Deformable frame

[FairlySolidWorker]

I work for a firm of bespoke roofglazers who have recently aquired SolidWorks.

I need to create a model in SW of a four sided frame which constrains the glass panel and then, by altering the dimensions, deform the frame into differnet shapes i.e. different sized rectangles, rhombus etc.

As an example, think of a picture frame with a sheet of glass held in place by the four sides of the frame. Each element of the frame is mitered at the corners. Change the angles at each corner and/or the 'length' dimension of each frame member to create the desired shapes.

Well, that's the nut. If anyone out there can crack it for me it would be very much appreciated.

PS. This problem would be much easier to solve if the frame could be made as one single part. However, for various reasons, each of the four sections of the frame must be created as seperate parts. The 'shape changing' must take place in an assembly.

Cheers in advance,

D.

 

[TheTick]

Workin' on it!

I may make you feel, but I can't make you think.

 

[MadMango]

Look into using Design Tables to drive your assy of the frame, where each frame member has it's total length controlled by the DT.

Wanna Tip? faq731-376
"Probable impossibilities are to be preferred to improbable possibilities."

 

[Arlin]

Have you tried split parts? This allows you to create a single part and then cut it up to get an assembly for correct BOMs.

 

[TheTick]

Sample file to download at this web page:

http://rschwarz.tripod.com/CAD/glassframe.htm

The assembly controls the frame shape and miters. There is one single part file with 4 configurations. Each config is one member of the frame, made from an extrusion in-context in the assembly. This allows for all 4 members to be controlled off the same section sketch.

I may make you feel, but I can't make you think.

 

[krywarick6]

Have you considered equation relationships in your base file? It may be a different option compared to design tables.