topic Re: Offset chute with opposing angles requires a parallel base in Inventor Forum

Offset chute with opposing angles requires a parallel base

GraemeFV87HK — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 01:16:27 GMT

I trying to create a chute with a base that is parallel to the ground. The chute needs to go from one conveyor to another conveyor which is offset and below the first conveyor. I've tried using the loft and sweep command but not getting the results required.

You can see from the screenshot that using the sweep command doesn't result in an outlet that is parallel with the ground or the entire section base isn't parallel with the ground.

I created the 3D sketch using the other sketches as a guide and by eye. If someone could show me a better of modelling this that would be great.

It's like looking at this chute as a slide with 2 opposing directional changes while keeping the base parallel to the ground.

I'm just not sure how to model this to get the required results. I don't mind working with a solid or surface but the chute will made from sheet metal.

Re: Offset chute with opposing angles requires a parallel base

3DAli — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 21:17:50 GMT

@GraemeFV87HK

you need to use loft command and break it down to multiple sections to have more control over transitions, you can also use guide rails to control the overall shape. the sweep command has inherent bank angle and it wont give you the result you want, even if you fix the orientation in sweep command, it wont work cause it will deform your profile.

If I get a chance, I model it for you so you can look at it

hope this helps 🙂

Re: Offset chute with opposing angles requires a parallel base

GraemeFV87HK — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 23:39:05 GMT

Thanks for the response. I'll have a try with using the loft command. I also had another attempt with using the coil command for each end section. This has produced a result that is much closer to what I'm trying to achieve. The final result just need to minor modifications to one side.

The screenshot below shows the one side of the chute that just needs to be improved. The rest of the chute look ok.

Re: Offset chute with opposing angles requires a parallel base

johnsonshiue — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 01:27:12 GMT

Hi! This does not require Loft. Guide Surface Sweep can help nicely. Here is what you need to do. First, edit the 3D Sketch15 and add two tangent constraints to the arcs and the straight line in the middle. Next, make Work Plane2 (or XZ plane) visible. Lastly, edit the Sweep feature -> change it to Guide Surface -> pick the Work Plane2 as guide.

You will get a very nice and smooth swept surface.

Many thanks!

Re: Offset chute with opposing angles requires a parallel base

3DAli — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 03:44:59 GMT

@johnsonshiue

the end profile is smaller than the starting profile, the method you mentioned works if the profile is consisitent along the path, which is not the case here, otherwise sweep would do the job.

Cheers

Re: Offset chute with opposing angles requires a parallel base

3DAli — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 14:02:03 GMT

see attached, this is much closer to what you ideally would want, if you spend more time you can get it to be a 100 percent accurate result based on your top view projection, you can use guide rails for the start and end lofts to force the curvature on the sides to follow your contour. the middle section is now matching your top view and the bottom is parallel.

Re: Offset chute with opposing angles requires a parallel base

GraemeFV87HK — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 22:14:16 GMT

Thank for the solution Ali.

Re: Offset chute with opposing angles requires a parallel base

GraemeFV87HK — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 22:14:56 GMT

@3DAli, thanks for the solution.