Multiple configurations with different pitches for a helix spring

[rgrayclamps]

I am trying to create a helix spring model (a circle swept along a helix) with multiple configurations to show different states of compression. This means that the helix pitches are different for different configurations. How can I make a configuration unique pitch for each helix?

Thanks,

Alex

 

[J-C]

Double click the helix to see/edit it's dimensions.

Jason

UG NX2.02.2 on Win2000 SP3
SolidWorks 2005 SP5.0 on WinXP SP2
SolidWorks 2006 SP1.0 on WinXP SP2

 

[rgrayclamps]

If you double click the helix, it appears that you will change pitch for all of the configurations, not a specific one.

Alex

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

You have to have created a config before the config options will show.


Helpful SW websites faq559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions faq559-1091

 

[rgrayclamps]

Hi, CorBlimeyLimey:

Could you elaborate your comment? I do have two configurations. One is "Free State", and the other "Compressed".

Thanks,

Alex

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

When you double click on the Sweep feature or the Helix in the feature manager, or the sweep in the graphics area, the dimensions become visible. If you then double click any of the controlling dimensions, you should see a b]Modify[/b] dialogue box which has the This Configuration, All configurations & Specify Configuration(s) options.

Note! The option you used when creating the Helix, will affect which dimensions are the controlling ones. One of them will be driven.

Are you seeing that Modify box?


Helpful SW websites faq559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions faq559-1091

 

[rgrayclamps]

I see "Modify" boxes, but there is no configuration option.

Thanks,

Alex

 

[rgrayclamps]

Sorry, I made a mistake. I did see a "Modify" box. When I double click the feature dimension and typed into new number, the model is not updated.

Alex

 

[SBaugh]

Ctrl-Q - You have to rebuild the model before it will update.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Make sure the dimension you are trying to change is not the driven dimension.

If the Helix/Spiral sketch feature was created using the Pitch & Revolution options, the Height (overall length) will be driven.

Height & Revolution option = Pitch wil be driven.

Height & Pitch option = Revolutions will be driven


Helpful SW websites faq559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions faq559-1091

 

[yanceman]

Feature dimensions are in Blue.
Sketch dimensions are in Black.
Double click on the feature in the feature manager, then double click on the feature dimension.

Yanceman

 

[AnuverLimey]

What you need to do is is create the helix by specifing the height and number of revolutions (Sort of the number of coils).

Then, create another configuration and change the height of the helix - the number of coils will remain the same (as it should) and, as that other Limey says, the pitch will change to suit.

Better still, does anyone have any tricks on how to make a spring "dynamic" in an assembly?

Mike Warner.
Port Credit
Ontario, Canada

 

[rgrayclamps]

CorBlimeylimey, Yanceman, & AnuverLimey:

Thank you all for your help. I got my compressible spring model.

By the way, when I double clicked a helix feature, I do not see any feature dimensions for the helix with SW2005 sp2.0. That was why I was puzzled as how to control pitch for different configurations. However, when I tried on the same helix feature with SW2005 sp5.0 at my home computer, it worked just the way you guys described.

Alex