Sl Ca aaron ‘ents fgsniOereild Saskia ae 2 pte rt se Avishai Set Serica Gabe aaoae Figure 9-10 2 Ad iain {Comore od Yosh on Inventor R11: Advanced ModelingExercise 9a Goal [ASCENT - Center for Techical Knowodg Design Accelerator | In this exercise, you insert a pin using the Design Accelerator. The final assembly is shown in Figure 9-11 Pin Figure 9-11 ‘After you complete this exercise, you will be able to: ¥ Use the design accelerator to insert a pi Task? pen the hub_shaft_as jssembly. 4. Open hub_shaft_assy.iam from the top-level training fles folder. ‘The model appears as shown in Figure 9-12. Figure 9-12 lventor R11: Advanced ModelingASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge? The Content Center library read only user option enables you to fog in with read only ‘permissions if you do not have a login sei up with your system administrator k 2: Accass the design accelerator. 1. Click File > Autodesk Data Management Server > Log tn. If the Log in option is grayed cut, then you are already logged in and you can proceed to the next step. Otherwise, select Content Center. 2. Select Design Accelerator from the Assembly Panel pull-down to switch to the Design Accelerator panel ‘Task 3: Use the radial pin component generator, 1. Select W#z#F) You may need to select it from the pin flyout menu, as shown in Figure 8-13, The Radial Pin Component Genefator dialog box appears. Figure 9-13 2. Select the visible work plane as the start plane. 3. Select the hole shown in Figure 9-14. The selected hole is ‘added to the Items list in the dialog box. on Inventor R11: Advanced Modeling[ASCENT - Centar for Technical Knowledge® Figure 9-14 ‘Select Click to add a pin from the items list. The fasteners. available in the Content Center appear. ‘Select ISO 8734 (A) from the list. A preview of the pin is displayed. If the direction of the pin is incorrect, reverse it using the £11 icon forthe exiting hole. Note how he enth ofthe pin anna oomeaa soect SEEBEEY » nertne primo assem. Hide the Work Plane2. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 9-16. ‘Save and close the assembly. Inventor R11: Advanced Modeling e15[ASCENT - Cantor for Technical Knowledge®™ Exercise 9b Goal Design Accelerator II In this exercise, you use the Content Center and Design Acceleretor to insert a screw, washer, and nut into the four holes shown in Figure 9-16. During the placement of one set of fasteners, you also create a hole through one of the parts using the bolted connection ‘component generator. By placing components using both methods, you can determine which one is the faster method for placing bolted connections. Figure 9-16 ‘Afier you complete this exercise, you will be able to: ¥ Add a component from the Content Center and use AutoDrop ¥ Use the bolted connection component generator Task the general assembly. 1. Open general.iam from the Design Accelerator2 folder. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 9-17. Figure 9-17 Inventor R11: Advanced Mogeting ourASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® The Content Center library read only user ‘option enables you to log in with read only permissions if you do not have a login set up with your system administrator. 2. Rotate the model to the opposite side and notice that the plate has only three identical holes, as shown in Figure 9-18, but four identical holes on the flange. Figure 9-18 Task: Place a washer from the Content Center. In this task, you will use the Content Center to place components into an assembly. 1. Select SIASaNERIER CEH: the Log In dialog box appears, activate the Content Center library read only user option and select ‘The Place from Content Genter window appears. 2. Toggle the Family Preview pane using the E3 icon, fnot already displayed. The Content Center appears as in Figure 9-19. I CORestesmme ou Figure 9-19 Inventor R11: Advanced Modeling[ASCENT - Cantor for Technical Knowledge” Expand the Fasteners category and then expand the Washers category in the Category View pane. ‘Select the Plain category and select ISO 7089. The Family Preview pane should appear as shown in Figure 9-20. Figura 9-20 Double-click ISO 7089 in the upper right-hand pane. Place the cursor on the edge of one of the three identical holes that line up with a hole in the plate (recall that there are only three identical holes in the plate, but four inthe flange). The cursor should change to include a check mark, as shown in Figure 9-21. Figure 9-21 Llfe-clck to accept the previewed washer and select the I] icon to complete the washer placement. Inventor R11: Advanced Modeling a9[ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowiedge® In this task, you use an alternative method of accessing the Content Center to piace the screw. 1, Select Favorites trom the Model Browser pull-down menu, as shown in Figure 8-22. The Favorites Browser shows the Content Center categories. 