Mechanical Design Procedures
Input: $ARGUMENTS
Overview
Structured approach to mechanical system design: from requirements through concept generation, analysis, prototyping, and validation. Prevents the common failure of jumping to CAD before understanding the problem.
Steps
Step 1: Define Requirements
- Functional requirements (what must it DO?)
- Performance specs (load, speed, precision, range of motion)
- Environmental (temperature, humidity, vibration, corrosion)
- Interface constraints (mounting, connections, clearances)
- Manufacturing constraints (quantity, processes available, budget)
- Standards and regulations
Step 2: Concept Generation
- Generate 3+ distinct concepts (not variations of one idea)
- Sketch each concept (doesn’t need to be pretty — needs to communicate)
- For each: how does it meet each requirement?
- → INVOKE: /ma [design problem] for morphological analysis if needed
Step 3: Concept Selection
- Score concepts against requirements using weighted criteria
- → INVOKE: /cmp [concepts] for structured comparison
- Select best concept for detailed design
- Document why alternatives were rejected
Step 4: Detailed Design and Analysis
- Define geometry, materials, tolerances
- Structural analysis: → INVOKE: /enc for calculations
- Thermal analysis if applicable
- Kinematic analysis for moving parts
- Check: does it fit? (assembly, clearances, serviceability)
Step 5: Prototype and Test
- Build prototype (3D print, machined, whatever’s fastest)
- Test against each requirement
- Record: what works, what doesn’t, what surprised you
- Iterate design based on test results
Step 6: Documentation
- Assembly drawings, BOM, manufacturing specs
- → INVOKE: /dop for documentation procedures
When to Use
- Designing robots, mechanisms, fixtures, enclosures
- Any physical system design
Verification
- Requirements documented before designing
- Multiple concepts evaluated
- Analysis validates design meets requirements
- Prototype tested
- Manufacturing documentation complete