Dynamic Block window stretch

[macdacad]

Hi there

I have just begun trialing dynamic blocks and have created a window in plan view with 3 visibility states.  Im ok with stretching the first single pane window, but having trouble when I split window into 2 or 3 sections. I am using distance multiplier with stretch action but part cant get one line to move correctly. 

Would appreciate some help plz.

I will attach my block if someone could look at it.

If you go to Double pane in visibility states, you will see that one line is not moving correctly in stretch action1, the other middle lines move at 0.5 distance multiplied. Tried seperate actions on same parameter and new parameter chained to first stretch action. Want all to middle section to move with the one grip. Then I want to add grips to slide middle sections back or forward seperately.  I am using AutoCAD LT 2017 so do not have constraints either.

Thanks

Mac

[Libbya · Accepted solution]

Here's the step-by-step:

[macdacad]

Thanks for the reply Libbya.  My first time on here, so wasnt sure if my query would get a reply.

Havent had a chance to try it out yet, but it looks like a thorough reply.  Will let you know when I've been through it.  Hope you dont mind it I have more questions.

Can I download the video or only watch it on here?

Thanks again

Mac

[macdacad]

Hello again

I went through the steps(i thought i did):smileyfrustrated: but still not working. Went through again and each time something is wrong.  I am confused at the point that you go to Triple pane and move the selection area from Stretch0 up to include the right hand line on triple section.  It is this right hand line that seems to be catching me out every time.

Sorry but if you have time could you explain where I am going wrong.

Thanks

Mac

[Libbya]

The stretch windows need to surround the vertices you want stretched by the action.  The end near the grip needs to be stretched with a distance multiplier of 1.  The ends of the lines at the middle of the double pane need to be stretched at 0.5. The block you just attached is the same as the one you attached previously.  You would need to attach an updated block for me to give more specific assistance regarding what you are not doing correctly.  

[macdacad]

Hi Libbya

Ok I got it. Removed the actions and started from scratch, following your example and it works perfectly.

I have added another action to double pane which works fine on its own, except when I stretch window width, then my new stretch4 gets lost.  Do I have to link stretch4 to stretch0 still. Modify stretch0 and select what part of stretch4?

Thanks again for your help.

[Libbya]

I'm not sure what your desired function is.  Are you trying to be able to offset the center mullion and still be able to stretch the total opening maintaining the proportions?  If you offset the center mullion, the distance multiplier of 0.5 will not be correct.  

[macdacad]

Yes thats exactly what Im trying to do. The center mullion still seems to stretch fine but distance1 I added loses its linear value, I thought is was a case of trying to keep the arrow point on distance1 connected to center mullion when I change overall width.

Am I trying to do too much? 

[Anonymous]

Hi,

You needed to include your "Distance1" parameter in "Stretch1" action.

See attached.

Edited: "By the way, if this is solution to your second issue, you can choose it as a solution too. You can have multiple solutions for a post if you know 😉 "

Cheers,

Behzad

[Libbya]

That's sort of a solution, but it doesn't adjust the distance modifier to compensate for the change in the muntin location.  In other words, with the muntin centered, it will stay centered, but if you move it so the panes are offset it does not keep them proportional. 

The attached file will maintain the proportion but is a bit more complicated.

[Anonymous]

Libbya,

Your block doesn't do what you say when I try. Am I missing something?

By the way, you don't need to complecate it more. It is obvious that you shouldn't stretch the end of behind the middle mullion.

I like the ability for moving the middle panel as sometimes your window cannot be equalized and I am using it currently in my blocks.

[Anonymous]

If we could limit the end of panel somehow, so when you stretch it closeer to middle mullion, it would have obeyed a min distance from it it would have been good. But I don't know how.

[Libbya]

I guess I forgot to save it before posting, so the block you showed was actually your own and again displayed the issue I had pointed out.  Here is the updated version.

As far as limiting the distance, that's not the issue.  The full window parameter stretches the mullion with a distance modifier of 0.5.  That means that for every unit of movement of the full window parameter, the mullion moves 1/2 unit.  That works fine to keep it at the center, but once it is say at the 3/4 mark, it needs a distance modifier of 3/4 otherwise it does not maintain its proportion.  

The attached block works properly to maintain the proportion regardless of mullion position.    

[Anonymous]

I don't see this necessary. More complexity and more things to fix.

Here is screen shot of your block. You can stretch middle mullion beyond the end. another issue to address which is not necessary again. Any user can see the limits of stretches.

[Anonymous]

Here is an example.

On the left you see the panel with 3 equal highlights but for any possible reason you want left highlight to be 1000mm.

After you set your elements in blue box, then you set the left highlight daylight to desired dimension and so on.

I don't see any need to limit things to stop a user doing unpleasant stretches.

[Libbya]

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@Libbya wrote:

I'm not sure what your desired function is.  Are you trying to be able to offset the center mullion and still be able to stretch the total opening maintaining the proportions?  If you offset the center mullion, the distance multiplier of 0.5 will not be correct.  

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Notice, I asked if they wanted to be able to stretch the center mullion position and then be able to stretch to total window opening maintaining the proportions.  This is their response:

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@macdacad wrote:

Yes thats exactly what Im trying to do.

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The block I just posted does that.  It is not an 'added complication', it is the complication that accomplishes the function they requested and is as simple as possible to accomplish that function (as far as I know).  The 'error' of stretching the center mullion past the end of the window opening is obviously a user error that would not occur and be easily fixed if it did.  The error in the block you posted of stretching the center mullion and then resizing the window only to have the mullion outside the opening is not an obvious user error nor is it easily fixed by the user.  It is a bad block design if maintaining the proportions is desired.  As far as 'something else to break', we aren't dealing with mechanical objects that wear out.  Make the block properly and it will work properly indefinitely.

[Anonymous]

I just don't see it necessary!

[serkancavuslar]

[Libbya]

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@Anonymous wrote:

I just don't see it necessary!

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I don't see the block itself as necessary.  I'll never use it.  But whether or not you or I feel a specific function within the block is 'necessary' is actually irrelevant.  The author of the thread felt it was necessary and asked for it in their thread.  I'm just presenting the method for achieving the functionality that THEY requested. The block you supplied does not do what they requested.  The block I supplied does do what they requested.  I'll leave it to you to debate with them whether or not the functionality they request is 'necessary'...  In the meantime, I'll attempt to answer the question that they asked.  Your comments remind me of the fellow looking for his car keys under the street lamp because there is good light there, when he dropped the keys in the dark doorway.

[Anonymous]

what i posted answered what he asked. you just over complecated things.