How to rotate components connected by joints

[dan.mcmanus5]

I have a simple assembly with dowel pin linking 2 parts so one can rotate in relation to the other.  I believe my links should allow me to click on one part to rotate it around the pin.  However, the assembly is rigid and does not allow rotation.  I can do a motion study and make it swing but I just want to manually rotate the part.  In Inventor and Solidworks this is easy.  What am I doing wrong?  See attachment.  thanks

[g-andresen]

Hi,

Did you define a component as fixed (rightclick >ground)?

günther

[dan.mcmanus5]

I checked an neither is designated ground.

[jhackney1972]

Please attach your model so the Forum users can take a look.  If you do not know how to attach your Fusion 360 model follow these easy steps. Open the model in Fusion 360, select the File menu, then Export and save as a F3D or F3Z file to your hard drive. Then use the Attachments section, of a forum post, to attach it.

[dan.mcmanus5]

See attached.  I'm trying to rotate the yellow lever in relation to the red plate.  It would be desirable to be able to slide the plunger looking part also.

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

I created a Screencast to show the process of fixing your model to move.  I placed a Joint Limit on the yellow handle of 0 to 120 degrees just so you will know how.  I will not return the model because I am afraid you will not know how to handle opening it and not mess up your existing file structure.

[ArclightDesigns]

new F360 modeler, having transitioned recently from SW 2016 Professional. dissecting the differences between "mates" (in SW) and "joints" (in F360). attempting to have the imported McMaster-Carr 30mm fastener rotate with the inner gear of the slewing ring bearing.

the outside ring (non-geared) and ball bearings are 'grounded'. the inner ring is free to rotate. the joint btw the fastener and the inner ring is 'rigid'.

question: how to rotate the fastener coincident with the inner ring while animating?? def something simple, a la having the fastener rotate in the y-axis at the center point (not currently defined) of the assy.

appreciate your tech assist!

[ArclightDesigns]

.f3d file of assy attached

[g-andresen]

Hi,

please share the f3d file

File > export > save as f3d on local device > attach to post

günther

[jhackney1972]

You did not specify the ratio so I just added something you could see easily.  You will need to rotate the inner ring manually since you will probably not be able to see the motion link if you automate it.  Model is attached.

[ArclightDesigns]

than you John. the key was adding "Motion Link 18" on the bolt.

confirming: auto-animating the inner ring will not work and move the ring/bolt together? be nice if there was a speed/theta control.

also, the fastener relative to the inner ring needs to be fixed/rigid. manually moving the inner ring gear, as you suggested, has the bolt rotating about the y-axis. the bolt (36ea in total after pattering) have a nut on the lower face and need to be fixed tight.

noticed that you shifted the inner ring in the "+" y-axis. the top surfaces of the inner/outer rings are not flush. the inner ring is slightly recessed. timeline shows this occurred after adding "Revolute=17" in your model.

will look into your settings a tad more.

thanks!

p.s. nice to see another Virginia on the forum!

[ArclightDesigns]

revised model with corrected Motion Link joints. really be cool to be able to auto-animate the assy and show the bolt moving coincident with the inner ring.

[jhackney1972]

I am not sure what you mean "show the bolt moving coincident with the inner ring."  The bolt has a Revolve Joint so it can only rotate in position.

[ArclightDesigns]

you answered that earlier and stated that the bolt will NOT rotate when the inner ring rotates in the auto-animated mode. the bolt WILL rotate when manually rotating the ring. the model is now accurate.

my point was an "ask of F360" to have the auto-animate play make the bolt move with the ring. 

[jhackney1972]

In the model you last supplied, there are no motion links as I can find.

On the subject of animating the model, Fusion 360 does not have any effect method of slowing down animations, in a Motion Study or a Animate Joint Relationships so I think you are out of luck getting the animation you want.  I have tried to do a reduction drive but another issue is that a revolve joint, when reduced to a partial rotation, will reset after a small number of degrees of rotation rendering the animation useless.  I also is looking forward to a method of slowing down an animation.

[ArclightDesigns]

Sorry John. Intended to state that I dialed in the (two) Joint Origins and (two) Revolutes. No Motion Links. Interesting re trying to gear down and drive the inner ring. F360 def needs to fix this auto-animate feature for mechanical joints. I will import into the model into Blender, clean up the tesselated mesh, apply matls/textures, and then animate. EasyDay.

Thanks again!