2. Expand the following categories in order: Fasteners, Bolls, and ‘Socket Head. Double-click on ISO 4762 to place it 3. Place the cursor over the inner edge of the washer, as shown in Figure 9-23. Figure 3-23 4. Left-click the preview to accept it A directional arrow appears. Drag it to increase the length ofthe screw so that it goes through the length of both holes and protrudes out, as shown in Figure 9-24. The bolt should be an MS x 30, 20 Inventor R11; Advanced Modeling[ASCENT - Centr for Technical Knowledge® Figure 9-24 5. Select the [Wl icon to complete the screw placement. Task 1 Figure 9-25 lventor R11: Advanced Modeling oat[ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge ‘Task &: Insert one set of fasteners using the Design Accelerator. In this task, you use an alternative method of placing fasteners, This involves using the bolted connection component generator. 1. Select Design Accelerator trom the Assembly panel pull-down ‘menu, as shown in Figure 9-26. The Design Accelerator panel appears with all generators, calculators, and the Engineer's Hendbook Brcncmace ere cope 8a cones Bioatelcorrecin Figure 9-28 2. Select BH SEH to open the bolted connection component generator dialog box. Keep the hole type as ji (Through All connection type). 4. Ensure the hole placement pull-down menu is set to By hole. The Bolted Connection Component Generator dialog box ‘appears as shown in Figure 9-27. oz Inventor R11: Advanced Modeling[ASCENT - Centr for Technical Knowledge® Hole placement pull-down mem Hole Types Placement reference area 6 Figure 9-27 Solect the references shown in Figure 9-28. Ensure that the hole you select has a matching hole in the plate, Select this face as the start plane reference. \) existing hole reference. Select the bottom face of the plate as the termination reference, Figure 9-28 Ensure the Thread parameters are set to ISO Metric profile and the Diameter is Smm. Inventor R11: Advanced Medeting 923ASCENT - Canter for Technical Knowledge” 7. Select GaR=ESTERE to access the screws in the Content Center, as shown in Figure 9-29, Figure 9-29 8. Select 180 4762. A preview of the screw appears in the model ‘and placed in the lst in the dialog box, as shown in Figure 9-30. Figure 9-30 28 Inventor R11: Advanced Modeling[ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® 10. 1 12. 13, ‘Select GERERHSTEIET that is just below the screw in the list to place a washer botwoen the scrow and the hole. ‘Select the ISO 7089 washer. The washer appears as shown in Figure 9-31. Note the length of the screw in the preview. te o Figure 9-31 Select HEWSHSTEZET that is below the hole in the list to place a nut after. ‘Select Nuts from the Category pull-down menu, Solect the ISO 4032 hex nut. The list appears as shown in Figure 8~32. Notice the length of the screw increased in length after the nut was added. 9 oe [56 cont | rim cata) — ai 1a tee Fon ao Figure 9-32 Inventor R11: Advances Modeling 925[ASCENT - Center fr Technical Knowledge® 14, Select to complete the placement ofthe bolted Connection. The mode! now appears as shown in Figure 9-33. Figure 9-33 ‘Task 6: Use Design Accelerator to simultaneously insert fasteners and create a hole in the plate. If you need to insert fasteners, but a hole res not exist in ane or more of the parts, the bolted connection component generator can ‘create the hole for you within the same dialog box. 1. Select ii generator dialog box. to open the bolted connection component 2, Select the same siart plane you used forthe lat bolted connection (the top face of the flange). 3. Forthe Existing Hole reference, select the hole in the flange that does not have a corresponding hole in the plate. 4. Select the bottom face of the plate for the Termination reference, ‘as shown in Figure 9-34. A new hole Is previewed in the plate because of the Termination reference you selected. The lst of holes and fasteners now shows two holes instead of just one. 9-25 Inventor R11: Advanced Modeing[ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® Select this bottom face Figure 9-34 5. Add the same fasteners you added for the previous bolted ‘connection and complete the placement. The model appears as shown in Figure 9-35. Figure 9-35 TaskT: 160 the fasteners for the last pair of holes. 1, Place the fasteners for the last hole in the flange. You can use elther SiticefaniGateREie or the bolted connection ‘component generator. 2. Save and close all models. Inventor R11: Advanced Medeking oarQuestion 1 Question 2 Question 3 Question 4 [ASCENT - Canter for Technical Knowledas® Review Questions ‘What is the purpose of the Design Accelerator? Is'l possible to access the Content Center within a Generator? If so how? What tool can you use to understand the theory used in Generators and caleulators? If a component is generated that cuts through solid material wll Inventor automatically remove the material as part of the component | Generator’s actions? a. Yes b. No 928 Inventor R11: Advanced Modeling