topic Re: How do i model this shape? Aircraft instrument panel cover in Fusion Design, Validate & Document Forum

How do i model this shape? Aircraft instrument panel cover

hiss-tonnage_0o — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 14:15:38 GMT

Hi there,

I've been learning Fusion for a while by trying to model various objects. I want to make an instrument panel cover like the above, but I keep getting stuck on blending the curves together.

Here's what I've got so far:

too flat on top and join between top of circles too angular

I've been trying to deconstruct it on paper and work out different ways to model it, but my tiny brain is struggling. Unfortunately I don't have the actual item to inspect, but in a way it seems like it should be a relatively simple structure to recreate - I just don't have the knowledge or skill yet.

So, if anyone could give me a hint, it would be hugely appreciated. I've been trying on and off for a month with no success.

Re: How do i model this shape? Aircraft instrument panel cover

laughingcreek — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 14:38:46 GMT

here's a quick example of an approach you might take.

(as an aside, I took a peak at your design. To make your life easier, I would suggest you learn how to not use the scale or move functions, and also how to fully constrain your sketches.)

take a look at attached model. ask questions.

Re: How do i model this shape? Aircraft instrument panel cover

g-andresen — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 15:00:22 GMT

Hi,

define chamfer overlap

(view in My Videos)

günther

Re: How do i model this shape? Aircraft instrument panel cover

hiss-tonnage_0o — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 15:01:58 GMT

Oh wow that was quick, thank you!

I think I missed something, which you have in your version, that the join between the circles dips down slightly on the actual panel:

Is there a way to adjust the depth of that dip? I'm sure I'm not using the right terminology, but hopefully that makes sense - basically so the bit between the circles stays closer to the top surface (front of the panel) rather than going down as much towards the bottom (back of panel).

Re: How do i model this shape? Aircraft instrument panel cover

hiss-tonnage_0o — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 15:04:36 GMT

Gosh, that's clever. Thank you.

Exciting to realise I don't know the depth of my ignorance!

Re: How do i model this shape? Aircraft instrument panel cover

g-andresen — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 15:18:41 GMT

Hi,

You can check the depth of the dip using a projection in an additional sketch:

project feature into sketch > dimension depth (driven dimension!!)

(view in My Videos)

günther

Re: How do i model this shape? Aircraft instrument panel cover

hiss-tonnage_0o — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 15:27:36 GMT

Ace, thank you - I'll do some investigating!

Re: How do i model this shape? Aircraft instrument panel cover

laughingcreek — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 15:30:42 GMT

@hiss-tonnage_0o wrote:...Is there a way to adjust the depth of that dip? I'm sure I'm not using the right terminology, but hopefully that makes sense - basically so the bit between the circles stays closer to the top surface (front of the panel) rather than going down as much towards the bottom (back of panel).

the "dip" isn't adjusted directly. it is a function of how close together the openings are and the angle and size of the chamfer. adjusting any of these things will change the shape of the "dip." looking at your panel, you can see that this dip is different in different places. I wouldn't focus on the dip. it isn't the important part of this model. the most important thing about this object is holding the instruments. Which means the size of the openings (not at the top of the chafer, but the actual opening), and the spacing of the openings on the panel are the most important functionally, and should be defined directly. the angle and size of the chamfer may also be a functional aspect, but would have to see how an instrument is mounted to know that. it's probably not. if not, you can adjust the angle and size of chamfer to make adjustments to the dip if you feel the need.

Re: How do i model this shape? Aircraft instrument panel cover

hiss-tonnage_0o — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 16:47:04 GMT

Right, I will have another look and see if I can tweak my design, such as it is, to make it functional and...er..."beautiful".

Thanks for sharing your experience. All the responses have been very helpful - unlike some other boards!

Re: How do i model this shape? Aircraft instrument panel cover

g-andresen — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 17:42:53 GMT

Hi,

It makes sense to create the plate from the shape and dimensions (diameter, flattening, etc.) of the instruments.

(view in My Videos)

günther

Re: How do i model this shape? Aircraft instrument panel cover

hiss-tonnage_0o — Sat, 17 Aug 2024 08:56:22 GMT

Thank you Günther!

Re: How do i model this shape? Aircraft instrument panel cover

Drewpan — Sat, 17 Aug 2024 12:03:32 GMT

Hi,

You have made a good start but I think you are going about it the wrong way with complicated sketches. I think a much

better way to do it would be with a canvas of the real thing, simple sketches and then use the tools to model what you

want. This is how I did it.

Start with a canvas, scale it to the dimensions you want, in this case I used actual measurements from an aircraft.

Start a sketch and use the canvas as a guide. You know how wide it is and how tall it is. Use splines to get the curves

in the correct place. Use points to mark the centre of the round instruments and corners of the square instruments.

It does not have to be exact unless you have the exact measurements. All of those instruments fit into a standard

sized rack, this is just the cover. Use rectangular patterns where possible.

Once you have the basic information, extrude the outside of the panel and use those points to make a new sketch on

the surface of the panel and project the points you need. Then use the tools to create round or rectangular holes.

You will notice that because I used rectangular patterns to get my spacing the instruments from the canvas do not

quite line up. This is ok because the real panel WILL line up because the actual instruments are standard sizes and

fit into a standard rack. The canvas is a guide only.

You will find this method will be less labour intensive to do than the complex sketching you have done and a lot less

likely to break down the track.

Remember the key rule in fusion, keep sketches simple and use the tools to model. The end result is what you want, an

accurate model, not a bunch of accurate sketches. You create engineering drawings from the model, not the sketches.

You fabricate from the model. Everything comes from the model, the sketches are just there to get what you need to

model with.

Fillets and chamfers are much easier and much more accurate on a model than trying to draw a sketch in 3D and

trying to loft or sweep.

Cheers

Andrew

Re: How do i model this shape? Aircraft instrument panel cover

hiss-tonnage_0o — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 11:23:13 GMT

That's brilliant, thank you!