Blocks and Animation

In today's design, I wanted to learn how to use SolidWorks' sketch blocks feature, so I chose a subject that would work well for it, and went to work. It took a while, but I got most of the process down well. Sketch blocks are neat because they allow you to test out a design that has motion only in one plane while you are still in the sketch phase. Then you can create the parts out of that sketch. I created a simple rotary blocks device. I'm not sure what exactly it is called, but it was some little device I saw somewhere. Just posting a still image didn't seem to be enough, so I figured out how to make and save an animation of a simulation. It turned out pretty well. The next step will be to play around with all the different options and types of animations, such as exploding an assembly, making parts transparent, and moving the camera. It can make some cool looking results. I have been working on a product design with a more complex assembly which will benefit from having a nice animation to show how it works and fits together. In case you couldn't view the video below, you can download it here.