Trying to create a simple model with a repeating pattern based on a length

[Joel.hagle]

The easiest way to describe this is to think of a wall with a given length and height, and a number of studs based on the wall length and distance between each one.

Looking at the pattern tool I thought this was a no-brainer, but it appears I am the one with no brain here.  

I want to define the spacing between bodies, and have the number of bodies differ based on the length of the pattern.  I am having trouble understanding the relationship between "Distance" and "Start" and they seem to be driving spacing, and it looks like number of bodies can't be defined this way.

Perhaps I need to be looking at defining a number of bodies based on some distance another way?

[davebYYPCU]

Presuming the body sits at the start of the wall, 

Length = spacing * count, plus 1 body width.  Will but the plate under the last body.

Might help....

[g-andresen]

Hi,

Everything depends on what is to be set and what is to be calculated. 
If the number of elements is fixed, the length of the individual instances must be calculated with it on the basis of the total length with possible edge distances.
Alternatively, the length of the instances can be set.

Please share the file.

File > export > save as f3d on local drive  > attach it to the post.

günther

[Joel.hagle]

My understanding is the same as what you are saying, but I can’t get it to work so I must be doing something wrong.

I had to leave the house for the night, I will attach the file in the morning.

Thanks

[Joel.hagle]

Understood, at least I think. However, my totalLength and bodySpacing are user defined parameters and I am trying to solve for the number of bodies based on totalLength and bodySpacing.

[davebYYPCU · Accepted solution]

You need a formula in the parameters.

Count is a no unit parameter (highlighted)

Might help.....

[g-andresen]

Hi,

Here is a variant based on object length that includes edge distances.

günther

[g-andresen]

Hi,

Take a look at this variant.
It requires only 1 central profile and can be created with individual offset.
But it requires odd numbers.

günther

[Joel.hagle]

I was using a Path rather than a Rectangular Pattern, and my count had a unit.  This is working now except not gives me an extra body depending on the my total width.  I need to think about that now.

Thanks for the help, I will attach my model so you can see what I am trying to do.

[g-andresen]

Hi,

Since you can't read the pattern length from the parameters, I measured it and copied and pasted it into the pattern menu.

günther

[davebYYPCU]

Reference the parameter from the table.

Might help.....

[g-andresen]

Hi,

From which parameters do you derive this value?

günther

[davebYYPCU]

Dxxx from Model Parameters.

Either a Sketch dimension or the Extrude distance.

Not at the Desktop yet.

Might help.....

[Joel.hagle]

Thanks to you both, I have this working the way I need it to work and I learned a several new things in the process.

Pay attention to unit .vs no unit

My last issue was not being able to roundup, I found the ceil and floor functions and all is right again.  At least until I hit another wall, or make a mistake.

Thanks again.