Parallelogram using 2D constraints

[dave.wilson]

Please see attached drawing.

I've a parallelogram made up of 4 points, A, B, C & D.

Point A is linked/connected to B,  B is linked/connected to C, C is linked/connected to D & D is linked/connected to A. All links have fixed lengths.

The Start and End Position are indicated.

Link AB will be raised vertically in the "Y Plane".

Point C and D are constrained to only move horizontally in the "X Plane".

When link AB is raised, the link CD will move closer to AB, and the angles ABC and DAB will change keeping point C and D in the same horizontal plane.

How can this mechanism be simulated using parametric constraints?

I would like to move link AB up and down, and link CD will move closer and further away to/from AB accordingly whilst links BC and AD will rotate and change angle simultaneously.

[j.palmeL29YX · Accepted solution]

Are you looking for something like this?

If yes, look at the attached dwg and analyze the constraints. (Note: there is also an invisible "help" line). You can also use a line at an layer with visibility off)

There are other possibilities too ...

[dave.wilson]

Thanks, that is exactly what I need. 

Good job!!!

[j.palmeL29YX]

Here still another solution.

And of course the point should be done invisible (Layer off or Isolate or PDMODE =1, what you want)