topic Re: Variable geometry array in Dynamic Blocks Forum

Variable geometry array

alex.davisonQZ6ZH — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 14:00:00 GMT

Hello,

I'm trying to design a dynamic block for staircases.

I've got the going of the steps adjustable between the min and max values (250-350mm) with a linear move parameter set, but I need to be able to copy this along the length of the stairs in plan. What I think would work is if I can make the column offset of the linear array parameter = the distance of the going of the steps. In this case, I could use the grip on the array to create the number of steps I want, but the space between the steps in plan would be dependant on what the going of the first 2 steps is? So the column offset would automatically update?

Cheers.

Re: Variable geometry array

j.palmeL29YX — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 15:02:57 GMT

Please upload your model what you have until now.

Re: Variable geometry array

alex.davisonQZ6ZH — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 07:36:16 GMT

Sorry I have only just seen your reply. Please see attached.

Re: Variable geometry array

j.palmeL29YX — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 08:50:37 GMT

Are you looking for something like the attached example?

Re: Variable geometry array

alex.davisonQZ6ZH — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 10:53:33 GMT

That's exactly what I was after thanks. What was the workflow for that if you don't mind? As it'll form the basis of other blocks I'm trying to make. For example my next project is to detail the stairs in side elevation, and have the height, rise, going, and angle all variable and constrained within the asset standards I'm working to.

Re: Variable geometry array

j.palmeL29YX — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 12:09:45 GMT

@alex.davisonQZ6ZH wrote:

That's exactly what I was after thanks.

If my reply resolves the issue or answers your question please mark "Accept as Solution", to help others in the community.

Before I answer to your second question:

Your problem description was, to set the distance over all and the distance of the steps independently. I would not be lucky with the result, if the steps don't fill the whole length. But if this is exactly what you where looking for, then all is ok.

Here I attach 2 other variants of similar blocks. The user only sets the length over all, the steps (their number and their dimension) are created automatically. In one of the variants the steps are never smaller 250, in the other variant the steps are never greater than 350. Give it a try.

What was the workflow ...

The first example above I solved using the power of Parametric constraints and dimensions.

First you have to apply geometric constraints to get a geometric stable model. Also I added a construction line as path for the array command. I you now use the arraypath command and choose the FillEntirePath option you get automatically as much steps as needed to fill the stair. (I don't know if you are familiar with Parametric. If not and you have further questions, ask again).

In the here attached two new examples I defined some User Parameters (to find in the Parameter Manager) and used this parameters to define the needed values of the array command. Depending on your knowledge about parametric you will either understand the principle yourself or you should ask what you not understood.

Re: Variable geometry array

alex.davisonQZ6ZH — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 15:25:12 GMT

Thanks,

I'm familiar with the basics of parametrics and geometric constraints but not to a very high level. My main area of query now is how you relate the array distance to the original distance between the steps. So in example 1 that you sent, I can drag the linear grip to between 250mm and 350mm, then when I adjust the overall length of the stairs it automatically fills the steps in based on this initial length.

You mentioned path array, I'm assuming this is done in the model space as opposed to the block editor space? I could use some more clarity on how you achieved the path array please.

Re: Variable geometry array

j.palmeL29YX — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 17:45:04 GMT

>>Here<< a video what I did.

The right vertical line (at the grip of d2) should be converted into a construction line (not to see in the video, I forgot it, sorry).

HTH

Please mark "Accept as Solution" if my reply resolves the issue or answers your question, to help others in the community.

Re: Variable geometry array

alex.davisonQZ6ZH — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 15:53:08 GMT

Hello,

I've been busy with other projects at work so haven't been able to follow this up. I tried following your steps but I'm having the problem seen in the attached screengrab. When I use the path array I follow this workflow:

1.Path array -> 2.object -> 3.path -> 4.[items]->5.[expression = d2]->6.[fill entire path]->7.[associative], now this is where the flow stops on your example, you select associative and it closes the array creation. On mine it then gives me the option to select yes or no, if I select yes it goes back to 7. If I select no it only allows the grip to change the first step, the rest don't change. If I select exit it goes to the screenshot below and the grip disappears altogether.

Re: Variable geometry array

j.palmeL29YX — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 17:09:55 GMT

@alex.davisonQZ6ZH wrote:

... On mine it then gives me the option to select yes or no, if I select yes it goes back to 7.

Now you need again an ENTER to finalize the arraypath command (see attached image).

If that doesn't help, post please the complete text window (beginning with the arraypath command) as I did here.

Re: Variable geometry array

j.palmeL29YX — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 17:40:30 GMT

Now I think I know what you might have done - you deleted the right vertical line (where the grip of the d2 parameter resides)?

If so - you must not delete this line, but only should convert this line into a construction line.

Re: Variable geometry array

alex.davisonQZ6ZH — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 10:34:34 GMT

Please see attached command list. I haven't deleted the line where the D2 grip resides. Please note on the screen grab you can't see the central line (used for the array path) as i have converted it to a construction line.

Re: Variable geometry array

j.palmeL29YX — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 10:55:12 GMT

@alex.davisonQZ6ZH wrote:

Please see attached command list.

Post your .dwg file please.

Re: Variable geometry array

alex.davisonQZ6ZH — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 11:07:12 GMT

Please see attached, I'm trying to upload a screencast as well so you can see my workflow.

Re: Variable geometry array

j.palmeL29YX — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 11:30:49 GMT

You must not delete the source line (the most left vertical line).

Screencast follows in some minutes.

Re: Variable geometry array

j.palmeL29YX — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 11:33:27 GMT

And >>here<< the screencast, based on your dwg. (Wait some minutes until it is ready processed).

Re: Variable geometry array

j.palmeL29YX — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 14:18:26 GMT

Still an idea what could cause your problem. Before you start the array command you should set DELOBJ to 0. Otherwise the source line will be deleted automatically.

HTH

Re: Variable geometry array

Ant_osnion — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 23:44:57 GMT

It would be possible to modify the length of the step to part of the width. I'm trying to do it without success.

Re: Variable geometry array

j.palmeL29YX — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 06:54:17 GMT

Let us know more detailed please what you want to achieve.

Re: Variable geometry array

Ant_osnion — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:52:10 GMT

I want to make a array in which I can modify the distance between the elements that are repeated and their length.