topic Re: Adding Features to Linked Components in Fusion Design, Validate & Document Forum

Adding Features to Linked Components

JackJohnson321 — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 17:50:24 GMT

I'm working on an electronics project and have structured it so that there is a sub-project for the plastic enclosure I'm using, and one for my PCB assembly (comprised of the PCB with all the components attached to it). I'd planned to fix the board to the enclosure in a main assembly project by importing each element and joining them together. So far, so good, but I was also planning at this stage to plot the thru holes in the enclosure that are required to accommodate certain electrical components on the board (control knobs, etc.). It would appear that once you have imported a component from a sub-project, you cannot then add a sketch to it or perform any operations (such as extruding or adding holes). I if I selected 'Break Link' on the enclosure that would enable me to do what I'm trying to do, but then I would lose the ability to update the enclosure from the source project if I need to do so. Is there any solution to this? Thanks.

Re: Adding Features to Linked Components

jeff_strater — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 18:23:39 GMT

yes, Edit in Place: ASM-EDIT-IN-PLACE will allow you to edit inserted geometry in the context of the owning assembly. However, this feature is only available for commercial and education subscribers.

Re: Adding Features to Linked Components

Oceanconcepts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 18:58:34 GMT

This is the world I live in- electronics boards inside cases. Best strategies may vary depending on the complexity and the desired goal, but I've found it easiest to work out in the enclosure design where things need to be located, then transfer that information back to the PCB / electronics design. For me, that's an iterative process, as electronic components may place limitations on physical dimensions and placement of more mechanical elements.

I'll usually start with a physical enclosure design- that's the most critical for me because of the nature of the products. I'll put a bare board or boards into that design as components that can be exported to the electronics side of things (I'm not the one doing the electronics design or layout). The electronics designer (to whom I am married...) will tell me where I need to change. We work it out, but keeping things in separate files that are linked and updated. In our situation, it's the physical, mechanical design that primarily drives everything. Your situation may be different.

I rarely ever use edit in place, though it can be very valuable in some situations. I find it helps me keep more organized if I keep design changes in each design file. Sometimes this means I create a sketch in one design, referenced to origin, and transfer those dimensions to another sketch in the other design file- which I have made sure has the origin in the same relative spot. That may be cumbersome, but it might be a workaround if you don't have edit in place.

Re: Adding Features to Linked Components

g-andresen — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:01:35 GMT

Hi,

Open the imported file, change/edit the feature, save it and update it in the target design.

günther

Re: Adding Features to Linked Components

JackJohnson321 — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 21:06:25 GMT

That would be ideal, think I'll have to invest in a paid subscription at some point! 😀

Re: Adding Features to Linked Components

JackJohnson321 — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 21:08:25 GMT

Thanks for the tips! In hindsight, I should have probably devised the physical layout of the components within the enclosure first, along with the where all the holes will be on the enclosure. You live and learn...

Re: Adding Features to Linked Components

JackJohnson321 — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 21:12:31 GMT

Looks like I'll have to go back to the enclosure design and add the holes there before introducing the PCB plus components. Not the best solution, but I see no other alternative...

Re: Adding Features to Linked Components

Oceanconcepts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 21:36:52 GMT

In my experience with Fusion, I think some of the most important insights are just how critical the "big picture" organization of your approach to a design is. Especially with complex designs or those that contain disparate elements, like electronics and mechanical parts.

It's really helpful to think through what it will be like to edit and make changes downstream. That usually means structuring distinct design elements as components or subcomponents, and others as separate files with links.

My guess is that rebooting the process and exporting the PCB is something you will thank yourself for down the line. If you need to make changes (and in my experience changes are always needed) it will be a lot easier to let them flow to linked files.

Re: Adding Features to Linked Components

g-andresen — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 22:35:15 GMT

Hi,

You can return to the enclosure design at any time if you need to make changes.

günther

Re: Adding Features to Linked Components

JackJohnson321 — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 21:33:38 GMT

It's okay, I don't think I'll need to restructure the whole thing at this point- I've nearly completed it all now! It's not a huge problem, just a minor issue. Good to know how others would approach the task though, worth bearing in mind in the future!

Re: Adding Features to Linked Components

JackJohnson321 — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 21:41:37 GMT

Just to reiterate, it's the fact that I added the PCB to the enclosure in a "main assembly" design, therefore the reference points for where I want to drill the enclosure were only available in this subsequent design, at a point where you can't add the features to the enclosure because it's been inserted into the design. I hope that makes sense! Obviously, I'll have to add these features in the enclosure design itself, it's just less convenient without the PCB for reference. I might add it as a base feature, that might help.

Re: Adding Features to Linked Components

g-andresen — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 21:52:06 GMT

Hi,

If the circuit board is finished and cannot be changed, I am forced to take this into account when designing the housing.

günther

Re: Adding Features to Linked Components

etfrench — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 21:58:43 GMT

Time traveling or cross file traveling is fairly straight forward. Create a new component in your main assembly file under the top node. Create a sketch on a plane on which the changes/positions can be projected. Make sure Projection Link is unchecked. Exit the sketch and you will be able to move it earlier in the Timeline or copy it to a different file. Move the Timeline back to the beginning in the new file before pasting (use Paste New) it. Delete the component in the assembly file when you're done with it.

Another option is to use the same parameters in both files. The easy method is to use the add-in, Parameter IO, to move the parameters between files. Insert Derive may also work for this.

Re: Adding Features to Linked Components

JackJohnson321 — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 15:23:18 GMT

Thanks for the tips, I'll try the project/copy sketch method in future. Sorry for the late reply.

Re: Adding Features to Linked Components

JackJohnson321 — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 16:13:33 GMT

Forgot to reply closer the time, but I found a solution to the problem I was having. If you choose to insert a Derive, rather that simply inserting the component in the usual way this will enable you to add features to it in the subsequent design. It's funny because I've used this feature in the past and completely forgot about it! 👍