Course detail

Project - Mechanical System Design

FSI-ZP7 Acad. year: 2025/2026 Winter semester

The course provides an overview of the basic classification, terminology, and principles of mechanical systems' function, emphasizing the importance of constructing a kinematic diagram. It focuses on all key aspects of the design process, including force, kinematic, and strength calculations, material selection, and determining manufacturing technology while considering the required system function (e.g., a feed cam mechanism, a catapult with a defined projectile flight path, a woodworking clamp), including verification of its function. Emphasis is placed on teamwork based on a systematic approach to designing individual components of a mechanical system. The course integrates knowledge acquired in undergraduate studies in areas such as design, rigid body mechanics, technical mechanics, construction materials, mechanisms, CAD modeling, and 3D printing.

Supervisor

doc. Ing. David Nečas, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Machine and Industrial Design

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Prerequisites

Knowledge from mathematics, statics, solid mechanics, machine design, computational modeling, experience with CAD systems, technical drawing documentation, assembly creation, body modeling, and basics of 3D printing.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Conditions for obtaining credit (0-100 points, minimum for course credit is 50):

  • Active participation in exercises through consultations (min. 10 points out of 20)
  • Submission of the project in the required scope (min. 40 points out of 80)

Conditions for passing the exam (0-100 points, minimum to pass is 50):

  • Team defense of the project solution before a committee (min. 20 points out of 40)
  • Individual professional discussion before a committee on issues related to the project and following the required prerequisites (min. 30 points out of 60)
  • A total of up to 100 points can be achieved, and the final grade will be determined according to the ECTS scale.

Lectures: Attendance is recommended and monitored by the teacher.

Exercises: Attendance is mandatory and monitored by the teacher, with a maximum of two absences allowed. In cases of prolonged absence, makeup of missed classes is at the discretion of the course coordinator.

Language of instruction

Czech

Aims

Learning outcomes: Graduates will be able to design and construct a mechanical system intended for force transformation and achieving the required motion kinematics, based on theoretical knowledge of the design process phases and dimensioning of machine components.

  • Knowledge of basic types of mechanical systems and their dimensioning.
  • Ability to analyze a problem and select an appropriate mechanical system for a given application.
  • Selection of suitable materials and positioning of parts for proper mechanical system function.
  • Ability to create a kinematic diagram of the designed mechanical system.
  • Ability to perform force and kinematic calculations.
  • Knowledge of basic aspects of dynamic calculations.
  • Ability to prepare designed parts for production, assemble, and verify the function of the designed mechanical system.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

The study programmes with the given course

Programme B-KSI-P: Mechanical Engineering Design, Bachelor's
branch ---: no specialisation, 11 credits, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

16 hours, optionally

Syllabus


  • Introduction to mechanical systems, basic definitions, mechanism.

  • Classification of mechanical systems, kinematic diagram.

  • Theory of the design process, case study.

  • Force, strength, and kinematic calculations of mechanical systems.

Computer-assisted exercise

88 hours, compulsory

Syllabus


  • Definition of terms, project assignment, completion conditions.

  • Division of team member competencies and project solution planning.

  • Concept design of the assigned kinematic system, kinematic diagram.

  • Force analysis and kinematic calculations.

  • Strength design calculation, material selection.

  • Creation of digital models and preparation of data for 3D printing.

  • Creation of technical drawings, part manufacturing.

  • Assembly of the mechanical system and experimental function verification.