User parameters and body alignment

[tarjeik]

I'm trying to construct a frame of 2020 aluminium extrusions based on user parameters to define width, depth and height. I'm using a DWG drawing of the profile and created separate bodies from this for each length of extrusion. I'd like the frame to stay together when I adjust any of the user parameters, but I can't figure out a way to achieve this. I've tried both Align and separating each extrusion length into it's own component and adding Rigid joints. The below screenshots should illustrate what I'm trying to achieve.

 

It's late and I feel like I'm missing something _really_ obvious - but what?

[tarjeik · Accepted solution]

Finally figured it out. I was adding "As-built joints" instead of normal "Joints". Never quite understood the "As-built joint" from the videos I've watched, but the tooltip clearly states that "Components maintain their current position".

[fulcrumusa]

I know it's been a long time since this post was made but I am currently struggling with the same issue. I get that "As-built" joint do not move the two components. It actually makes sense since the two components are already in the correct relationship.

However what does not make sense is the fact that the component relationship is not maintained after the joint is made. This makes "As built" joint do not intuitive. What is the point if the two components do not move together?

Normally, I wouldn't really care about it and would use regular joints. However, the problem that I am trying to solve would be much easier if I can join entire components and not joint origins. The components are properly aligned but do not have well-definable, matching joint origins. Furthermore, considering that Fusion360 is pushing the top-down design philosophy, the use of "As-built" joints would seem widespread.