Organizing Components After/During Pattern Command

[delaing]

I executed a Pattern Along a Path expecting the newly created Slats to be listed under the original Slat I used for the pattern. I activated the Slat component first, then called the Pattern Along a Path.

The result has the new Slats at the bottom of the Tree as individual components and I cannot select and drag them back up into the original Slat component.

What am I forgetting or not understanding?

This is a screenshot after I subsequently created some other needed components.

But you can see the patterned Slats listed individually under the primary assembly and not under Slat.

Attached is the file if that helps.

Thanks in advance,

Delain

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

Any pattern is the same, components are copied and added to the assembly so you will get multiple entries in the Browser.  You can minimize the Browser by creating a Sub-Assy containing the original component and make it active before you create the pattern.  This will place all the patterned (copied) components under the sub-assy which you can then minimize.  The Screencast will explain.  This can be done is an existing assembly, as I did in the Screencast using your assembly, but it is easier if you plan it in advance.

[TrippyLighting]

A pattern creates component instances, meaning all the instances refer to a single set of data that describes the component. Fusion 360 does not allow you to move instances into themselves.

What I'd recommend is that you create a new Component to collect all the slat instance and move all of those including the first instances into that new component. You'll end up with as many cut/paste features in the timeline as you have slat instances.

[delaing]

@jhackney1972 

Thanks for the cast tutorial and explanation. Found one of the Beyond the Drafting Board videos which I recall watching during a binge of watching multiple Beyond blog videos over the cours...

Probably information overload caused much of your tutorials to not stick in my mind.

I was able to go back in and reorganize my project better.

@TrippyLighting 

Thanks you for your "Fusion 360 does not allow you to move instances into themselves."

That helps to make it click better for me. Sometimes I can hold on to concepts better when I understand the premise behind the behavior of a program.

Delain

[nickabee11]

Putting all like components into a "sub assembly" messes up the parts list when you make a print. Is there another way to organize the browser or away to make the parts list reflect the components in the "sub assembly"? Thanks.

[jhackney1972]

I disagree with your statement that Sub-Assemblies messes up the drawing parts list, quite the opposite, they enhance it.  The video will show two methods of creating parts list.  I believe the proper method is to show only First Level components and then do separate drawings for the sub-assemblies, again with a First Level parts list.  By the book, either way is acceptable, it is a matter of company standards.  Video will show both.

[nickabee11]

I figured it out after I posted that question. Found the "all levels" option in the parts list. I'm onto another issue that may be beyond the intent of the software now. Lol. I will check that video out though. Thanks for the speedy reply. Much appreciated.

[TrippyLighting]

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@nickabee11 wrote:
...I'm onto another issue that may be beyond the intent of the software now...

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Can you elaborate what that problem is?

[nickabee11]

Sure. Try to explain it. I'm doing an architectural design of a garage. I am designing the framing for it and I was just trying to find a way to have the parts list display the total number of standard boards instead of a cut list so to speak. Example, I "copy/paste new" a 2"x6" by 16' board so I can cut the length to 12' and the paste new "breaks the link" to the original so it can be edited without effecting the others but now I have an individual board on the parts list. Which makes sense as its essentially a different component now. I assume what I'm trying to accomplish is probably a little odd and not something anyone thought someone would want to do, is all I meant by intent of the software.

If my explanation makes sense, is there any way around that? Thanks.