Project: HiCAD 3-D

Physical Simulation: Conveyor

In this example, we will use the model shown below:

Dimensioned drawing

The three boxes (2), (3) and (4) are to be moved along the conveyor and pushed into the container on the floor (6) by the pushing device (5).

This type of simulation is realised in the Physical simulation mode, with the help of

• Translation motors for the moving of the pushing device, and a
• Conveyor for the transportation of the boxes.

In addition, the following HCM constraints must also be defined for the assembly, to prevent an uncontrolled moving of the parts:

In our example the following HCM constraints have therefore been assigned to the assembly:

To perform the simulation, proceed as follows:

Step 1: Create the simulation:

• Activate the assembly.
• Select New simulation .
• Select the Physical simulation mode.
• Playing duration of the simulation: 20 seconds.
• Right click View control and select Deactivate .

Step 2: Define the motors for the pushing device.

The pushing device must be able to move forwards and backwards to push the boxes into the container on the floor. This means that two translation motors will be needed - one for the forward movement, and one for the backward movement.

• Select Translation motor (for the forward movement)

The part to be moved is the pushing device: Click the symbol and identify the pushing device in the ICN or in the drawing.

Define the direction of the displacement by clicking the symbol and selecting the edge of the part as shown above.

Velocity: 200 mm/s

• Select Translation motor again, and proceed as described above for the definition of the backward movement.

Step 3: Now define the conveyor.

• Select Conveyor .

Make the top surface of the part "Conveyor" the conveyor surface: Click the icon and identify the top surface.

Define the conveyor direction by clicking the icon and selecting the edge of the part as shown above.

Velocity: 100 mm/s

Step 4: Specify the time intervals.

Now specify the time intervals for motors and the conveyor. The conveyor must move uninterruptedly.

The motors for the pushing device must be moved in intervals, because the pushing device may only be moved forward again after the next box had been transported to the required position. As three boxes are to be moved, 3 time intervals for each motor will be required.

Step 5: Calculate the simulation.

Video of the simulation

Download sim_bsp11.mp4

Simulations (3-D) • The 'Simulation' Docking Window (3-D) • Simulation: Examples (3-D)