SolidWorks Stove Knob Modeling

Overview

This lecture covers the step-by-step process of modeling a stove knob in SolidWorks, focusing on various fillet types, extrusion, draft features, mirroring, and adding a keyway using the design library.

Part Setup & Initial Sketching

• Start by setting units to millimeters (MMGS).
• Create a new part and begin a sketch on the front plane.
• Use the center point arc tool from the origin and make an arc with a radius of 15 mm.
• Close the sketch with a midpoint line from the origin, making it coincident with arc endpoints.

First Extrusion

• Extrude the sketch to a depth of 10 mm, end condition set to “blind.”

Handle Section Sketch & Extrusion

• On the right plane, create a new sketch for the knob’s handle using midpoint and diagonal lines.
• Add smart dimensions: main line 18 mm (total 36 mm symmetry), diagonal lines 15 mm, 25 mm, and 10 mm.
• Set the angle between two lines to 100°.
• Fully define the sketch by connecting the origin to the endpoint.
• Extrude this handle section to a depth of 5 mm, “blind” end.

Draft Feature

• Apply a neutral plane draft to three faces using a 10° draft angle with the right plane as the neutral plane.

Applying Fillets

• Use a face fillet between front and bottom faces with a holding line to create a smooth curve.
• Add a constant size fillet of 5 mm to one edge.
• Add another constant size fillet of 2 mm to a different edge.
• Apply an asymmetric fillet (1 mm and 2 mm) to another edge, reversing direction if needed.
• Use a variable size fillet (1.5 mm symmetric on four edges, with v1 and v5 set to 1 mm).

Mirroring the Knob

• Use the mirror feature about the right plane to duplicate the half-knob body.
• Select "Bodies to Mirror" to mirror the entire structure.

Final Fillet & Smoothing

• Apply a 5 mm constant size fillet to the seam created by the mirror, enabling tangent propagation.

Adding a Keyway (Keyhole)

• Access the design library and add the bore with square keyway (BS 4500 P1) feature.
• Place the keyway on the back face, set to 2x17 mm diameter, center it to the outer edge.
• Edit the keyway to make it a blind cut with a depth of 5 mm.

Part Appearance

• Change the knob's color using “Edit Appearance” (optional).

Key Terms & Definitions

• Fillet — A rounded transition between two surfaces or edges.
• Extruded Boss/Base — A feature that adds depth to a sketch, creating a solid.
• Draft — A slight angle applied to faces, usually for ease of manufacturing.
• Mirror — Duplicates features or bodies across a plane.
• Design Library — SolidWorks resource with standard parts and features.
• Keyway — A slot or recess to fit a key, enabling attachment to a shaft.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Practice creating each type of fillet demonstrated in the tutorial.
• Use the design library to add standardized features to models.
• Experiment with drafting and mirroring for efficient part design.