CSWP - Certified Solidworks Professional Advanced and Mechanical Mates Questions and Answers 1

Question 1

You are designing a mechanism where a pin must follow a non-linear, curved path defined by a 3D sketch. Which mate is specifically designed to constrain a component's vertex or point to follow a selected sketch, edge, or curve?

Accepted Answer

Path Mate

Answer

The Path Mate is the correct choice as it is specifically designed to constrain a point on a component to a path. The path can be a complex curve or a series of connected sketch entities. A Slot mate is for straight or circular slots, a Cam mate defines a tangent or coincident relationship between surfaces, and a Hinge mate combines concentric and coincident mates for simple rotation.

Question 2

In an assembly, a component needs to be perfectly centered between two parallel faces of a bracket. The distance between the bracket faces may change. Which advanced mate is the most efficient and robust method to maintain this centered condition automatically?

Accepted Answer

Width Mate

Answer

The Width Mate is the most efficient tool for this scenario. It constrains a 'tab' (the component to be centered) between two planar faces of a 'groove' (the bracket). It automatically keeps the tab centered even if the groove width changes. A Symmetric mate requires a central plane, and using two distance mates with an equation is less direct and more complex to set up.

Question 3

You are modeling a rack and pinion system. To create a Rack and Pinion mechanical mate, what are the two essential inputs required to define the motion relationship?

Accepted Answer

A linear edge on the rack and the pinion's pitch diameter (or rack travel per revolution)

Answer

A Rack and Pinion mate defines how the linear translation of the rack relates to the rotation of the pinion. This relationship is defined by selecting a linear entity on the rack (like an edge) and providing the pinion's rotational input, which can be its pitch diameter or the resulting linear travel for one full revolution.

Question 4

A hinged door on a cabinet needs to be constrained so it can only swing between a fully closed position (0 degrees) and a fully open position (110 degrees). Which mate allows you to define a specific range of angular motion?

Accepted Answer

A Limit Angle Mate

Answer

The Limit Angle Mate, found under Advanced Mates, is designed for this exact purpose. It allows you to specify a minimum and maximum angle, constraining the component's rotation within that defined range. A standard Angle Mate fixes the component at a single angle, a Hinge Mate allows free rotation, and a Lock Mate fully fixes a component.

Question 5

Which of the following scenarios is the BEST application for a Linear/Linear Coupler mate?

Accepted Answer

Modeling a multi-stage drawer slide where pulling one section 100mm causes a second section to extend 200mm relative to the first.

Answer

The Linear/Linear Coupler mate establishes a relationship between the linear translation of two components, defined by a ratio. The drawer slide example, where one component's linear movement drives another's, is a perfect application. A gear ratio is handled by a Gear mate, a steering system by a Rack and Pinion mate, and a scissor lift often uses a Symmetric mate.

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CSWP - Certified Solidworks Professional Advanced and Mechanical Mates Questions and Answers 1