patterned features centered on origin

[cmm]

I have to model a part that has a feature repeated in a single-direction linear pattern 4, 5, 6, or 7 times depending on the configuration. In all configurations the pattern must be centered on the part's origin. Does anyone know how to do this?


Chris Montgomery
Mechanical Engineer

 

[Theophilus]

You may need two parts--one for odd and one for even numbers of components (unless you can shift the feature sketch to the origin for odd-number parts and offset from the origin for even-number parts within differing configs).


Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reality is no respecter of good intentions.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

It depends on the configuration parameters. You may be able to construct an Equation based on the feature dimension which controls the qty of features to be patterned.

Basic examples:
qty_of_features = {Width_of_part/feature_width} rounded down
and
start_position_from_edge = {width_of_part/[qty_of_features*feature_width]}/2

Can you post an image of the part? Or if you are able, upload the SW file to a web site & post the URL of that file, in this thread, for download.


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[ctopher]

You can do an equasion per CBL, or after you have your config's. create the patterns removing the pattern's features not used for each config.

Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP0.1 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site

 

[cmm]

CBL, here is the part:

http://user.gru.net/chrismark79/loading_rack.SLDPRT

Six pockets, each with a pair of c'bored holes, are shown. The assembly containing loading_rack.SLDPRT will mate a part into each of the pockets. I want to be able to toggle between 4, 5, 6, and 7 pockets using configurations. I want to toggle the assembly likewise, with each pocket filled.

Thanks for looking into this for me.


Chris Montgomery
Mechanical Engineer

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

cmm ... sorry, I cannot open that file, it was created in SW05 ... I am running SW04. If you read up on equations though, you should be able to do what you need.
Maybe someone with SW05 will be able to help you.


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[ctopher]

first create your configs, then create the features as a "patterned" feature... different qty's per config.

Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP0.1 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

You may also have to adjust the start position of the pattern, per config, to keep it centred about the origin.


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[Arlin]

Equations are definately the way to do this. I do it all the time.

 

[ctopher]

I agree Arlin, but some users do not understand equations. Good time to learn though.

Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP0.1 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site

 

[MElam]

x = (L-(Pdist*Pinst-1))/2

where:
x = dim from edge to first hole
L = length of part
Pdist = pattern distance
Pinst = # of pattern instances (change this dim per config)

basic algebra