# of instances in pattern table 3

[mloew]

I have several pattern tables were many of the dimensions are driven from relations or parameters. Is there any way to parameterize the number of instances of a pattern table? I know this can be done with "regular" patterns. I am using Pro/E 2001.

Thanks in advance.

Best regards,

Matthew Ian Loew
"Luck is the residue of design."
Branch Rickey

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[onlyadrafter]

Hello,

Not sure I fulle understand what you mean, but this is what I have created.

I created a cube 170 wide, 130 high and 100 deep.

I put a hole 20 diameter, 20 from two of the edges. I patterned this hole in two directions (20 each way) with two instances in each direction (giving me four holes).

I gave the pattern dimensions a symbol (holes_left and holes_up).

I created the relations

holes_left=d7/20
holes_up=d6/20

THe model was then flooded with holes (48).

Is this like anything you require or have I missed the point completely?





----------------------------------
Hope this helps.
----------------------------------

maybe only a drafter
but the best user at this company!

 

[mloew]

onlyadrafter,

Thanks for the reply. What I am doing is using the pattern table option where you use the pro/table (or excel) editor to manually key in the values for each dimension that is to be patterned, much like adding instances in a family table. The issue is that I do not know of a way to change the number of patterned instances because they do not seem to be parameterized. As an alternative technique, I know how to use Pro/Program add/suppress features, but I would then loose the ability to use reference patterns.


Best regards,

Matthew Ian Loew
"Luck is the residue of design."
Branch Rickey

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[Hora]

Matthew,

Unfortunately, you cannot parameterize a pattern table. I tried myself feaw month ago and I wasn't able to do it.

-Hora.

 

[mjcole]

I got this from the PTC knowledge base and thought it might help!

Description
-----------
Using part relations to specify the use of a specific pattern table within a part.


Alternate Technique
-------------------
After creating more than one pattern table, select #Add from the Relations menu
and enter in the following syntax:
pattern_table:fid_(pattern_table_id_number) = "pattern_table_name"

Where pattern_table_id_number is the Feature ID of the first feature in
the pattern and pattern_table_name is the name given to the pattern table.

For example, with two pattern tables, FOUR_HOLES and EIGHT_HOLES, the design
requires that pattern table FOUR_HOLES be used when the LENGTH of a part is
less than 10 and greater than zero. Pattern table EIGHT_HOLES is to be
used when the LENGTH of the part is greater than or equal to 10. In this
example ADD the following relation to the part by selecting #RELATION #ADD:

IF LENGTH > 0 & LENGTH < 10
PATTERN_TABLE:FID_21 = &quot;FOUR_HOLES&quot;
ELSE
IF LENGTH > 10 | LENGTH == 10
PATTERN_TABLE:FID_21 = &quot;EIGHT_HOLES&quot;
ENDIF
ENDIF

NOTE: The text for the name of the pattern table *must* be in uppercase letters.
Pro/ENGINEER is case sensitive to this variable, and will issue an error message
if the value contains lowercase letters.

 

[Hora]

Mjcole,

This seems to be a &quot;patern table exchange&quot; rather than a parametric pattern instances number.

In fact it is a solution, but what if you need something between the &quot;FOUR HOLES&quot; ans &quot;EIGHT HOLES&quot;? You must create a new table &quot;SIX HOLES&quot;. Than you must change the relations. And when you have more than two table to exchange the problem becoms quickly a nightmare. Just imagine you have more than 8 holes!

But, as I said it is an excange solution for the Matthew's problem if he's happy with this. You got a &quot;*&quot; from me beacause I never thought to exchance a pattern table.

But in cases like this, pattern equations are the best, because you can control everything... and make Pro/E quite challenging.

-Hora

 

[mloew]

mjcole,

Brilliant. Thank you. This will let me do what I want. I have relations to the dimensions in the pattern table contained within the &quot;IF&quot; statements as well. I am embarrassed that I did not locate this document in the PTC Knowledge Base. Thanks again.

Best regards,

Matthew Ian Loew
&quot;Luck is the residue of design.&quot;
Branch Rickey

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[mloew]

Hora,

Mjcole's suggestion of the alternate technique will work for me as I only have the possibilities for the quantity to be between 2 & 4, thus only requiring three optional pattern tables. It is nice that the dimension references remain the same for all of the pattern tables. This allows me to only put the values that differ inside the &quot;IF&quot; statement. Sometimes Pro/E is just awesome.

Best regards,

Matthew Ian Loew
&quot;Luck is the residue of design.&quot;
Branch Rickey

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[mloew]

I need to resurrect this thread to ask a question regarding the reference feature ID. I can't seem to capture the right FID that the pattern table is "attached" to. I have a group that was patterned in this instance. Any clues?

Thanks in advance.

Best regards,

Matthew Ian Loew
&quot;Luck is the residue of design.&quot;
Branch Rickey

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[ProEpro]

try makeing it fail with an impossable value for a dim. When you go into resolve mode it will say what feature crashed.


ProEpro

http://www.whitelightdesign.com

Pro/E FAQ

http://www.whitelightdesign.com/servicestips.htm

 

[mloew]

I found an additional reference for all that contributed to this thread:

Using table-driven patterns gives you enormous flexibility to create, duplicate and place features.

Driving a Table-Driven Pattern Through Relations by Dwaraka Nadha Reddy

This was a Profiles Magazine Tips & Trick from Summer 2004.

Enjoy!

Best regards,

Matthew Ian Loew


Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.