topic Re: Pattern Along Path Bug(?) in Inventor Forum

Pattern Along Path Bug(?)

Tyler-GB — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 17:40:07 GMT

Morning gents,

I am trying to create a parametrically defined set of holes normal to a bent beam. The goal is that the number of holes can be changed by adjusting a single parameter, and the spacing and direction will automatically adjust. See below:

The rectangular pattern along path seemed like the perfect tool for the job, and it would be IF it would behave. When the pattern gets to the curved part, it lifts away from the path:

Weirder still, when the path straightens out again, it immediately snaps back down and behaves as expected:

No amount of fiddling with the pattern settings seems to help. My gut instinct is that this is a bug, but I'd be happy to be proven wrong. The answer from Autodesk support was essentially "use sheet metal", but that's not really an option. I've chosen to model this as a multi-body part for a number of reasons, and I'm not too keen to change that.

I've attached the model - anyone have any suggestions?

Re: Pattern Along Path Bug(?)

kacper.suchomski — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 17:46:19 GMT

Set the pattern start at the first point - instead of at the starting point of the path.

Re: Pattern Along Path Bug(?)

Tyler-GB — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 19:05:42 GMT

You're a wizard, that does fix it. There's still a very small amount of visual distortion, but the holes are measuring perfectly normal, which is good enough for me. I don't quite understand the logic though.

Appreciate the help.

Re: Pattern Along Path Bug(?)

kacper.suchomski — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 19:33:24 GMT

Visual distortions may be a result of computer performance and not necessarily a model error.