Irregular patterns

[Anonymous]

It strikes me that it would be convenient if it were possible to place another instance of a component directly on top of another one in an assembly, complete with a copy of all constraints. Then, if an irregular pattern is required (for example, a series of components level with each other vertically and in one plane horizontally, but at varying pitch in the perpendicular horizontal plane) is required, it's simply a matter of editing one constraint to move it to the desired position. The same principal would apply to polar arrays.

I am aware of the 'Independent' feature in patterning, but this seems to me of marginal value because once independent, the component is left unconstrained, and hence three constraints must be added to position it in space. Hence this offers little benefit over placing a fresh instance in the assembly.

Is there any way of accomplishing this? I am using Inventior 2011.