This video shows an AutoLISP program designed by Ivan Starr to automate the design of conic slew bearings in AutoCAD. Slew bearings are specialized bearings capable of handling large radial forces and bending moments, commonly used in excavators, wind turbines, and other heavy machinery. The program calculates geometric angles (alpha, beta, eta) for the cones, ensuring that the bearing can resist forces in both directions, using Newton-Raphson root-finding for precision.
The system includes a persistent dialog box where users can enter or modify the number of rollers, inner and outer radii, widths, tolerances for 3D printing, and fillet radii. It allows rapid generation of 3D models ready for visualization or direct 3D printing. The program demonstrates the combination of engineering math, AutoLISP automation, and practical considerations for prototyping, making it an excellent example of advanced AutoCAD programming.
About This Project
Key features of the Automated Slew Bearing Design program include:
- Geometric modeling of conic rollers within V-shaped troughs for maximum force and bending moment support.
- Calculation of bearing angles to ensure both sets of conic rollers align correctly.
- Newton-Raphson root-finding algorithm applied to non-dimensional equations for angle determination.
- Adjustable 3D printing tolerances to accommodate manufacturing variations.
- Persistent dialog interface for entering and modifying design parameters, supporting rapid iteration.
- Full AutoCAD automation with AutoLISP, enabling engineers to focus on design rather than manual drafting.
This program reflects Ivan Starr's approach to combining deep mechanical knowledge, mathematical precision, and programming skill to solve complex engineering problems efficiently.
Be sure to check out Ivan's advanced AutoCAD programming tutorials on his YouTube channel: Advanced AutoCAD Programming.