Recurring cutout patterns that aligns to the parent shape

[csongor_varga]

I am designing a project box. I want to add cut-outs like hexagons, or 45 degree slots on the sides and the top. My box size as based on user parameters.

I understand that I can design 1 cut-out and cut it out, and copy the cut-out itself as a rectangular pattern. 

I always want to keep the cut-outs away from the sides (for structural strength). The inside of this area is referred to as bounding box below.

Is it possible to set up the rectangular pattern to stay inside this bounding box on the side? Can it clip within that bounding box?

The only option I can think of is to use expression in the rectangular pattern like (BoxSize - BoundingBoxOffset) / PatternSize? Or is there a better option?

[jeff_strater]

feature patterns do not have the ability to clip based on an offset today.  You can do as you suggest, and modify the count so that it rounds/truncates to the right count of whole instances.  But, if you really want clipping, you might be able to do something like model the bounding box as a separate body, then apply the pattern to that body, and join it to the larger body to get a clipping effect.  I'll try to whip up a simple example in a bit...

[jeff_strater · Accepted solution]

here is a way to do what I suggested, very simple example.

Model the outer boundary and the inner boundary as separate bodies, starting with a sketch like this:

two extrudes, the second, choose New Body:

model the first cut:

then, pattern the cut only on the inner body:

and, join to the outer body:

apologies if I did not understand all your requirements 100%, but hopefully this sends you in the right direction.  Model is attached

[csongor_varga]

Thanks a lot. Modelling the inside as a separate body did not occur to me. That makes the clipping straight forward. I am still not decided on the share of the cut-out, so it depends if I can restrict myself to an even number of features or need the separate body to handle clipping.