How to create a 3D curve in assy context? 1

[Mechv5]

Hello,

I have to design a bowden-cable between 2 parts in an assy and I need to create the path curve as a 3D curve, in the context of the assy. To do this, I need to reference on some geometrical elements (edges, points, etc.) from other parts in assy, but I cannot/don't know how to use geometry from other parts in my new created part (where I will make the cable). It would be great if I could use the "Include" command, but I cannot access it (or I don't know where to find it) when I'm not in a sketch environment (I need to import the reference geometry in the 3D space, not in sketch). What should I do to be able to make the cable?

Thank you in advance for your answers!

 

[beachcomber]

Several ways to do it, but very difficult to describe.
You probably need to look at using XPressRoute to create the path.

bc.
2.4GHz Core2 Quad, 4GB RAM,
Quadro FX4600.

Where would we be without sat-nav?

 

[Mechv5]

Oh, I forgot to say that I don't have any additional license for pipe or cable design (such as XPressRoute), so I have to find a way to do it with the basic modules (part or sheet metal modules). Could you please try to explain me how to do it in this way? Thanks a lot in advance!

 

[KENAT]

Lots of intersecting planes, but it will be a pig for all but the simplest situations.

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[beachcomber]

I was afraid you'd say that.
And you don't need intersecting planes.
I will assume that the cable will be an assembly because you might need locking nuts etc in it.
I would start off by putting these bits into a new assembly
Can you show us what the assembly of the cable looks like?

bc.
2.4GHz Core2 Quad, 4GB RAM,
Quadro FX4600.

Where would we be without sat-nav?

 

[beachcomber]

You could use frames instead of XpressRoute but you will have to create a new part file that has the cable cross-section in it.
The methodology is the same.

bc.
2.4GHz Core2 Quad, 4GB RAM,
Quadro FX4600.

Where would we be without sat-nav?

 

[Mechv5]

I have to make just a simple representation of the cable, not necessary with the end-parts. It's have to be done just as a proposal for a possible path for the cable. The problem is, I am not even able to create a plane on a face of the part of the assembly where the cable should be connected, because I cannot access that part face from within my new part environment.
I don't have yet a modell of the bowden cable and I don't think I'm allowed to post a picture of the assembly... It is finally just about the general principle to do something like this in an assy.
Hope you can help me with some details about how to proceed.

 

[jjengel]

Mechv5,

I just spent the last week modeling hoses for one of our products using the frame command. We don't have the Express route license either, but after some time playing with the options, the frame command is actually quite good and has an option to transform a linear path into a good looking curve.

It also has the ability the select the keypoints you're interested in.

In the frame design tool (working from the assembly environment), the starting point for me was to use path xpres to create the linear path. I could then tweak it and eventually use the "curve segement" command to transform the linear path into a pretty curve. Then with the frame command you can select a cross section to use to sweep along the curve, creating your cable (or hose in my case).

You can create your own cross sections and save them to a cable template file or something similar. (I had different hose sizes with different wall thicknesses). That way when you're in the frame options menu, select "browse for component" and navigate to the part file that has the cross section you'd like to use.

It may take a couple tries to get the process down pat, but I was surprised by how effective frames was for the curves I needed.

I could expand on the steps involved if needed...

Jason

 

[Mechv5]

Thank you, jjengel for your answer.
Yes, it would be very nice if you could explain a little bit more in detail the steps, also considering that my cable path is more complicated and I will have to lead it through small gaps between other parts of the assy.

 

[jjengel]

Mechv5,

First, you'll have to do all the work in the assembly environment. (At least, I did. This is really my first time using frames, so if I'm wrong, please someone correct me.)

1) Like I said above, on the tools tab select frame to open the frame tools.

2) Click pathXpres. This let's you select your start point and end point.

3) After you select those points, you're given an option to set port length. As far as I can tell this is the length of each of the ends coming off your keypoints. I just leave it at one because I'm going to come back and manually adjust it anyways.

4) Click finish. You should now have a blue path between your keypoints. This path is the most direct between your points and may interfere, so now is the time to adjust it manually.

5) Back in your toolbar you have a "Move Segment" command and a "Split Segment" command. These are the tools you'll use to tweak the route of your path. Move Segment is obvious enough I think. Split segment adds a control point along the path wherever you click, which you can then use Move Segment to adjust.

6) I like to make sure sure that I only adjust the path when I'm oriented to a reference plane (just easier). I guess the easiest way to explain this is that you should see where your intereference(s) are and then go to a right, front, top, bottom, etc view before moving paths rather than trying to do it from an iso view where you just won't get the control you're after.

7) Once you're comfortable with the new path and its adjustments select "Curve Segment" from the toolbar and select the path, and then accept. It should take the path and smooth it out into a curve. Sometimes thsi doesn't work exactly how you wanted it to, and you'll have to delete th ecurve and rework the path a bit, then try it again.

8) Once you're set with that, the next step is to choose "Frame" from the menu. When you do, a dialog box appears with options. In this case, make sure that the radio button for "Browse for component" is selected...click OK.

9) Now you're in the Select Path Step. Choose the path you want to use. Before you accept you will ahve to define the cross section to use. Click the folder option and navigate to the cross section part file you want to use for the cable. (This should have been mentioned earlier as something you'll want to create before starting.)

10) Once you've selected the cross section, click on Accept and with any luck you should have a cable where you want it.
If it didn't work exactly right, it's a matter of deleting and trying again.

11) If you have more to create, then create anothe rpath, adjust it, sweep it, and move on. Each one will be listed under frame components as individual frames.

I think with some practice it'll be easy to get the hang of it. I'll attach another image to give you an idea of my application the routing challenge I had.

I'll check back later to see if you have any other questions, or in case I missed anything.

Jason

 

[Mechv5]

Amazing, jjengel!
A detailed and very clear (for me) explanation!
I've folowed your description and it worked very good!
As a small remark: it seems that using the "Move segment" command will move the segments in a plane parallel to the current viewing plane, true? It would be a logical behaviour, cause in other case the user would not have any control of the movements direction.
Thank you very, very much for your help, I really appreciate it!

 

[KENAT]

Never played with frames, I've used express route for this type of thing for the last few years. Nice work beach & jjengl

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[jjengel]

Mechv5, I'm glad the directions were clear. And yes, the move segment is locked into the viewing plane. Once you get the feel for what's going on the tool is actually a lot fun to use.

Hpppy to help...

Jason

 

[beachcomber]

Well done Jason.
I was finding it diffcult to explain and too time consuming especially as I am not on Solid Edge at the moment.

bc.
2.4GHz Core2 Quad, 4GB RAM,
Quadro FX4600.

Where would we be without sat-nav?

 

[kjoiner]

Mechv5,

Another option is to create a part file in your assembly using the Create In Place command. Since the part is in the assembly, you can use the Insert Part Copy tool to bring in faces as needed from your assembly.

As far as creating 3D curves, you can sketch a top and side view of the cable you want to create, then use the Cross Curve tool to create a 3D curve. After creating the 3D curve, you create a sketch of the cross section of your cable then sweep the cross section along the 3D curve.

Kyle