Routing problem

[SiW979]

We are looking to develope a process using part families and routing to enable us to model engine oil dipsticks which are deformable to we can use the same dipstick in multiple configurations. The process we are looking at is as follows

1. Model the steel tube using associative lines and arcs and create a separate component.
2. Create the dipstick assembly with a routin port each end and a linear path between the RCP's
3. Assign a space reservation to simulate the flexible material between the blade gauge and the pull handle.
4. Add a deformable part to the sweep of the space reservation.
5. I was hoping I could then deform the sweep by editing the linear path when it is added to an assemlby by creating additional point which I could snap to copied points from the tube so in effect the dipstick would fit inside the tube.

However, if you watch the video by clicking the link below, as soon as I add rhe dipstick in to the assembly, it breaks and the blade moves on it's own accord.

http://screencast.com/t/HSVCJ4Avn

I have never really used routing, but any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.


Many thanks

Si




Best regards

Simon NX 7.5.4.4 MP8 and NX 8.5 (native) - TC 8

http://www.jcb.com

 

[swale74]

This post doesn't use routing package but is a similar topic to what you're looking at doing.



NX 6.0.5.3 in Windows 7
Mechanical designer

 

[uwam2ie]

I try,:
there is a option/setting in the assembly positioning dialog relating to routing objects.
In this case I think you should design the part with routing functionality, ports etc.

 

[kapmnit123]

Hi Simon,
It seems you have created a number of linear segments between the start and the end ports of the dipstick assembly.(please do correct me if i am wrong).Now the way you want it to deform is (1) total length wise and (2) spatial (or the individual segments can move or rotate with respect to ecah other also.)
Do you wish to constrain this assembly at both ends (going by the video the moment you make the first concentric constraint it makes the assembly overconstraint)?
Usually i would have created a port on the component where you wish to place the dipstick assembly and might have used PLACE PART to do it (but yes one of the options in PLACE PART is through assembly constraining only). Now once one end gets placed then you can use MOVE PART (please do make the variable positioning option on ) and position the second port (using placement port option).
I have tried it on splines earlier though so cannot say about the chain of linear paths.
Please do let me know if this helps.I will try to get more information if possible.
Best Regards
Kapil

 

[SiW979]

Hi Kapnit

I have attached the assembly for you to look at. Basically we model the tube using associative lines and arcs to define the path for the tube. Then I would extract a composite curve from the centre lines in order to find a length that the dipstick needs to be (+ a little extra if it needs to protrude)

We want to create a part family for the dipstick, so I would have an expression which controls the distance between the handle and the blade, however the bit I'm struggling with is the best method to define the route between the two ends (spine or linear) because when I add the dipstick in to the assembly, I want to be able to deform it to match the path of the tube so that the dipstick in inside the tube.

I've never had any formal routing training so I am struggling somewhat.

Many thanks for your help

Si.



Best regards

Simon NX 7.5.4.4 MP8 and NX 8.5 (native) - TC 8 www.jcb.com