Trying to Find Expression for Component Height

[jackG933P]

As the title says, I am looking for a way to use the height of a component in a parameter expression. The component I need to find the height of is one that I swap in and out and changes all the time. I need a way to drive other dimensions using the bounding height of that particular component. In other words, I want to input a variable into the expression like "Mycomponent.height + 3" for example. 

Is there a way to do this currently in fusion 360?

[Beyondforce]

Hey @jackG933P ,

If I understand your question correctly, then the answer is YES.

You can create a User Parameter and call it "Mycomponent.height". Then anytime you want, you can call it and use it in any math equation you want, like "Mycomponent.height + 3".

Cheers / Ben
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[jackG933P]

That is not quite what I am asking, Ben. I am looking for a variable built in to Fusion that has the value of the bounding box of a component or model. 

I am importing a component that already has all of its dimensions set. I am trying to then drive the values of other dimensions on other components by using parameter expressions. For example, I import a component that is 3 inches in height. A different component already in the design then adjusts the values of its joints to accommodate the 3 inch tall component I just imported. 

[Beyondforce]

Ok, now I understand. Yes, you can do that with the "Derive" command.
You can use it to Import or Export a component, and you can choose to take anything with it including the User Parameters.
Here is a video on how it works, but I'm also planning on making a video on the "Derive" command for my YouTube channel as well very soon (Fusion 360: NewbiesPlus):
http://help.autodesk.com/view/fusion360/ENU/?caas=caas/video/youtube/watch-v--tYCfuaagX4.html

[jackG933P]

I can see how that would work if you already had a parameter to reference, but the step files I import do not have any. I need to be able to pull the bounding box property values from the component alone.

[Beyondforce]

Well, you can do that using the Dimension tool or the Project tool depends on the situation or the end result.

[etfrench]

You could probably do that using the API. 

Also look at the Inspect/Interference tool.  You could place blocks a certain positions, then use the tool to see if the inserted part has a positive interference result. 

[lichtzeichenanlage]

How should this work at all? The existing component can't have a reference to components that might exist at any point in time. And what happens if you have 10 components.. how should a parameter know if it's relevant or not? This doesn't makes sense for me. 

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@jackG933P wrote:

I am importing a component that already has all of its dimensions set. I am trying to then drive the values of other dimensions on other components by using parameter expressions. For example, I import a component that is 3 inches in height. A different component already in the design then adjusts the values of its joints to accommodate the 3 inch tall component I just imported. 

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[laughingcreek · Accepted solution]

Some programs will produce a bounding box around an object and show what the dims are.  fusion doesn't do this.  My understanding is the OP would like some way to assign a value returned from a bounding box to a user parameter.  The only way I see to do this is either a manual process, or writing a script through the API.  Basicly,  as it stands today, fusion doesn't allow the use of driven dimensions.

[lichtzeichenanlage]

My understanding is, that the TO wants, that a newly imported / inserted
component automatically changes values of existing components...

[jackG933P]

What I am doing is importing a component and then placing it into an already existing component that is a "container". The bounding dimensions of this "container" component change with each new imported component and I would like a way to reference those dimensions in a parameter expression.

[etfrench]

Without knowing what the size range of the components and containers, it's hard to give a specific answer.  Is there just a few standard shapes or hundreds?  What are the tolerances? Is it just the height that changes?

[jackG933P]

Thank you to everyone who posted. I will accept this as the solution. I'm going to look into doing what I want through the API.