Dynamic Block Array - Stretch to Fit Non-Incremental Wall Distances for Brick Placement

[k.spanoudakisCPQW3]

Context: I am working on creating a dynamic block for a brick array.

The goal is to efficiently fill a space between walls with bricks, even when the distance between the walls is not an exact multiple of the brick length.

When the distance between the walls is not an exact multiple of the brick length, the array does not fit perfectly. There is a remaining space that does not accommodate a full brick.

I want to create a dynamic block that will fill the space with full bricks and then stretch* the last brick to fill the remaining space.

As shown, the current array setup with fixed-length bricks and the desired outcome where the last brick is stretched to fit the remaining space.

*The last brick is only the outline+hatch, without the inner parts.

[MMcCall402]

Please post the block you have so we don't have to start from scratch.

[j.palmeL29YX · Accepted solution]

Attached an example for a brick dimension 250x100 and space between bricks of 20. 

Surely you must adjust the dimensions to your needs. 

[k.spanoudakisCPQW3]

Hi, thanks you for the solution.
Opening to block to see how exactly it works, I can see the geometry and the dimension, but not the constraints.
After selecting everything, then I am able to also see everything. Still don't know how to select and edit constraints though...
Screenshots for reference.

[j.palmeL29YX]

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@k.spanoudakisCPQW3 wrote:

 Still don't know how to select and edit constraints though...

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The short answer: Activate the Parametric Tab - so you can see and edit all constraints and dimensions. 

Some more detailed explanation:  

[UKTC-COORD]

Is it possible to do this with more complicated shapes? I'm trying to achieve a similar outcome with a chain, stretching in increments just doesn't look right 

[j.palmeL29YX]

It depends on what your chain looks like and what you want to achieve.

Post a dwg file of your chain please. 

[UKTC-COORD]

I've made a dynamic block for a chain block and a pull lift (lever hoist) and attached one that someone else has made. I'd like to be able to adjust the length of the chain to any length smoothly whilst keeping the chain right. Your brick solution is the closest thing I've seen without using increments but with much less complicated geometry. 

Any help would really be appreciated.

[j.palmeL29YX]

For such a geometry, I cannot suggest a solution that does not require any increments at all. But you can break the geometry into small "slices" (reduce the value of the increment) and you will get a much smoother behavior. Choose the number of slices (here 15) until you get an acceptable approximation. This can be a lot of work, you have to decide if the result is worth the effort. 

Atttached an example