How to assemble components and allow free movement in 3 dimensions

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

I'm working on a project that has many moving parts/assemblies - these parts need to move freely in relation to each other via pistons/joints.

I'm struggling with the basics. Here's a link to an example - https://a360.co/2SEtZjl 

There are 2 anchor points (representing different components/assemblies in the design). The lower anchor point is static/grounded. The upper anchor point needs to be able to move/rotate relative to the lower anchor point - connected by a piston with a ball joint on each end.

I'm trying to attach one ball joint to the lower anchor point, and the other ball joint to the upper anchor point. I'd then like to be able to move the upper anchor point freely in 3 dimensions whilst the piston/ball joints articulate as required.

Please can anyone point me in the right direction as I have no idea how to do this?

Thanks.

[davebYYPCU · Accepted solution]

Nothing is grounded effectively. 

Ground the lower anchor component.

Joint the ball stem leg to the Lower anchor. 

Your ball joint part is one component, to make the ball joint work it will need dividing up so that the moving arm is a component, at each end.

Add ball joints then all should work.

Might help....

[Anonymous]

That's fantastic

I hadn't thought of splitting the ball joint into components and assigning joints to them.

Thanks very much for your help.

[chrisplyler]

It becomes obvious when you realize that:

1. Joints only work between component, and...

2. Your piston will need a slider joint in order for it to extend/contract as you move the upper ball joint around in space.