help with a dynamic block!

[matthew.mccormack2257W]

Hi All... HNY! 

I'm trying to alter a dynamic block that I have created and its not working... everything I've tried so far has come to no avail... can someone help or assist?

inside the attached ductwork block... in the Square visibility state I've added an access panel (AP)... and what I've been trying to do is, is to get the access panel to say central to duct outerlines, so when the duct width changes the access panel stays on the midpoint.... I still want the access panel to be able to move along the centre line of the duct.  and I would like the access panel to change in size according to the width of the duct.... also the access panel needs to stay square (so equal on all sides)  and the edge of the access panel to remain 20% of the distance away from the total width of the duct? 

does that make sense?   

I've tried adding dimensional constraints from the edge access panel to the edge of the duct with the formula D1*0.2  (D1 = width of duct) and then dimensional constraints to the access panel with the formula to say whatever the height is the width should match. to keep the access panel square.

duct width when inserted is 400mm 

distance from edge of access panel to duct is 80mm 

I've removed the dimensional constraints that I've tried already, so its back to the beginning from where I started from...

there's some more bits I'm going to do to after I get this bit right first...  like I'm going to add more visibility states so they show either VCD or FD and or Access panel depending which one i select...

but if anyone can help me for now, I'd really appreciate it... Many Thanks

Matt

[h_s_walker · Accepted solution]

Remove the point moves and replace them with a polar move. You will need to chain the polar move to your distance2 as well . See the visibility state Square with AP in the attached drawing. You will also need to change the angle type on the polar parameter to list and leave it as 0 (see the image below), or if you are happy with the same types of grips just put a linear move in there. The green rectangle in the block is the stuff I've added. The red rectangle is stuff which can be removed.

[matthew.mccormack2257W]

Nice one!...

I've added the polar moves and it seems to be working...  

The only one thing I didn't understand how to do... is to chain action it the distance2 parameter? could you have a look at the attached?

[h_s_walker · Accepted solution]

Have a look at the attached drawing. I've tried to explain how to do it. The text is in the block in the same visibility state which is being shown

[matthew.mccormack2257W]

Got it and understood!... Thanks for the guidance...

what does chaining it to the width do?   

Top man!

🙂

[h_s_walker]

When the width is changed the polar parameter will automatically stretch since it is chained "linked" to the width, and since it is linked it will automatically move the vent, etc.

[matthew.mccormack2257W]

Nice one... 😊

I've been using the block today and its working well....👍

the only thing I've noticed, is that when you use the stretch action from the basepoint to stretch the length of the duct out... the basepoint doesn't go with it, it separates... or leaves it behind..

is there a way of when I'm stretching the duct out the basepoint always remains at the end of the duct?

[h_s_walker · Accepted solution]

Use the basepoint parameter and add it to the left side stretch. See the image below

[matthew.mccormack2257W]

perfect!  Thank you!  🙂

[matthew.mccormack2257W]

It's me again... 😊  

Got a new question... The new duct block above as evolved into a new one... I've made a new copy of it for flat oval ductwork and its all working fine, but its when it comes to the bends I've got another block for the bends and its the dashed line within it, I'm trying to get them to maintain the same distance and match the dashed lines in the straight bit of duct, at whatever width its set to, so all the lines flow as the duct is put together.... see screen shot below... and does anyhow know how I can do this?...  I've also attached a dwg with the blocks in it... 

the dashed lines in the straights are offset of 50mm from the edge of the duct.

[matthew.mccormack2257W]

I've done it! (gold star for me) - I've got it to work and figured it out, by adding a couple of geometric and dimensional constraints in...

🙂 

[j.palmeL29YX]

---

@matthew.mccormack2257W wrote:

Got a new question...

---

I'd do it as shown in the attached draft. 

[EDIT]: Oops, too late. 

Unfortunately you didn't show us how YOU solved the issue.