Parametric Design

Use named variables instead of raw numbers so one change updates the whole model.

Parameters & Equations

Define variables like WheelDiameter = 100mm or WallThickness = 3mm and use them in sketches. Link them with equations (e.g. WheelRadius = WheelDiameter / 2) to capture design intent -- a hole is "bolt size + 0.2mm clearance," not just "5mm."

1 Experience

2 Reflect

3 Theorize

4 Apply

Parametric Design Workflow

Define Parameters

Create named variables for key dimensions.

Link to Sketches

Replace hard-coded numbers with parameter names.

Test & Verify

Change a value and confirm the model updates correctly.

⚠ Predict First

If you increase the wall thickness parameter, which other dimensions should automatically update?

Parameters are named variables that drive dimensions. Changing a parameter updates all dependent features.

Best practice: define master parameters (bolt_size, wall_thickness) and derive everything else.

Example: hole_diameter = bolt_size + 0.2, boss_diameter = hole_diameter * 2

Guided Exploration

Change the width parameter. Which features update automatically?
Now change wall thickness. Does the overall bracket size adjust correctly?
Try to find a parameter combination where the design breaks (holes overlap walls, etc).

Pause and Reflect

What is the advantage of using named parameters over hardcoded dimensions?

How could parametric design save time when your team changes the robot frame size?

✓ Your reflections are saved automatically

Apply What You Learned

Create a parametric bracket where changing one 'bolt_size' parameter updates all hole diameters, clearances, and wall thicknesses.

Define the key parameters: bolt_size, wall_thickness, bracket_length
Write the relationships: hole_diameter = bolt_size + 0.2mm clearance
Determine which dimensions should be driven by bolt_size
Test: if bolt_size changes from M3 to M5, do all dimensions update correctly?

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