Solved: Re: How to create a ball joint

ChristianSmith · ‎Aug 10, 2010

This may be a little difficult to explain but I have two arms that I want to connect with a ball joint. The movement will be up and down, and also swivel 360 degrees. In the first arm I have a spherical cutout where I want to attach the ball, it will be inside that cutout that the ball will move and swivel. How do I or can I constrain a ball inside that cutout to get that sort of movement? I know there is a ball constrain, but I'm not sure how to use it. attached is a picture of the cutout where the ball will be inserted.
Thanks

ImpulseProductD · ‎Aug 10, 2010

By "dummy part" I simply mean that it's not a part of the product design. It's just a utilitarian file. The point and two axes are the features in part C that are used for assembly purposes.

Does that help?

View solution in original post

ptc-876037 · ‎Aug 10, 2010

Basically I've controlled the position of Ball Joints using Datum Points. I attach one point on the external of the ball and attach one point on the internal of the cutout. Then I align the points at the assembly and change the position by changing the location of the point internally to the cutout.

The attachement is in WF5 as my example.

ChristianSmith · ‎Aug 10, 2010

That makes sense, however it doesn't give you the ability to use the drag function to allow easy maneuverability. Thanks for sending that to me, If I can't find out how to do it the way I'm thinking it should work I'll use your method.

ImpulseProductD · ‎Aug 10, 2010

Christian,

If I understand correctly, you should be able to accomplish the task by using a "ball" constraint and a "planar" constraint.

I've attached a sample for clarity.

Good luck!

TROY MASON

Impulse Product Development
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ChristianSmith · ‎Aug 10, 2010

That is exactly what I was looking for, that answered part of my question, now I'm wondering if it's possible to have that ball not only move up and down in the y plane like it does, but also swivel 360 degrees in the x, z plane?

ImpulseProductD · ‎Aug 10, 2010

To my knowlege, Pro/E doesn't have the capability, but you could add a 3rd "dummy part" to give you the desired constraints.

The 3rd part (C) would be assembled just like B was in the last assembly. The B is assembled to C with a pin joint or cylinder + planar joint.

New files attached....

Make sense?

ChristianSmith · ‎Aug 10, 2010

So when I open up your file in pro E, there is nothing in part C. Or I should say there is no solid model that I can see when I open part C. when you say "dummy part" what exactly do you mean by this?

ImpulseProductD · ‎Aug 10, 2010