topic Re: Inserting iFeature with model state selection in Inventor Forum

Inserting iFeature with model state selection

miechh — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 10:17:37 GMT

I'd like to insert an iFeature into a part and be prompted to select a variant.

I have a (library)part in which model states determine the variants of a certain hole with conical faces and fillets. See screenshot. (yes it's the SAE-J1926 standard)Modelstates for use in iFeature This specific hole I want to author as an iFeature.

Target: When creating a new part in which I have to insert those holes I want to be able to insert the iFeature, and select the desired variant of the hole.

I searched this forum but I can't find a solution. Is this anyhow possible? Cause I can't seem to wrap my head around it. A solution to get to the desired result would be greatly appreciated.

Re: Inserting iFeature with model state selection

James_Willo — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 13:38:38 GMT

I think I know what you want to do, I will do a step by step for you.

Re: Inserting iFeature with model state selection

James_Willo — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 13:46:54 GMT

Hi Michiel, let me know if this is what you want. Unfortunately it doesn't use Model States but I think it will get you the result you want.

Extract the iFeature as normal:

Go to your save location, the default I think is C:\Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\Inventor 2022\Catalog

Open the iFeature on it's own.

Go into the iFeature author table

Click 'other' and add a column.

In this column type the names of your insert 'dash size 5' etc

Edit the appropriate values here:

Save the file and close.

Now when you insert the iFeature you can pick a Dash size and the other parameters should update.

Unfortunately I don't believe you can control suppression, just parameters.

Hope this helps.

Re: Inserting iFeature with model state selection

miechh — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 14:13:31 GMT

Hi James,

Thanks for your reply. I think this could be a solution, but it's a shame that I have to create yet another table in the iFeature file, while I already made one in the source-file. The second trouble is the threaded hole, how do I designate the correct thread size with each variant? I tried this in the past, but when selecting a variant with a different thread, I got some strange effects because some parameters drive the threaddepth en pre-drill depth of the threaded hole. What's the correct procedure to get this working without errors?

Re: Inserting iFeature with model state selection

James_Willo — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 14:21:30 GMT

You can edit the thread types in that same table:

Yes you will have to also edit the thread diameters too.

If you already have the model states, you can try opening that in excel and copying the data into the iFeature table so you don't have to manually retype it all.

Re: Inserting iFeature with model state selection

CGBenner — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 14:22:50 GMT

@miechh @James_Willo

I'm curious as to why you are using an ifeature for this. I'm assuming it is because the threads you need are not available with the Hole command? (to be honest I didn't look).

Re: Inserting iFeature with model state selection

johnsonshiue — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 14:31:22 GMT

Hi Folks,

Just add to what James already mentioned, this workflow has existed in iFeature and iPart for a long time. First of all, the iFeature table and the iPart table are independent. There isn't a way to associate them (maybe doable via iLogic). But, on the iPart/Model State table, you may specify which member of the table-driven iFeature is activated per iPart/Model State member.

Many thanks!

Re: Inserting iFeature with model state selection

miechh — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 13:17:51 GMT

Hello Chris Brenner,

The fact that you're asking me why I'm using iFeature for this implies there's another (better?) way to do this? I'd really like to know. I'm trying to get the SAE-J1926 hole standard into my library for some time now.