Model Wire Between Connectors with Spline Tool

[george]

I know this should work but I tried several times to create a 3D sketch with points between the centers of the connectors (2 individual wires from the connector off the LED strip, one each to the connectors on the strip).

Every time I tried the spline would either be off in some seemingly random spot in space or after I placed a spline and tried to adjust it I just couldn't get the path right. I have to admit I'm definitely rusty with Fusion 360 so I hope I'm just missing something and someone could show how this is done with the current version of Fusion 360.

If it's not clear what I want to do I can try and post a quick screencast showing how I tried.

[LeonardoBN]

Hi @george. Do you look for something like this?

I'm not sure if that is the path you want, but I've created two sketches (to define start and end points) and a third sketch for the spline, with horizontal/vertical constraints in the ends.

 

[george]

Hi @LeonardoBN 

Yes, the actual route isn't too critical but that does look like I what I was trying to do. Thank you for your time on this! Let me download your file and take a look at your sketch and timeline.

George

[george]

Hi @LeonardoBN 

Well I almost see how you did what you did but I still managed to mess things up when I tried to follow your timeline.

I still could not get the spline to just be a simple curve like you managed and trying to snap onto points in the model was a frustrating experience.

Can you see what I'm doing wrong here?

[davebYYPCU]

Can check the file later in the day.

Try this workflow.

Make the centre points your connecting to, visible.

Create your wires sketch, set 3d on.

Project > Include 3d Geometry, Select the connector centre points.

You get purple points ( or other articles you included). hide projection sources.

Draw a Spline / arc / line path, snapping the first and last end point to the purple points.

To manipulate your spline points, use the Move tool selecting handle end point. (Click drag is unavailable in 3d sketch)

View orthagonally to help with positioning the handles.

Pipe or sweep, to finish.

Might help....

[LeonardoBN]

I will make a Screencast for these steps.

Well, first time recording a Screencast. I hope it works:

Firstly I projected the circle in the first sketch to find that center point. Then, inside the spline's sketch, I used Move (point to point) to align it. You will also have to move the spline handles for a nice looking, and I applied Horizontal constraint to both spline's ends.

[george]

Hi @LeonardoBN 

OK, I see some subtle differences in what I was doing but I can see it's not 100% straight forward to create the spline path. It almost seems like I need to practice a lot to get a better understanding of the handles and moving.

May I ask a favor and have you attach your final model so I can experiment with it some more please.

Thanks again,

George

[LeonardoBN · Accepted solution]

Oh, I forgot to attach the file. Here it goes.

[LeonardoBN]

Here is another Screencast. I started the process with a new spline. I did some mistakes in Move tool, but could achieve the results:

(not so good method, go to Message #12 of this topic, like @davebYYPCU suggested)

[davebYYPCU]

Painful, but you got there, my instructions not clear?

[george]

Yes, your instructions are clear and the screencasts are very helpful. I need to experiment some more and get used to the spline handles and settings but I have a working model for now so thank you again!

[LeonardoBN]

Whoa, only now I see the Include 3D Geometry. It makes the way less painful!

It works much better now, @davebYYPCU

[davebYYPCU]

Better, 

2 point Spline, Tangent to temporary centre lines.  Adjust the handles.

Might help....