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dschenken1-Visitor
1-Visitor
May 22, 2015
Question

Drive flexible dimension with parameter

  • May 22, 2015
  • 1 reply
  • 1595 views

I have an assembly with a flexible sub-assy. I would like to drive the value for the flexible dimension with a parameter to avoid having to redefine the component placement just to get to the flexible item.

 

If I enter the parameter in the flexible value box, it responds 'invalid value'

 

Any hints?

 

Alternate already considered and is backup position is create a throw-away feature and drive that with parameter and the flexible item with a measurement on the throwaway feature, but I think that's a longer path.

 

It's still Parametric Technology; what's the parameter for the flexible dimension?


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1 reply

T
TomD.inPDX17-Peridot
17-Peridot
May 23, 2015

I like the ability of using "alternate" values but the implementation is not the most robust.

I learned a couple of days ago that you cannot replace a flexible part.  First you have to remove the flexibility, and then you can replace it.

I also expect to see an edit option of the flexible parameter when you right click on the object in the model tree... but no!

Do you think maybe a flexible component is more like a family table "on the fly"?

D
dschenken1-VisitorAuthor
1-Visitor
May 23, 2015

They do use a family table on the fly, just like assembly cuts, and the information is stored in the referencing assembly. The dimensions of an assembly cut can be driven by relations and parameters, but not the dimensions of flexible items.

My basic rant on flexibility is that it should be only defined at the sub-assy/part level. The person making the original knows the items that can reasonably be altered at installation. I swear someone somewhere has decided to make a screw a different length using the flexible modifier and production can't figure out why the screw doesn't fit, even though it is clearly shown as fitting in the assembly and the part verifies as matching its own description.

Flexibility should be bottom-up and have dimensional limits available to ensure that only reasonable parts can be generated.

They also need to add a curvature controlled sketch element, both geometry generating and reference, so that flexible variations can be made of items that are conventionally flexible, like living hinges. Wouldn't it be nice to have an item that can deform from a CW bend to be straight to a CCW bend based on a single value?

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