The new entity would have two characteristics - overall length and
curvature. It would be arc-like in the ability to be tangent to other
entities and have a center point.
The use of this is as follows: curvature would vary from (+some large
value : 0 : -some large value). In this way an arc could change from
positive curvature to straight to minus curvature based on one end as
the start point and right-hand-rule for curvature direction.
The curvature doesn't have to be large. A curvature of 10000 would be a
radius of 1/10000th.
This would be very helpful in modeling items that can be bent in use,
such as living hinges. While a spline can be made to be something like
this, a spline doesn't have a center to refer to. The center for an
entity with a curvature of 0 would be the mid-point of the straightened
curve.
It would be limited to not overlapping itself for solid features, but
datum curves could be ok.
If desired, a slightly more complex version with curvature control at
each end, linearly interpolated along the length would be even more
useful - linear spirals and s-shapes could be made directly without
complex formulas**. The second curvature control would preclude the
creation of a center point.
Thoughts?
Dave S.
**I know, they do require complex formulas, but that's in the code, not
in a sketcher or feature relation.
This thread is inactive and closed by the PTC Community Management Team. If you would like to provide a reply and re-open this thread, please notify the moderator and reference the thread. You may also use "Start a topic" button to ask a new question. Please be sure to include what version of the PTC product you are using so another community member knowledgeable about your version may be able to assist.