Creo 7
I am looking for an automated way to create a cellular array of ribs and have run into what seems to be a limitation with trajectory rib functionality. The first pic below illustrates an example of what I want to create but I am not able to use the projection of the patterned hex curves in the sketch for a trajectory rib without manually selecting each hex.
I am able to generate a pattern of cells that "should" be available for use when defining a sketch for trajectory ribs. So far, I am not able to select the cell array with a pick box or intent reference selection. Am I missing something with sketcher selection or in the projection tool within sketcher?
Is there a better way to approach this from a modeling standpoint if I want it to be more automated? Using a fill pattern, I can generate the array from a single sketched hexagon and a few feature relations. It would be nice to leverage that and generate the ribs based on this pattern.
I need a way to select all of the cells using "all curves in feature" or similar when defining the sketch for the trajectory rib for this approach to work.
Creo 7 test case model for reference. I am trying to use the cell array to generate trajectory ribs in the shell.
The way I would do this would be based on the method of patterning in this video. It's a patterning of quilts versus features, which significantly reduces the regen time. You will need a larger bottom "plate" to solidify against but that is easily removed after pattern is created.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d2eIY6CLY4
Pro/ENGINEER provides fantastic flexibility with respect to Geometric multiplication or patterns of geometry. These patterns, whether simple or complex, can sometimes adversely impact performance. There are, as with most functions of Pro/ENGINEER, many options when creating patterns. Find here how
Most of the rounds can be added as well, using this method. I would share the file back to you but I'm using CREO 8.
We are well versed in using quilts to speed up large patterns and the current approach to deal with this is using quilts to create the cells and reference patterns to complete the ribs. The issue with this method is bounding the cells where they intersect the perimeter of the "shell shape". This is something that trajectory ribs handle quite well as long as there is a closed wall around the entire perimeter of the solid when the ribs are created. If the trajectory rib can be exploited it would likely be more robust to geometry changes in the shell.
Quilt based array for fully drafted and rounded cell geometry.
@MartinHanak thanks for the model. What you had to do to pattern this was exactly why I submitted this query. It requires the manual selection of patterned curves to be used in a sketch for a trajectory rib. I am looking for a way to select all curves in the array for use in the sketch which may not be possible currently.
From PTC documentation on sketch for trajectory rib:
Sketch one or more lines, splines, or arcs to define the rib feature trajectory. The sketch can contain any number of open, closed, and self-intersecting curves.
@tbraxton wrote:
@MartinHanak thanks for the model. What you had to do to pattern this was exactly why I submitted this query. It requires the manual selection of patterned curves to be used in a sketch for a trajectory rib. I am looking for a way to select all curves in the array for use in the sketch which may not be possible currently.
From PTC documentation on sketch for trajectory rib:
Sketch one or more lines, splines, or arcs to define the rib feature trajectory. The sketch can contain any number of open, closed, and self-intersecting curves.
Hi,
this is my last reply ... during testing I found that following sketch created inside Trajectory Rib definition is not valid. This means that it is useless to try to put all the hexagons into one sketch.
