Abstract
Students in the University of Idaho’s Solid Modeling, Simulation and Manufacturing Capstone (ME 490) course utilize Solidworks, one of the most widely used 3D CAD software in industry, to take eight certification exams to demonstrate competency in the program. This course has seen an increase in required instructional material, so this thesis presents a pedagogical method of introducing classroom material for the purpose of maintaining student pass rates with reduced instructional time. Exam scores and pass rates for CSWP Segments 1-3 and CSWPA Drawing Tools, Weldments, and Sheet Metal exams were analyzed between 2015 and 2019 to establish a target that needed to be maintained. During this period, instruction consisted of a wide range of tutorials. A new system was introduced between 2020 and 2021 that involved inquiry questions but fewer tutorials. The footprint of instruction dedicated to these topics was cut in half. However. when exam scores and pass rates were analyzed for Spring 2021 and Fall 2021, exam scores were maintained. This innovation created space in ME 490 for advanced topics in surfacing and special preparation for the CSWE exam. This new emphasis greatly expanded personal confidence in student CAD skills and heightened their interest in design for manufacturing. Additionally, an analysis of a fusee mechanism is included to show how Solidworks can be used as a design tool and to determine the correct profile for the shape of a fusee to aid horologists and community clock makers in designing their clocks. Three mathematical solutions from the literature were analyzed and transformed for comparison. The Preisendorfer was selected as a baseline and all solutions were plotted along the length of the fusee. The greatest deviations in the forward marching solutions occurred at the smallest end of the fusee. The greatest deviations in the backward marching solutions occurred in regions where the slope of the fusee was greatest at the largest end of the fusee. The Preisendorfer solution is recommended for use by horologists as a starting point for a successful fusee manufacturing plan.