How do you Show dimensions between points across a joint

[Anonymous]

Hi  Newbie here - built a model in design but want to show the distance between points as I rotate a joint so I can reposition where components are attached to get the design right.

I'm putting together is a knitting bag frame - so I have 2 'legs' that rotate about a joint and these will carry the cross supports which I need to position on the legs, so that the horizontal and vertical distances of the cross supports fit the size of the bag they support when the legs are in the open position.

Is this something that can be done in design mode and how would you do it. Have tried to add a sketch with points joined to the components with driven dimensions but that didn't work. Any pointers appreciated,Thanks.

[g-andresen]

Hi,

Please show images with appropriate comments and share the file.

günther

[Anonymous]

Hi

File is at   https://a360.co/2DzNS6P

This image below shows the dimensions between the points I like to be updated as I change the angle of rotation of the legs 

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

I believe the only "partial" dynamic method to read out the assembly dimensions you desire is via an assembly drawing.  I modified your assembly so it could be dynamically adjusted to different fold angles.  If you drag the top bar with the Red end both legs will move in unison.  I am including your model, without an linked components and with a different name, so you can open it very easily and not affect your other files.  You can then create an assembly drawing and place the two dimensions you want.  Drag the assembly, save, update the drawing and then read your answers.

[YoavFriedlander]

A little bit of math that can be put into your user parameters and drive your design 🙂 and you will have your answer at any given moment based on the angle you desire to have when opening the legs up 🙂 :

sin(α) = a/c

sin(α)*c =a

where c is half of the length of the leg or whatever designated point you are measuring to ! 🙂 

therefore

sin(22.5)*2.5 = a

based on the angle between the parts you can get the distance between the legs! which is

a*2!

[YoavFriedlander]

Here is a full example of driving the sketch via parameters which will make the dimensions visible and determine the distance between the legs based on the desired angle 🙂 the distance will be displayed 🙂 just pick an angle ! 🙂 

[davebYYPCU]

I was thinking he wanted 

Driven Dimension display/s from Drive Joint.

Could be wrong.

[YoavFriedlander]

I agree - he did - but if he makes a corresponding sketch to the components
he can set the angle of the joint from a parameter and the sketch
dimensions will update as well 🙂

I thought it can be a sweet workaround. I apologize if it is less relevant
than the drawing solution 🙏🏼

[Anonymous]

Thanks John

I hadn't thought of using the diagram that way. I knew it updates itself but didn't realise how linked to the model it was. when I done drawing it seems to just bring the model in in its default state so that something else I learned as well. 

Surprised the tool doesn't have a way of doing this but I guess it just the way I've approached the this project that's brought this up as an issue - I was concentrating of just getting the model together and making it move - which is an achievement for me as I just learning how to use the tool. Thanks again for your help.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help, I was after a dynamic solution but the maths involved - for me - wasn't the type of solution I was after. I was thinking I could get around all that with the tool. surprised F360 dosn't have a way of doing this but as mention I approached this project as a beginner and producing the initial model was a major step.

Having had a think on how I would do this with these tool means I think what I'll actually do is sketch a profile of the bag over the model and try and move the cross members to the corners of the bag. 

Thanks all.