topic Re: Curve driven pattern problem in Inventor Forum

Curve driven pattern problem

TobiasZetterberg2067 — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 14:18:55 GMT

Hi, I'm modelling a helical shaped finned tube heater and ran into problem with "curve driven pattern".

I have a tube that is sweept along a helix and a finn that is also sweept along another helix. When I try to pattern the fin along the helical tube it goes all wrong. Inventor only suggests the fin to be patterned in a straight line perpendicular to the helix curve (see attached picture). I use the procedure with "Rectangular pattern" and use the helical curve in 3d-sketch as "direction 1", I also set the orientation of feature to "direction1". I tried to do this with features that was extruded or revolved and it works just fine but there seems to be a problem when the patterned feature is sweept. I also attached the .ipt if that can be to any help. /BR Tobias

Re: Curve driven pattern problem

CCarreiras — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 15:41:18 GMT

Hi!

Select where it beggins

Re: Curve driven pattern problem

TobiasZetterberg2067 — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 18:09:06 GMT

Hi again and thanks for your reply!

That works for distributing the feature along helix but the orientation never aligns to the helix. If I use "orientation-identical" it don't rotates at all (as it should be) and if I use "orientation-direction1" it suggests to turn it 90 degrees but won't perform the operation (create rectangular pattern failed).

Re: Curve driven pattern problem

CStilesCARE — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 20:03:28 GMT

Not sure why it makes a difference, but instead of selecting the center curve line, select the one running along the inside of the tube. Seems to make it align better on my attempt.

Re: Curve driven pattern problem

CCarreiras — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 20:31:18 GMT

I believe this is a bug for this particular part.
I guess is due the plane for the washer sweep is "parallel" to the helical curve, so the pattern direction is also parallel... how knows...

Anyway...

Since you probably will need a final assembly, the pattern will work in the assembly if using the Construction point pattern existent in the tube part... it's another option to consider.

Re: Curve driven pattern problem

TobiasZetterberg2067 — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 07:37:29 GMT

Hi again! Both tips worked great. Thanks or all your help!

/BR Tobias

Re: Curve driven pattern problem

TobiasZetterberg2067 — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 10:34:04 GMT

And the result...

Re: Curve driven pattern problem

CCarreiras — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 10:38:26 GMT

Nice!!

Put it here:

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-forum/community-pictures-march-2023/m-p/11789852/highlight/false#M889527

Also, if you have time, send the part to development to analysis and correct the issue.

Re: Curve driven pattern problem

CStilesCARE — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 15:31:39 GMT

Hey hey, that render looks nice! Would take my computer days to create, I'm sure lol.

Glad we were able to help!

Re: Curve driven pattern problem

johnsonshiue — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 00:51:28 GMT

Hi! Another approach without using the patterning is to create a Twist Sweep (see attached image) as a surface body. Then thicken it to a solid body.

Many thanks!