Revolute joints for multiple components to single component - Fusion

[m.mcgonigle]

Hey all, I'm trying to assemble multiple components onto a single rod so they will rotate around the rod in the attached images. My work flow performed in these images is to select the hole on the unit as the first component snap then select the end of the rod and offset the position to align where I want on the rod. I set the motion as Revolute around the Z-axis. I was hoping to then repeat this action for 10 more of these units increasing the offset distance by the unit width each time.

End goal is to have units on this rod that rotate around the rod (without falling off, I don't have a stopper on the ends for simplicity right now) then I will be adding this entire assembly as a component into another model.

I recognize I may be hyper focused on this problem and haven't provided enough information, please let me know if you have any clarifying questions.

This post has been edited due to: @heather_tracy added the product to the title to help more community members find this topic. 

[davebYYPCU]

More information?

You can pattern (rectangular) the first finger.

Are each of the fingers pointing a set or random direction.

are all to rotate at the same time, (turning the rod)

After pattern, then As built Revolve would be a quicker set up.

Might help….

[m.mcgonigle]

In the real world they would all rotate individually, free rotation around the rod. In model space I could have them all rotate at the same time to serve the purpose I need to confirm spacing fit.

[TheCADWhisperer]

@m.mcgonigle 

Can you File>Export your *.f3d file to your local drive and then Attach it here to a Reply?

[m.mcgonigle]

After I do the rectangular pattern, you mention the as-built joint. That only allows the assignment of 1 component to another, so I would need to create a joint between the Rod and each unit (finger)?

[m.mcgonigle]

File attached

[TheCADWhisperer]

@m.mcgonigle 

I do not see a Grounded (or otherwise constrained to the Origin) Component?

Component Pattern might be a better technique.

[davebYYPCU · Accepted solution]

If all fingers are patterned for spacing, and for the purpose of all fingers turning as a block, the you only need a Rigid Group.

As built Revolve used one per finger, but only for those fingers that turn independently.

Might help….

[m.mcgonigle]

The grounding didn't cross my mind but completely makes sense as a necessary step, I'm trying to understand the constraining steps you took in the file you sent back. I'm interpreting it as you constrained the plane that the rod was drawn on to the origin plan, but I'm unable to replicate this. How do you select the plane the rod was drawn on? I'm able to select the face of the rod but that gives me "Face-Plane" geometry. Similar for the Axis, which axis are you constraining (and how do you select it) for the rod? 

I assume this is elementary mechanics but I don't remember learning this in the class I took (it was also 5 years ago). 

[TheCADWhisperer · Accepted solution]

@m.mcgonigle 

For Assembly Constraints I prefer to use the Origin geometry rather than part geometry as then the part geometry can change without having any effect on the Constraint. (The BORN Technique)

Expand the Origin folder of the assembly.

Expand the Origin folder of the Rod.

Start the Constraint command and select the XZ plane of the Rod Component (must select the Component before the Assembly).

Select the XZ plane of the Assembly.

Click + to add a second constraint.

Click the Y axis of the Rod and the the Y axis of the Assembly.