Spotting gearbox assembly issues

[Ah-E]

The question might be a bit silly.. (asking for advice regarding the theory of machines content, not a homework).

I'm enrolled in the mechanical engineering bachelor's. I applied for several internships however I couldn't pass because of a particular type of questions.
The interviewer shows me an assembly for a gearbox for example, and we go through a discussion about the flaws in the shown system in general. by either spotting the errors in the dimensions or the arrangement, etc.
>>> This question is pretty similar: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/bevel-gearbox-assembly-flaws.989346/

the answers in the thread were insightful but how to gain a better understanding? any recommendations for a good book/course that I can study to cover the gap I have?
My courses in my bachelor's were pretty straightforward in this part. just do some calculations without the ability to answer those types of questions

 

[jrmichler]

This is definitely not a silly question. I am not aware of any good books that cover this gap in your knowledge because the test is more about practical experience than book knowledge. There are some things that you could try:

Many of the flaws in that gearbox are parts that cannot be assembled. Study the drawing carefully, and visualize how you would take it apart. Look for parts that cannot be removed because those parts could not have been assembled originally. You need to visualize the parts in three dimensions, and how they come apart. Removing bolts requires wrench access, bearings cannot be pulled over a larger diameter, etc. Expect to spend several days studying that one drawing.

Get some junk car parts - alternator, starter, transmission, differential - and take them apart. Then try to put them back together. Find somebody who has the proper tools to help you with this.