Dynamic Block - Stretch linear array with 2 definitions?

Dynamic Block - Stretch linear array with 2 definitions?

jsf025
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Message 1 of 10

Dynamic Block - Stretch linear array with 2 definitions?

jsf025
Contributor
Contributor

Hello,

 

  I would like to create a dynamic block where I have (2) shapes that it automatically change to as you stretch the linear dimension. Starting out I would like it to be a small 55' rectangle and then after you hit 115' it changes to that, continuing to re-evaluate the array every 55'.

 

  I created a linear stretch with an array and a lookup table/visibility parameter on my first go, but no matter what I try I can't seem to get it to evaluate it properly. Do I have to do a double look up for this to wok correctly or is there an array trick where I can set the linear constraint to a list with 55' and 115'?

 

I attached a base file I have been testing on as well as a screenshot. I can get it to work as an array, but I can't get it to update with the new shape.

 

HALP!

 

Thanks.

 

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Accepted solutions (2)
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Replies (9)
Message 2 of 10

Libbya
Mentor
Mentor

Where is the block that contains the lookup/visibility?

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Message 3 of 10

ojuris
Advisor
Advisor

I don't know that I understood correctly what you want

Message 4 of 10

jsf025
Contributor
Contributor

Thank you all for your feedback. I made an illustration to better show the concept I have in mind. I apologize I don't have the lookup/visibility file anymore because it was a failure, but hopefully this picture helps out.

 

ojuris - your file kind of does what I was looking for, but it doesn't maintain the ability to make the 55' shape throughout the stretch.

 

The two potential outcomes of the stretch in the first 230' should be: 

55'

115', 55'

115', 115'

 

Then as you stretch it should continue to be 115' 

115', 115', 115, 115', 115'

 

until the last 230' where it would be the same as the first in reverse order.

115', 115'

115' 55'

 

The longest stretch should look like this:

115', 115', 115, 115', 115',115', 115', 115, 115', 115'

(or)

115', 115', 115, 115', 115'115', 115', 115, 115', 115', 55'

 

The shortest stretch like this:

55'

 

I hope that's clear, if not I will try to answer any questions. Thank you for your help!

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Message 5 of 10

ojuris
Advisor
Advisor

do I understand correctly?

it is limited to length of 10 bigger rectangles but you can change if you need

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Message 6 of 10

jsf025
Contributor
Contributor

YES! You are a god. Thank you.

 

Just curious, what is the key to making this block work?

 

I noticed that some of the visibility states use array and some use move, still figuring out in my head why. 

Also noticed some look up table values are 3+ and 4+. Does does that mean it will only use those visibility states on an array of 3 or more and 4 or more?

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Message 7 of 10

ojuris
Advisor
Advisor
Accepted solution

ok - try to explain

 

block consist of 3 rectangles - 2 small and 1 large:

  • in 1st position you see 1st (small) rectangle
  • in 2nd position you see 1st rectangle (moved) and 2nd rectangle (small - only in this position)
  • in 3rd position you see 1st rectangle (moved) and 3rd rectangle (large). Same for next odd positions and then 3rd rectangle use array.
  • in 4th position you see 3rd rectangle arrayed. Same for next even positions

 

to switch visibilities I use Double lookup

 

Message 8 of 10

jsf025
Contributor
Contributor

Greetings Ojuris (or anyone),

 

 I tried to replicate your double lookup array and I seem to be missing a step. Can you please take a look at my attempt and if possible guide me to when I might have an error?

 

I'm not sure if I forgot to set something to an array or if my visibilities are off.

 

Cheers,

Jeremy

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Message 9 of 10

Libbya
Mentor
Mentor
Accepted solution

One of your lookup tables is not properly associated with the lookup parameter.  That makes me think that you didn't use a double-lookup.  See how to make one here:  

 

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/dynamic-blocks/how-to-make-a-double-lookup/m-p/5785708

Message 10 of 10

dvicarioXT
Contributor
Contributor

@ojurisThe first example is nearly what I needed... Can you explain that to me, please? I want to create a constraint that makes a defined number of equidistant lines, with a maximum distance of 40mm and an even number (3, 5, 7 or 9 spaces) between 90 to 360mm of overall external dimension. Is it possible, especially with the constraint of the odd number of subdivisions?

 

Thank you!

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