Autodesk Inventor

[#1]

I am trying to make a model of a bicycle wheel. I created a 3d sketch using a line and an arc for the spoke, did a 2-D sketch of a circle on the hub where the spoke should end and i'm trying to sweep this circle along the required path.

The problem is that when I click sweep and try to select the cicle I sketch I can't!

I did use sweep before for other parts without such problem. I also tried creating a plane using the centre of the circle an the 3d line to ensure that the sketch is perpendicular to the line but still the same problem - what am I doing wrong?

If anyone has any idea on how to do the spokes using any other method please do tell!

[#2]

Are you using INV2012?  I'm on 2011 and couldn't open the file.

Something you may want to do is include your system information in your signature- some users will fuss at you if they try to help and that information isn't there.  Just an FYI.

[#3]

First thing I noticed is that your Sketch1 is not constrained.

It would make logical sense for the end of the horizontal line to be a the origin so that your axis of revolution is about the y-axis.

I recommend you read this document.

http://home.pct.edu/~jmather/skillsusa%20university.pdf

You should have multiple solid bodies in the file.

For example if you edit Revolution2 you should have New Solid selected.

The bend in your spoke is too small (among other problems with the path).

The holes in the rim are incorrect.

[#4]

Thank you for your reply.

However my problem is still the same - I can't sweep the shape (spokes) I want. Any help with that?

[#5]

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mbus0013 wrote:

 Any help with that?

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I would not be able to help until you fix the foundation problems - maybe someone else will jump in here.

Once you fix the foundation problems the solution to your immediate problem is rather trivial.

[#6]

The above comments about your sketches being unconstrained are true. Go back to Sketch 1 and make sure all the geometry is fully constrained.

Next point, you cannot use a 2D sketch and a 3D sketch for the sweep command (as far as I know anyhow). You need 2 x 2D sketches for that.

Another point is that bicycle spokes are straight. If you had a curved spoke then you would have a serious problem with your wheel.

[#7]

Hi besides the issues mentioned earlier, the problem with the sweep is the radius of the 3d sketch at the bend of the spoke.

The spoke intersects with it's self. There is also an issue with the termination, but thats for you to look at, Use "New solid" to bypass this.

[#8]

other image did not attach.

[#9]

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rhasell wrote:

The spoke intersects with it's self. There is also an issue with the termination, but thats for you to look at, Use "New solid" to bypass this.

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rhasell, could you clarify how the spoke intersects with it's self please. I ask because, recently, I have had some errors reporting self intersecting lines etc... but I could not see any evidence anywhere that a line or other geometry was intersecting itself.

I guess this could be just my understanding of the meaning behind it, but I'm curious to know what it does mean.

TIA

[#10]

Hi, I am replying from my mobile, so please be patient.

The sweep path might look good, but the resultant solid defies the rules. When modeling a part remember that it has to be manufactured. Eg, the spoke will never be able to be manufactured using the radius of.0.6mm for a 2.5mm diameter wire.

Without seeing your other parts it is hard to comment.

I try and use logic and manufacturing experience when designing. Granted molds/casting/machining require a different set of skills and modelling tricks.

I will respond again once I am in front of a computer if no-one else has chipped in.
Reg.