Advanced and Mechanical Mates Flashcards

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?

Answer: Path Mate

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.

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?

Answer: Width Mate

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.

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?

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

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.

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?

Answer: A Limit Angle Mate

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.

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

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

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.

When setting up a mechanical Gear Mate between two spur gears, how does SOLIDWORKS typically determine the default gear ratio?

Answer: Based on the relative sizes of the selected cylindrical faces or circular edges.

When you select the cylindrical faces or circular edges of two gears for a Gear Mate, SOLIDWORKS automatically calculates and suggests a ratio based on the relative diameters of your selections. While you can override this value by manually entering the number of teeth or a custom ratio, the initial default is based on the selected geometry.