How to keep cut-out feature in Smart Component paired to Component?

[SeeKruger]

Hi folks,

There's an attachment to this post for your easier reference.

I am trying to successfully create a smart component consisting of three groups of parts,
which upon insertion will all stay together as one - i.e when I move items (1) and (3), the corresponding cut-out (2) will move with them.

So far I have been able to use mates so that (1) and (3) maintain correct relation to each other, and can only be moved in the x & y planes (desired).
The cut-outs (2) however remain behind, wherever the smart component was inserted.

Where should I look next in the interests of making this a success?

Thanks for any help & advice!






P.S. Purely for your interest's sake and as an introduction, What we're working with here is Electrical Switchboard design. Items (1) & (2) are an insulating support cleat for current carrying copper bar-work, and (3) if you wonder, is a low voltage high current circuit breaker.

 

[Eltron]

Do you have the same problem after a forced rebuild?

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

Dan's Blog

 

[dedevo]

I don't think you are looking to use Smart Components.
This sounds more like you will need to define "In Context" relations for your "Cut-Out" (2) sketches.

Devon Murray, EIT [Mechanical]
Solidworks 2011 SP 2.0

 

[SeeKruger]

Dan, I haven't encountered any rebuild errors in this process which is why I am lead to believe the problem is in how I've done this - after all I havent done any solidworks courses or hold any relevant certificates, so I am always developing my knowledge greatly.
Perhaps I've left a simple ingredient out, bor maybe the method itself isn't suited?

Devon, would you have recommendations as to where I would look instead of Smart Components? I've put SC on the backburner for now after some more unsuccessful tinkering, and have looked towards using the Design Library.

I can easily put in the items (1) & (2) and am about to get (3) to work with an offset, but ultimately our goal is to have a cubicle and be able to drag and drop (or otherwise) a switch with all hardware, cutouts, and the rail it's mounted on inside and it will locate itself exactly - no matter how large the cubicle -central on the y & x axes, and depth at z axis controlled by design table or equation or substitute.

No small task, I know!

 

[dedevo]

You'd probably be better off defining each configuration (where you want the slot) in a design table.

But for in-context, check out the assembly I uploaded. Move the plates around and the hole will change locations.

Devon Murray, EIT [Mechanical]
Solidworks 2011 SP 2.0