how do I create tab and slot type connections

[anthonyws]

Is there a better way to create tab and slot plate connections than manually drawing every line? I hope there is some technique where a tab can be replicated arrayed and then slots automated in the mating part. Boolean cut works but with this I don't have the option for clearance or dog bones. 

[tbraxton]

These are some techniques that would be applicable. You can create a sketch pattern where a csys is placed at every location where a tab/slot is needed and then pattern (reference pattern option) one tab or slot using the sketch to generate the required features. You can also create UDFs for the tab and slot so that you can retrieve it from a library as it is needed. A notebook (.lay) file could also be used to manage some aspects of the interface if needed.

Check out this video from on how to use sketch patterns.

https://youtu.be/J3dGaBA9l6U 

[anthonyws]

Thanks for the video. That certainly is a method. I can see where that would be useful, and not just for this example. I can see a large library of rectangular sketch pairs, one for the tab and a slightly larger clearance sketch for the slot for all the different plate thicknesses and tab lengths. 

It could certainly become quite the undertaking.

I wish there was sketch pattern function, draw one rectangle of the appropriate size for the length of joint then pattern it appropriately to divide up the space.

The ultimate dream; like stitch/interrupted weld tool, define tab size and spacing in the assembly and it uses a boolean cut plus clearance/dogbone.

[tbraxton · Accepted solution]

Sketch pattern functionality is not available in Creo and for good reason. The patterns are available at the feature level and can absolutely be used to ..."draw one rectangle of the appropriate size for the length of joint then pattern it appropriately to divide up the space." if that is how you want to control your design.

You need to consider the design intent as well as your workflow to set this up for maximum advantage, but Creo is extremely capable and customizable. To do this effectively you have to obtain an understanding of the available functions and understand parent/child behaviors etc.

In your case I would create a udf for the tab/slot pairs; one UDF for the tab and one for the corresponding slot. Build these UDFs such that they can be placed with only the selection of a CSYS in the target model.

In each model requiring the tab/slot you would place a csys in the part that will locate/orient each instance of the UDF. If there are multiple tabs/slots along an edge of the part use patterns to distribute the required csys features along the edge with the proper spacing. Then you place the UDF using the lead member of a pattern and then use reference pattern to replicate the UDF on all of the members of the pattern.

It is possible to map the locations between parts via a skeleton model and or the use of a notebook such that you can locate the slots on one part to align with the tabs on a parental reference part if you are clever about it.

[anthonyws]

I see the method you are explaining and understand using the UDF and reference CSYS to place the tab/slot at the assembly level. That might take some time to figure out. 

That last thought about skeleton models and notebooks is probably too much up front effort to master for these simple assemblies. 

Thanks again.