Simple Wheel/Crank and Slider Mechanism

grabcad

I created this educational tool for machine kinematics/dynamics students as a fun project. It was inspired by a question on my midterm exam that sparked an idea to create something interactive. The model was built using Autodesk Inventor 2020. To operate the model, you can move its components manually or use the "Center Pivot Pin" part in the model tab on the left side of your Autodesk Inventor window. Click the "+" symbol and then right-click "Rotational:1." Selecting "Drive" will allow you to either press the forward/backward play button. If the model has been reset, enter 0.00deg in the "start" input and 9000000deg in the "end" input. The left face of the "Sliding Surface" part features upward-facing arrows and embossed numbers (0 and 5) that align with a large downward-facing arrow on the "Slider Block" part. This visual representation demonstrates the linear distance traveled by the Slider Block. You can calculate this distance mathematically using the law of sines and the law of cosines. A visible sketch is incorporated into the model, which includes the dimension "5 inches" above it. If possible, I will upload a picture of the question and my calculations with permission from my professor.