Multiple Patterns Of A Sub-Assembly In A Main Assembly

[shearstrength]

Currently using Solidworks 2001 Plus;

I created a sub-assembly, and then inserted that sub-assembly into a higher level assembly. I have a series of these sub-assemblies that I am using to construct my design.

Instead of inserting the sub-assembly, and mating the constraints as many times as I need to, I created patterns of the existing sub-assembly. This works but I am constantly getting an error telling me that I need to create a new configuration for every instance because Solidworks does not like multiple inserts of the same assembly within the same configuration.

Does any one have any suggestions on how to work around this?

Any response will be greatly appreciated!

 

[BBJT]

I take it that you are on 2001Plus? I have run into this problem if I try and make the sub-assemblies flexible instead of rigid. Any time you make a sub flexible and have more than one instance in an assembly it wants you to have separate configs so they can move independently. I think this is what you are running into.

In my eyes this is a huge limitation. This information should be saved at the assembly level where it is being flexed not back at the sub level. By the time you have a configs for evey possible movement, not to mention simplified configs for performance; you have configs coming out of your ears. Take a cylinder for example. If I drop it into an assembly I should be able to move it to the position I need. SW forces me to create configs. No problem right? Wrong. How do you create a config for every possible position of a cylinder? You might be thinking create them as you need them. That does not work in a controlled environment. Our STD LIB (Feature Pallet) is Read-Only on the network for a large amount of users to access. Now throw a non standard part into the picture. How do you get a new position when the part has been issued in a PDM system? Check it out just to add a config showing it at a different position? What would you put for a revision? The revision does not pertain to an actual change in the model so it should not be a revision.

Whew! I feel much better know. Anybody have any "work around"?
BBJT CSWP

 

[MadMango]

I've ran into the same problem. We use a "power window motor" to move components in our assembly, and it takes 3 of them. It's one thing to have Cconfigs for Fully Open and Fully Closed, but it's a pain to move connected components through it's entire range of motion with only Configs.

The best work around I have so far is to name each motor a unique name (23445a, 23445b, 23445c) and insert them all into the assy. This gives me the freedom to use Flexible Sub-Assy as I think it was intended. Has anyone tried submitting an Enhancement Request on this? "Happy the Hare at morning for she is ignorant to the Hunter's waking thoughts."

 

[BBJT]

Has anyone tried submitting an Enhancement Request on this?

Yes. BBJT CSWP