Project/Extend Pattern Around a Corner, and More - A Parametric Workflow Questio

[Anonymous]

I'm hoping to get some advice on how most efficiently to achieve a parametrically driven pattern over/around an edge. I realize this will require a lengthy answer... just hoping someone who's into parametric workflow evangelism would like to make an example in this vein.

Link to file: https://a360.co/2Xiqyly (not currently achieving desired malleability)

The example project is an enclosure for a laundry machine set. The actual dimensions of the cavity, given plumbing/electric/structural constraints are not known exactly. Additionally, the dimensions of the exposed materials for the enclosure (in this test case, wood ship-lap) are unknown. We need to move forward with facade design using estimated dimensions now.

The entire design dimensions will be altered later when we have the exact enclosure cavity and ship-lap dimensions. For this reason, the model should be driven by the cavity dimensions and the ship-lap profile.

Any advice on how to best achieve this? How to extend the ship-lap profile pattern over/around a corner (currently using individual profiles for each axis, along with rectangular pattern). And how to assemble the pattern bodies so that they will parametrically adjust to the cavity's dimensions.

Thanks!

[Adots]

What would be the required final deliverable from a design and documentation point of view? Are you required to create manufacturing drawings for each individual piece of ship-lap? Or is it just going to be used as a 3D visualization?

[Anonymous]

For now, without complete specs, it's only for 3D visualization purposes...  the goal is to be able to then create an actual manufacture ready set of plans, once the visual style is client approved and all the actual dimensional/structural specs are provided, without having to rebuild and/or thoroughly modify the existing model (ie the 3D visualization will be driven by the specs, and automatically resize to accommodate new dimensions).

And no, there will be no need for manufacturing drawings for each individual piece of ship-lap.  However, in this example, we don't know the true dimensions of the ship-lap to be supplied...  which is why it is key that each piece of ship-lap in the model is driven from one sketch so that when we have true dimension we don't have dozens of sketches to update and/or delete/recreate.

Hope that clarifies...  thanks!

[Adots · Accepted solution]

Start by opening the parameters window in your file. Go to the Modify drop-down, and select Change Parameters. Add new User Parameters similar to the image below. These can be used to parametrically drive your design in as many areas as you need to. 

For instance, when defining the dimensions of the ship-lap profile, instead of entering in 6" for the width, type in the name of the User Parameter that is defined as such. In this case "ShipLapWidth".

This can be done anywhere that dimensions are assigned. It can be in sketch dimensions or used as an extrusion length, for instance.

When the design needs to updated, simply open the Change Parameters window and update the User Parameters as needed, and your design will update accordingly. 

[Anonymous]

Thank you, @Adots!    That's exactly what I needed for the ship-lap/cavity dimensions issue.  Coincidentally, the AutoDesk 360 live on advanced sketching led me there as well (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOQydMGSq9w).   So cool!  Not sure I would have ever stumbled upon that feature.

@Adots- And how would you approach the pattern continuing around/over a corner (waterfall in this case)?

Thanks!

[Adots]

I would define two separate sketches, one for the vertical boards and one for the horizontal, each with the same geometry. The dimensions within each sketch would each be defined with the correct parameter value. For example, I would use the ShipLapWidth parameter to define the board thickness in both sketches. This way, when the parameter is changed, each of the sketches will update and will keep the same dimensions