topic Re: Keep Minimum Distance From Line to Object in Dynamic Blocks Forum

Keep Minimum Distance From Line to Object

JamesCarr1956 — Fri, 11 May 2018 15:59:44 GMT

I have a few dynamic blocks and they work pretty well. I want to add a constraint to make sure a line stretches, but does not stretch beyond the object it is next to, but still stretches until it gets to that point. i see the horizontal and i know that you can use a formula. What formula do i use or how can tell it to go until it reaches this point? I have attached a png to - hopefully - better explain.

Re: Keep Minimum Distance From Line to Object

Libbya — Fri, 11 May 2018 17:04:32 GMT

What problem results from the arrow passing one of the other objects? Wouldn't the user notice the odd position and just stretch it back into position?

Re: Keep Minimum Distance From Line to Object

JamesCarr1956 — Fri, 11 May 2018 17:07:04 GMT

I sometimes think some of my users are not very intelligent. But when one of them is a vice president, you try not to argue with them too much.

Re: Keep Minimum Distance From Line to Object

Libbya — Fri, 11 May 2018 17:18:28 GMT

It's good to keep in mind that they might be thinking the same about you. You also didn't really answer the question. To make my point more clear, I think it's wasted effort to try to eliminate obviously absurd states from my dynamic blocks, provided the block doesn't actually break and the obviously absurd state can be easily rectified. You really cannot guard against outright stupid behavior. There are literally an infinite number of ways a user can destroy drawings and the only way to prevent them would be to prevent the user from using the drawings. I would instead recommend adjusting your focus toward accommodating the user in easily creating the desired end result.

You can set the max/min for dynamic parameters but you cannot insert a formula into them. You might be able to create your block using parametric constraints, but I wouldn't personally take that approach.

Re: Keep Minimum Distance From Line to Object

JamesCarr1956 — Fri, 11 May 2018 17:30:50 GMT

I am pretty sure they do and at times it is true. I do understand the obvious, but it is also my superior asking for it to be done. I have pointed out how to just avoid going beyond the object, and as much as I agree with the absurdity of it - and it is pretty absurd, I do try to accommodate him as much as possible.

Thanks for your reply.

Re: Keep Minimum Distance From Line to Object

Libbya — Fri, 11 May 2018 21:12:47 GMT

I'm curious why you marked your last post as the solution?

I might be totally off base on how you want the block to behave, but this might give some ideas/insights.

Re: Keep Minimum Distance From Line to Object

JamesCarr1956 — Thu, 24 May 2018 15:30:52 GMT

I apologize. Apparently I accepted the solution prematurely. Your solution is actually better than mine by far. is there some way to download the video?