Mezzanine Dynamic Block Help

[eac1001474NU]

Hi all,

I need help building a mezzanine dynamic block. I have most of the requirements made in separate blocks, but am having trouble combining them into one functioning block. Here are my needs:

1) The base of the dynamic block should be a 5'x5' square (mezzanine) with a 10"x10" square (pillar) in each of the four mezzanine corners. 

2) The mezzanine should be able to stretch in all four directions (+/- X & +/- Y) to any desired size

3) The four corner pillars should ride along with the corners of the mezzanine, no matter the size

4) When the mezzanine stretches in any direction, new pillars should be created at a distance of 5' apart from one another in each direction  

I am able to create dynamic blocks with the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd criteria and the 1st, 2nd & 4th criteria, but cannot create one that has all four of them working together. I feel like it shouldn't be that hard...

I can provide files if needed. Thank you in advance!

[j.palmeL29YX]

Post your block(s) what you have until now please.

[eac1001474NU]

For sure. 

- File MezzBlockA1 is the dynamic block where it extends and holds the four corner pillars in place.

- File MezzBlockB1 is the dynamic block where when it extends the internal pillars extend & duplicate with it. 

     - Note: Only the top right corner works right now

Let me know if you have questions, thanks!

@j.palmeL29YX 

[j.palmeL29YX]

Attached an example (block "test - pa") how the user can drag all 4 corners of the rectangle and fill it with the small 10" x 10" rectangles. 

Maybe you have to adjust the dimensions, because I do not know where you want the 5' distance between the small rectangles. You have drawn in your block a distance of 4'-2". And also you should define a better placed basepoint. 

[UdayPolaji]

@j.palmeL29YX ,

Is there a way to keep the smaller rectangles in the same location during array? In your block, the Top-Right corner showcases this behavior, would it be possible to replicate the same on the rest of the grips?

[j.palmeL29YX]

However, this would contradict the behavior of your block MezzBlockB1, of which you wrote "the top right corner works right". Dragging its top right corner in x-dirextion also moves the array (as in my block the top left, lower left and lower right). Or am I seeing this wrong? Perhaps I misunderstand you?

[UdayPolaji]

@j.palmeL29YX,

As OP mentioned this is a Mezzanine platform (plan view) with small rectangles representing the Pillars (underneath). If I were to use this in a drawing, my first action after inserting the block would be to location (move) the pillars to the exact location I need and then start with stretching the Mezz in either direction as needed. 

Now assuming the above is the use-case, stretching shouldn't move the pillars i.e. the array action should relocate the rectangles. In your block, the top-right grip showcases this as intended, however the rest don't.

To get around this, I was trying to array multiple sets of these small rectangles for each corner, see attached. However, I haven't managed to correctly design it such that the small rectangle array and big rectangle stretch share the same grips. Hope you get what I mean.

You are ok to assume this is an Over-design🙂, as OP hasn't requested it explicitly, but I tend to think in terms of final product application and user convenience. Perhaps there's a solution that experienced guys like yourself can quickly come to.

[j.palmeL29YX]

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@UdayPolaji wrote:

Is there a way to keep the smaller rectangles in the same location during array? 

---

Perhaps you (and @eac1001474NU ) mean something like in the attached block "test - pa1" (?) 

[UdayPolaji]

@j.palmeL29YX,

Firstly, I've edited your block to array the Pillars at the right instance, see Mezzblock_1 attached below with this change. Hope what I mean by "right instance" makes sense to you. The arraying in your block is what I was asking for, however, a mezzanine always starts with 4 pillars and not one/nine. I've tried to change this in the below block.

Mezzblock_2 is another way of doing the same with 4 pillars at the start, however, this block only works as intended when stretched at a corner, see the CAD file for details; the original pillar locations change when all corners are manipulated. Another change is the pillars at the corners move when the mezzanine is resized, however, I'm not happy with when the pillars start filling in.

So to clarify the capabilities of this block, below are the options and actions I'm aiming for and trying to create from what I read from the OP:

1. The mezzanine should start with 4 pillars.
2. The first 4 pillars should not move from the initial location.
3. When the Mezzanine is stretched the pillars should populate instantly at a defined typical framing offset.
4. Frame Array "timings" need to be controllable in the block (no parameters required, as this is to be defined in the block at the start).

Also below might be a challenge, so can be optional:

1. Framing Offset needs to be variable/editable from outside the block.
2. The corner pillars must move/stretch with the mezzanine corners. (this conflicts with some of the above features)

Hope the above is clear and possible. As I've mentioned in the CAD file, some features are a bit ambitious, which can possibly be trashed.

[j.palmeL29YX]

As long as the OP  (@eac1001474NU) doesn't not answer nor comment our suggestions, we don't know what he really needs.  😞

[j.palmeL29YX]

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@UdayPolaji wrote:

1. The mezzanine should start with 4 pillars.
2. The first 4 pillars should not move from the initial location.
3. When the Mezzanine is stretched the pillars should populate instantly at a defined typical framing offset.

The attached attempt "test - pa3" should fulfill the requests of the OP @eac1001474NU (if I understand it right). 

@eac1001474NU :    Perhaps it makes sense to restrict the value sets of XDistance1 and YDistance1 to increment 5' (?). Only you can know and answer that. 

[eac1001474NU]

All:
I apologize for the lack of reply, I have been away for the office for some time. Thank you for being willing to help! I will go through these proposals and let get back to y'all this week. 

@j.palmeL29YX @UdayPolaji