Flexible surface

[doubledown]

Iwant a"S" shaped suface that is normal to ahorizontaldatum plane at each end. One end is fixed and the other is floating. Is it possible to dynamically move/drag the floating end without regenerating and at the same time, ensure the surface length is maintained? FYI the floating end can only move in thehorizontal direction.


Thanks for you input!

 

[design-engine]

sounds like flex cable?

 

[doubledown]

hmmm...I have not used that functionality in Pro/e. I want to be able to combine this "flexible" surface with some mechanized assemblies so that when I "drag" the floating end of the surface, the mechanized components move with it. From my investigating flex cable does not seem to be suited for what I am trying to do...any other thoughts?

 

[dgs]

I think everything you want is possible except the 'without regenerating'. Not much happens in Pro|E without regenerating.

You can sketch your S profile and then use the perimeter dimension to maintain the curve length. I would use a datum plane at each end of the sketch to control the normal as well as to move the moving end.

To create the perimeter you first sketch and dimension the S curve as if it were fixed. Then you select all of the segments that you want to control and pick Edit -> convert to -> perimeter. Pro|E will prompt you for the dimension that you want to vary. The remaining dims in the sketch will stay constant and Pro|E will alter that one to keep the perimeter constant.

 

[doubledown]

The "regenerating" was the part that was holding me back but I can definitely put the perimeter dim idea to good use...thanks for the advice!!!<?:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" />

 

[design-engine]

I would hope that the evolution of Pro/ENGINEER in the next 3 years would allow an expert mode with the Automatic Regeneration option with features like in sketch mode.

 

[jsantangelo]

I think everything you want is possible except the 'without regenerating'. Not much happens in Pro|E without regenerating.

You can sketch your S profile and then use the perimeter dimension to maintain the curve length. I would use a datum plane at each end of the sketch to control the normal as well as to move the moving end.

To create the perimeter you first sketch and dimension the S curve as if it were fixed. Then you select all of the segments that you want to control and pick Edit -> convert to -> perimeter. Pro|E will prompt you for the dimension that you want to vary. The remaining dims in the sketch will stay constant and Pro|E will alter that one to keep the perimeter constant.

Awesome tip!

 

[design-engine]

My first thought would be to use a point that is placed on a curve not as a ratio but as an actual length point. I would create the composite approximate curve on the sketched geometry so I could parametrically get the curve to flex. The point would sit on the approximate composite curve and would always sit on the approximate curve with the desired length. the only parameter I would use might be to drive the length of the desired product.

By the way Design engine is having a Halloween party tonight... Chicago ... all are invited.Should be real scary. Trampoline, skate ramp hot tub, pool table, DJ's, roller skate, holla-hoops.Don't bring the kids unless you are the big kid. 112 North Green next door to the Design engine building. Should go on past 6AM

Ill post pictures for those of you who are not in chicago tonight.
Edited by: design-engine

 

[dewme5]

I would hope that the evolution of Pro/ENGINEER in the next 3 years would allow an expert mode with the Automatic Regeneration option with features like in sketch mode.

That sounds odd like a behind the scenes tip...

Anyway, good luck on the party tonight. I'm way to far to make it, and I have a huge haunted house taking up way to much time to run anyway.

*and now, the thread shall go back on topic.

 

[design-engine]

that is not behind the scenes tip... Ive just been talking about it for 10 years.I should put together a list of evolutionary items (new thread) for CAD evolution.Party was out of this world with over 500 creatures coming thru.I did not take any pictures tho.