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Solidworksbi_tool~10 mins

Assembly motion study basics in Solidworks - Cell-by-Cell Formula Trace

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Sample Data

This data represents components in an assembly with their initial positions, motion speeds, and time duration to calculate their final positions after motion.

CellValue
A1Component
B1Initial Position (degrees)
C1Motion Speed (degrees/sec)
D1Time (sec)
E1Final Position (degrees)
A2Gear
B20
C230
D25
E2
A3Lever
B345
C315
D35
E3
Formula Trace
E2 = B2 + C2 * D2
Step 1: C2 * D2
Step 2: B2 + (C2 * D2)
Cell Reference Map
    A       B       C       D       E
1 |Component|Init Pos|Speed  |Time   |Final Pos
2 |Gear     |0      |30     |5      |E2 <- B2, C2, D2
3 |Lever    |45     |15     |5      |E3 <- B3, C3, D3
Cells B2, C2, and D2 are referenced to calculate E2 (final position of Gear). Similarly, B3, C3, and D3 are inputs for E3.
Result
    A       B       C       D       E
1 |Component|Init Pos|Speed  |Time   |Final Pos
2 |Gear     |0      |30     |5      |150
3 |Lever    |45     |15     |5      |120
Final position for Gear is calculated as 150 degrees after 5 seconds of motion at 30 degrees/sec. Final position for Lever is 120 degrees after 5 seconds of motion at 15 degrees/sec.
Sheet Trace Quiz - 3 Questions
Test your understanding
What is the total motion in degrees for the Gear after 5 seconds?
A30
B150
C5
D0
Key Result
Final Position = Initial Position + (Motion Speed × Time)

Practice

(1/5)
1. What is the main purpose of an assembly motion study in SolidWorks?
easy
A. To visualize how parts move together in an assembly
B. To create 3D models from 2D sketches
C. To generate technical drawings automatically
D. To calculate the weight of individual parts

Solution

  1. Step 1: Understand the function of motion study

    Assembly motion study is used to see how parts move and interact in an assembly.

  2. Step 2: Compare options with this function

    Only To visualize how parts move together in an assembly describes visualizing part movement, which matches the purpose.

  3. Final Answer:

    To visualize how parts move together in an assembly -> Option A

  4. Quick Check:

    Assembly motion study = visualize part movement [OK]
Hint: Think: motion study means showing movement [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing motion study with drawing creation
  • Thinking it calculates weight or mass
  • Assuming it creates 3D models from sketches
2. Which of the following is the correct first step to create a motion study in SolidWorks?
easy
A. Open the Motion Study tab at the bottom of the assembly window
B. Export the assembly as a STEP file
C. Create a new part file
D. Run a simulation analysis from the Simulation tab

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify how to start a motion study

    Motion studies are started by selecting the Motion Study tab in the assembly interface.

  2. Step 2: Eliminate unrelated options

    Exporting files, creating parts, or running simulation analysis are not the first step for motion studies.

  3. Final Answer:

    Open the Motion Study tab at the bottom of the assembly window -> Option A

  4. Quick Check:

    Start motion study = open Motion Study tab [OK]
Hint: Look for the Motion Study tab in the assembly window [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Trying to export files before starting motion study
  • Confusing motion study with simulation analysis
  • Starting with a new part instead of assembly
3. Given this simple motion study setup: a gear rotates 90 degrees over 5 seconds. What is the angular velocity in degrees per second?
medium
A. 450 degrees per second
B. 90 degrees per second
C. 18 degrees per second
D. 0.18 degrees per second

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify total rotation and time

    The gear rotates 90 degrees in 5 seconds.

  2. Step 2: Calculate angular velocity

    Angular velocity = total rotation / time = 90 / 5 = 18 degrees per second.

  3. Final Answer:

    18 degrees per second -> Option C

  4. Quick Check:

    90° ÷ 5s = 18°/s [OK]
Hint: Divide total degrees by total seconds for velocity [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Multiplying instead of dividing degrees by time
  • Confusing degrees with radians
  • Ignoring the time duration
4. You created a motion study but the parts do not move as expected. Which of these is the most likely cause?
medium
A. The computer does not have enough RAM
B. The assembly file is saved in the wrong folder
C. The parts are missing color textures
D. The mates between parts are not properly defined

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify what controls part movement

    Part movement depends on mates that define how parts connect and move relative to each other.

  2. Step 2: Evaluate other options

    File location, colors, or RAM do not directly affect motion study movement.

  3. Final Answer:

    The mates between parts are not properly defined -> Option D

  4. Quick Check:

    Movement depends on mates = correct mates needed [OK]
Hint: Check mates first if parts don't move [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Blaming file location for motion issues
  • Thinking textures affect movement
  • Assuming hardware issues cause no movement
5. You want to simulate a door opening in an assembly. Which combination of steps will best create a realistic motion study?
hard
A. Use the explode tool to separate the door from the frame
B. Add a hinge mate, set rotation limits, and apply a motor to rotate the door
C. Create a new part for the door, then run a stress analysis
D. Add a fixed mate, color the door, and export as animation

Solution

  1. Step 1: Define realistic movement with mates

    A hinge mate allows rotation like a real door hinge.

  2. Step 2: Control motion and automate it

    Rotation limits prevent unrealistic movement; a motor applies controlled rotation.

  3. Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options

    Fixed mates prevent movement; coloring or exploding parts do not simulate motion realistically.

  4. Final Answer:

    Add a hinge mate, set rotation limits, and apply a motor to rotate the door -> Option B

  5. Quick Check:

    Hinge + limits + motor = realistic door motion [OK]
Hint: Use hinge mate plus motor for rotating parts [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Using fixed mates that block movement
  • Confusing explode tool with motion simulation
  • Skipping rotation limits causing unrealistic motion