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Year 7 - Design and technology

Model a moving part in Tinkercad

Prototypes with mechanisms: robotics and automation

Unit Summary

Pupils will model with paper and boards and learn about sources and stock forms. They will develop 3D computer-aided design knowledge and skills, applying this by designing and simulating mechanical systems using TinkerCAD.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use the connectors in Tinkercad to simulate movement.

Key Notes

  • In Tinkercad, movement can be simulated using three types of connectors: axle, pivot, and slider.
  • The axle connector allows one part to rotate around another.
  • The pivot connector allows parts to swing or rotate around a fixed point.
  • The slider connector allows parts to move back and forth in a straight line.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • axle connector: allows parts to rotate around another, like a wheel on an axle
  • pivot connector: allows parts to swing or rotate around a fixed point, like a door on a hinge
  • slider connector: allows parts to move back and forth in a straight line, like a drawer
  • static: stays still and does not move during a simulation
  • simulate: physics based digital simulation of CAD models

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Simulating in Tinkercad is exactly like physical testing.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

In Tinkercad, movement can be simulated using three types of connectors: axle, pivot, and slider. The axle connector allows one part to rotate around another.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'axle connector'

allows parts to rotate around another, like a wheel on an axle.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: Simulating in Tinkercad is exactly like physical testing. Correction: Tinkercad is excellent for digitally testing ideas, but you should always expect to make adjustments when you build the physical models.

More Lessons In This Unit

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