Using Parameters to Create a Testing Frame

Hi my name is Adam and I go to Scripps Ranch High, in this project I will be showing how I learned to use parameters in a Fusion 360 model to quickly and efficiently test different designs and dimensions. The models purpose was to be used as a blueprint for a robot testing frame for my schools robotics club. Parameters especially helped because the frame was built as a team, so any modifications to the design could be easily made by any member, and the new dimensions for the rest of the frame were easy to find.

Supplies

Fusion 360, 2x4 wood beams, 1/2 inch plywood, wood screws, a drill, and a chop saw were used in this project.

Step 1: How to Create Parameters

Parameters are simply a number that can be used in a sketch. By changing the parameter, a dimension of a sketch will change, which will affect the body based of the sketch. In order to use parameters, navigate to Modify>Change Parameters. Once in the menu, click on the plus, then create a new parameter with a name and value. You are now ready to use the parameter in a sketch.

Step 2: How to Use Parameters in a Sketch

In order to use the parameter, it needs to be part of a dimension. In this example, I use the parameters as the dimension for the base of frame. By creating a dimension, and typing in a letter, all the parameters that were created with that letter will show up. Select the correct one, and it will now define the dimension. By changing the parameter in the panel, it will now automatically change the dimension of the sketch. Above, I show how changing the dimension from 30 to 50 makes the base wider. Once the body is created, make sure to turn it into a component so that you can follow the next step of creating joints.

Step 3: Connecting Parts Together

After creating 2 or more bodies, it is necessary to use a joint, since you cannot merge the bodies together. If the bodies are merged together, then they will not be able to move if another parameter is changed. For example, after creating the base plate, 2x4, and side plate, it was necessary to use a joint to connect the 2x4 and base plate. However, since the side plate thickness could be changed, it is necessary to use this parameter in the joint for the 2x4. To do this, I used the parameter in the Y Offset. This would make the 2x4 shift backwards as the side plate thickness was changed. In the images above, you can see how the top left body moves right due to the offset, and up due to the joint. You are now ready to create the rest of your model, using parameters and joints wherever necessary.

Step 4: Creating the Rest of the Model

To create the rest of the model, I continued to use the parameters and joints, and repeated steps 1-3. In total, I created 6 parameters, 11 joints, and 12 components. The parameters control the base plate length, base plate width, base plate thickness, frame height, side plate height, and corner support length. Although there were many other dimensions needed, not every one needed a parameter. For example, the 2x4's are 1.5x3.5 inches. Another example is that the horizonal beam needed to be 5ft 8inches above the ground, so changing the height of the structure does not affect the height of the beam.

Step 5: Changing Parameter Examples

The above images show examples of how the parameters affect the model. The first pair of images shows 40 inch vs 80 inch frame width. The second pair of images shows 10 inch vs 20 inch corner support lengths.

Step 6: Final Results

Overall, the model was very useful to create the testing frame. The use of parameters allowed changes to be made very quickly, and the new dimensions were easy to find. This was very important for this project, since it was built by a team. I recommend using parameters when creating a project that will be worked on as a team, or when you need to change the dimensions of a design often.