Chain Construction, how to pattern mates in assembly? 1

[GimmeABreak]

I'm constructing two types of chains: A simple roller chain running across two sprockets. And a drag chain with attached connectors and flights. So it will need to be simulated, and not just a fixed part. The "Curve Driven Pattern" is not acceptable in my case.

I've search across these forums before submitting this, and have found questions relevant to mine, but have not found an answer suitable for my needs.

Running SW2010, I have the first assembly created with outer links, inner links, pins and rollers with 10 necessary mates each.

Lets say my assembly requires 200 chain link subassemblies, that's 2000 mates I'd rather not create manually.

Is there any possible way to create a linear pattern, and have to mates copied too?


I've already seen this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUm30f3BNDc

He created the assembly similar to what I need, but only gives instructions for the path. He does not mention about patterning the mates.

 

[cpretty]

I don't know of a method for patterning mates, but there are definately ways to make it easier.

If you look up mate references you should be able to get to a stage where you just pull the parts into the assembly and they automatically mate. You may need to create left and right hand versions of pins etc so that they mate on the correct side of the chain.

I would also suggest creating a 10 long sub assembly, then mating these sub assemblies 20 times to save you a bit of work.

Craig Pretty
Tru-Design Plastics

 

[GimmeABreak]

Thanks cpretty. I did attempt the sub assembly method. I consolidated the inner link, roller, and pin as one part requiring only 6 mates. Although I got sloppy with the mates, and applied them in a random order. When I applied a cam mate for the path the chain was malfunctioning or was overdefined.

I should have known there was an easier way to mate. This'll probably save an hour. [9(6)+3(12)= 90 Mts/sub-assy*.2= 18-20mins]+[48 s.assy (6)mates = 294*.4 = 118 mins]+[Import, Chain Path, Simulation = 20 mins]= Total 2 hrs 40 mins that could have been greatly reduced if solidworks had a patternable mate.

My home PC only has 1CH 1GB RAM, so I do need to spare some resources. If I create a multi body part for the two outer links I only need 4. Considering the 500 chain links, 80 flights and connectors, trough, motor, misc. I'm looking at 1800 components and 5000 mates, so I'd need 600+ MB RAM available if I keep everything minimum-moderate detail. Anyway I can conserve working memory?

 

[EEnd]

In addition to using subassemblies, you could try: Insert -> Component -> Copy with mates. I would still grab several connected links and copy them all at the same time.

Eric

 

[SnowCrash]

Did you look at Youtube?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUm30f3BNDc&feature=fvwrel

and copy with mates?

--
Hardie "Crashj" Johnson
SW 2011 SP 2.0
HP Pavillion Elite HPE
W7 Pro, Nvidia Quaddro FX580