Driven "constraints" similar to driven dimensions in sketch

[DRoam]

I think it would be extremely useful to have driven "constraints" between components of an assembly, allowing us to have reference parameters in the assembly environment similar to within the sketch environment.

Currently, within an assembly, we can make a parameter dependant upon an existing constraint; however, suppose I don't want to constrain two features, becasue their location/orientation is determined by other constraints, but I want the location/orientation of a third part to be determined by the distance/orientation between those two features? These driven constraints or reference parameters would essentially be a measuring tool, which would allow a reference parameter to be created for the angle or distance between two features, which could then be used to drive other parameters.

[DRoam]

This would essentially solve this issue by smithar suggesting Symmetrical constraints. With reference parameters, something like "MeasuredDistance/2" parameter values would easily allow symmetric constraining of components.

[Curtis_Waguespack]

Symmetry Constraints have been added to Inventor 2014:

http://inventortopix.blogspot.com/2013/03/inventor-2014-whats-new.html

So would that resolve this for you, or are you still seeing a need for your idea even with symmetry constraints?

[DRoam]

That's great, glad to see symmetric constraints have been implemented! Thanks for the link.

I do think reference parameters would still be useful. It would allow for much more complex dependant placement of components. In this thread which I posted some time ago I explain just one situation where reference parameters would be useful. Symmetric constraints might actually work in this case, but I might want the inner plates still dependant on the outside plates, but not symmetric.

Is this something you think could be useful as well, or might I be overcomplicating things?

[Curtis_Waguespack]

In the example at the link you posted, creating a User Parameter is basically the same as the reference parameter you're asking for. Have you tried this?:

Go to the Manage tab and click the Parameters button, and then click the Add button to create a User Parameter.

I hope this helps.
Best of luck to you in all of your Inventor pursuits,
Curtis
http://inventortrenches.blogspot.com

[DRoam]

All, there is an identical request which has gained a little more traction than my post, probably because what's desired is presented more clearly than I did. As such, if all who support this functionality could follow the link below and give the other post a vote, that would be great. The more kudos are focused to a single post the better. Many thanks!

Link: Add Measurement as Paramenter

[Curtis_Waguespack]

I just voted for this and the Add Measurement as Parameter idea, not sure why I had trouble getting my head around this at the time, but it makes a lot of sense to me now.

Having said that, I don't know that I've had the need for doing this.

[inv.ideareview]

Thanks for sharing your Idea. We use this forum to guide product development and help users in the best way we can based on voting. We occasionally merge Ideas or archive old ones to keep the forum working properly - it ensures there is room for people to review new Ideas and that the most relevant and meaningful ones can gain votes. We’re archiving this Idea because it's been on the board for well over a year and hasn't received many votes from the community. If you want to raise it again and try to gain more support, you're welcome to do so. We’ve found that pictures and mock-ups can help get concepts across and win more votes from other users. If you have questions or see a connection between this Idea and others, let us know. - Inventor product team (Inv.idea review)

[goran.wennberg]

Hi

Do anyone know if there are a solution of this issue 5 years later? Have the same problem.

//Goran