Assembling our bots with SOLIDWORKS

As I bring each component into SOLIDWORKS and mate them together, I want to share what I learn as I work on it. This actually helps me organize my thoughts and hopefully it will help other people with their own projects.

Having a CAD model of every robot that is created can provide an advantage in all aspects of the engineering process and the project being worked on. Whenever there may need to be any 3D printed parts added to the robot (to improve stability) for instance, having the robot on SOLIDWORKS (or other CAD software) is vital. The reason it is so vital is because all the dimensions are already there for you to base your new part off of.

I noticed that the side of one of our bot/lift (highlighted areas) were not stable and might cause problems in the future, therefore I opened the assembly model and started designing a bracket to hold that side steady. Instead of reverse engineering every dimension with a ruler, to figure out the dimension i need for the bracket, the CAD model I assembled earlier helped me create the part in a more efficient way.

Above is a picture of the bracket I designed to help stabilize the side of our Big Bot. I didn't go overboard with how the part looks, because we were on a time crunch. However, each feature was designed in a specific way, so it will be able to be 3D printed and satisfy its purpose (holding the side panel together). The holes were created on a flat surface, to avoid any problems with mounting.
I also noticed a few other parts of the Big Bot that needs to be stabilized, so I will start to model up parts to improve the bot before our next competition.
The Small Bot is already fully assembled, and wont be changing before the next competition, therefore I'm going to start modeling up the rest of our Small Bot, for any future improvement designs that might be needed. Below is the CAD of our Small Bot. Stay Tune for more!

VEX Turning Point Competition CSUN vs USC

VEX U Turning Point Competition hosted by USC

(Listed from left to right)
USC1, CSUN2, USC2, UC Berkley, CSUN1, CSUN2

Another amazing day of friendly competition at USC as CSUN, Mt. Sack, and UC Berkley all compete with each other, to qualify for limited spots in the final matchup at WORLDS 2019 (Finals for VEX Turing Point Robotics in Kentucky). 

We had to maintain and prepare the bots for battle by keeping the batteries on charge continuously, confirming all nuts and bolts were tightened, brainstorming between members regarding the strategy, and repair any broken or unusual feature applicable.

With a missing lead programmer and the Spring semester starting just a couple weeks prior, we can say that there is definitely room to improve. Most of USC's bot had been assembled with 3D printed parts, instead of the general c-channels provided by VEX. (Top right). That means USC had to design their parts as original inventions, using the design features in Solidworks. Most people only use the assembly feature in Solidworks to grab-drag the parts from a CAD library (Provided by VEX, so no need to design them from scratch). Although we do have a few original designs that are additions to our bot, USC has decided to design their entire bot, piece by piece, then assemble their new invention onto an H-drive frame.

Motivated, ambitious and inspired, CSUN is now thinking of either modifying our current bots, or designing completely new parts on Solidworks, 3D printing them, and assembling a brand new bot. Stay Tune!
IG. @palezyan3d

CSUN Matabots (VEX U Robotics Competition)

CSUN Matabots: VEX Robotics

By Joseph Palezyan

Below is the CAD of our VEX turning point robot, for the CSUN 2 Matabots team. The small bot frame had to be assembled C-channel by C-channel, mate by mate, for a steady foundation, from the start. Having the entire bot designs on Solidworks, before our competition is vital in gaining an advantage, with the ability to study/test different aspects of the bot, without dismantling it.

Small Bot H-Drive

Assembled Small Bot (Intake/left Lift/right)

Above is the physical bot. I took pictures of the bot, as I began to reverse engineer each feature and dimension as they applied. This time, we decided to install an intake (spinning cylinder with orange rubber bands) towards the front of the robot. This robot also includes an angled lifting mechanism, in order to flip caps, within the VEX turning point game. The small robot also has to shoot balls towards a wall of flags. A flywheel was chosen, to send the ball flying towards the flags. Other mechanical applications can include a catapult or slingshot. 

CAD of Small Bot Frame by J.Palezyan

This is a screenshot of the frame for the small robot. Each team has a big and small robot. Based on the VEX turning point game manual, http://dreibeingmbh.de/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/VRC-TurningPoint-GameManual-20180427.pdf, there are caps that must be flipped, as well as balls that need to hit the flags. 

Therefore, we had to plan a strategy for each robot, which includes, a specified game plan regarding what they should each focus on. After many days of brainstorming, and studying other robots, we decided to assign the big robot towards lifting, and the small robot towards shooting. This meant that the big robot would have a functional and advanced lifting mechanism, while the small bot contained an effective shooter (flywheel). 

Becoming "Solidworks" Certified

Hey world!

My name is Joey, and I want to share my story on my passion as well as my journey towards specializing in this passion for many reasons. 
I want to explain the process I had to go through, to become certified in SOLIDWORKS (A Computer-aided design application used by many. A certificate in SOLIDWORKS is awarded after completing a test online at https://www.solidworks.com/. 
After arriving to the HOME page. 
Hover over the (support) tab, then press (certification) at the bottom within the (Training) section, as soon as the window pops-up.

Some of my credentials include an AS degree in Engineering Design Technology from Pasadena City College. Becoming a certified SOLIDWORKS Associate, then awarded a Certificate of Achievement in CAD/CAM Technology. Graduated from Pasadena City College after 6 long years and transferred to California State University, Northridge. Majoring in COMS studies and I hold a minor in Automation Engineering.

A lot of amazing opportunities and a lot of doors, which I've never come across before, opened up for me as soon as I became a certified SOLIDWORKS Associate in 2011. I'm not trying to brag at all, just like to provide reliable evidence or research, along with what I say to keep the trust and respect between me and anyone who wants to learn from the content I put out there.
My SOLIDWORKS Associate identification number is: 2012-02-07, and the way I found this was by navigating to, 
https://solidworks.virtualtester.com/#userdir_button 
then searching my name. 
Now, you do have to be certified already in any of the certificates offered by SOLIDWORKS, before checking if your name is on this list. 

I began my journey with the CSWA exam (Certified Solidworks Associate). My goal is to become certified in all of them (maybe this is the coffee talking) but why not shoot for the moon. As I take my exams online, I will document the process, then blog about it. The documentation process is going to be a video I post on YouTube, that presents a Solidworks tutorial with content and research I've learned, while I study and take the exams. 

 My knowledge is based on the 6 years of machinist and engineering work, starting from machine operator positions to my own desk at Glenair Inc. (Manufacturer of Interconnect Solutions) At Glenair, the draftsmen, designers, engineers and programmers used programs like Solidworks, Pro E, Cadkey, AutoCAD, MasterCAM, BobCAD, and many more. Out of all of those programs, I worked mainly on Solidworks and implemented every option the software offers, into all of our projects. 

A great way to study for the exam is by going to https://my.solidworks.com/training. 

- Scroll down and find the (Featured Learning Paths) section. 

Standing out, in a crowded world of people, who can always attempt the same things you do, can be very challenging. Earning a SOLIDWORKS Certification can help you get a job, keep a job, or possibly move up in your current job. The Solidworks community and the number of users has grown rapidly, in the last couple of years, mainly because of the advanced engineering simulation programs that are made possible, thanks to Dessault Systems.  The certification center is your place to validate your certificate, you can also search for certified users, certified resellers and find training centers near you.