Design and CAD - Advanced (FSI-4KD)

The aim of the course is the synthesis and practical application of partial knowledge acquired in previous design courses to the analysis of the real machine unit (e.g. hydraulic jack, piston compressor etc.) Subsequently, the student is faced with a problem where the analysed machine unit needs to be re-designed for new input conditions, e.g. higher power output. During the solution, the selected machine component, e.g. shaft, is designed and checked using analytical calculation and FEA module of Autodesk Inventor and the results are then compared to understand the suitability of using both approaches in the design process. Emphasis is also placed on the ability to defend the proposed solution through consultation with the tutor and presentation of the results of the work in a technical report. Graduates will be able to design functional machine assembly consisting of multiple basic standardized and non-standardized machine components, assess the technological feasibility of the design and defend the proposed solution.

Competences acquired:

Ability to analyse function of the complex machine unit and its key mechanical elements.

Ability to think independently and creatively within a given design task with the possibility of applying an original solution to the problem.

Ability to individually discuss the proposed solution and to present and defend it.

Ability to design a machine assembly using a methodical approach that includes analysis of the task, collection of information, analysis of design variants, selection of the optimal solution and preparation of basic engineering analyses, creation of technical documentation, 3D model and preparation of technical report.

Ability to make a basic assessment of the technological feasibility of the design solution.

Advanced ability to use CAD programs with 3D modeler and calculation tools to design dimensions of machine components.

Advanced knowledge of component and assembly drawing requirements. Knowledge of standardized machine elements and their use. Knowledge of basic designs of rotating parts and their housings. Advanced knowledge of available CAD system with 3D modeler, Autodesk Inventor preferred.

The course introduces students to modern methods of engineering design in practical application to a selected machine in the form of an individual semestral project and elements from problem-oriented learning are applied. The solution procedure consists of assigning a task, collecting information and analyzing a real machine unit, designing variants and selecting the optimal solution, creating pre-production documentation of the selected part of assembly, creating hybrid drawings of selected components, and preparing a technical report. The project solution uses the capabilities of the licensed 3D modeler Autodesk Inventor and other computational tools for dimensioning of selected mechanical elements. Emphasis is also placed on the practical side, where students must disassemble and analyze key design elements and describing the function of the selected machine.

The course is taught through the exercises, which are focused on practical mastery of knowledge application with an emphasis on the consultative form of teaching, i.e. discussion about the problem. Students are expected and encouraged to participate actively in the exercises and to prepare individually for the lesson from materials available in and outside e-learning to some extent.

The student submits the solution of the assigned semestral project in the prescribed outputs - technical report including analysis of the machine unit and comparison of dimensioning of the selected component using analytical and numerical approach, design drawing of the selected fit, hybrid manufacturing drawing of the selected component. The lecturer will assess the technical quality of the solution and the fulfilment of the specified objectives. The assessment may also take into account the individual work of the student during the semester, i.e. passivity during course exercises has a negative impact on the final grade. If the result is satisfactory, the final grade is determined in accordance with the ECTS scale.

Attendance at seminars is compulsory and controlled. A maximum of 2 unexcused absences will be tolerated without compensation of missed lessons.

• Fundamentals of design methodology, algorithm for solving an engineering design task.


• Disassembly and assembly of selected machine unit, identification of key design elements and inspection of main dimensions. Analysis of function of the key mechanical elements.


• Introduction to the Design accelerator tool in Autodesk Inventor. Introduction to the Stress analysis tool in Autodesk Inventor. Dimensioning of parts and safety factor calculations.


• Creation of design drawings, draft design drawings and production design drawings. Hybrid design drawings. Basic economic study.


• Principles of presentation of work results, creation of accompanying technical documentation of the solution.


• Regular consultations with lecturer and checking of progress.