1. Proposed Design & Functionality
The “Aero-Skate” is a functional and fun toy skateboard made up of 5 parts, which is a
deck and chassis, and then the four wheels. The deck has weight-saving (and cool
looking) wheels that add a level of complexity to the part, while the split-cantilever snap
joint allows for free and reliable rotation of all four wheels independent of one another.
2. Success Criteria
To ensure the design meets the individual project standards, the following criteria must
be met:
Rotational Motion: Each wheel will rotate on its axis for a minimum of 2
seconds after it is flicked firmly, and this is made possible by the .4mm tolerance
allowed between the joint and the wheel attachment piece.
Mechanical Retention: The wheels will be secured well enough to stay on when
turned on their sides or shaken, as well as during normal use, like using the
board on a desktop.
Volume Efficiency: I will use the SolidWorks evaluation tool to ensure the
volume does not exceed the maximum, and this can be helped by using
lightweight wheels and holes in the deck.
3. Assembly Method
The assembly relies solely on 3D printed parts:
3D-Printed Connectors: I will utilize annular snap joints (split-axle style). The
end of each axle has a split with a lip following the wider, split part, which allows
the wheel to fit snugly but also turn freely. During assembly, the wheel hub will
compress the two halves, and once it has moved into the correct spot (snapping
into place) the joint will become larger than the diameter of the wheel hub again.