Question: Fusion360 Footprint Path

[armstrong.ndukwe]

I am developing several linkages for my mechanical design, at this point I want to know how to generate the footprint or path drawn by a link.

It's possible to do this in Matlab but it involves lots of code and math, is there a way to achieve this with fusion360

[kellings]

Hi @armstrong.ndukwe Am I understanding you in that you want to be able to see the min/max size of an assembly using different linkages? Do you have a pic of what you are trying to do? 

Thanks,

Kevin

[armstrong.ndukwe]

I am building a 3D model based on the Theo Jansen linkage, so I want to
visualize the footprint drawn by my linkage.

I attached an image below

[kellings]

Hi @armstrong.ndukwe The image didn't seem to make it. Can you make sure you go to your post on the forum and attach the image there please? 

Thanks,

Kevin

[armstrong.ndukwe]

So I want to draw the footprint for my modified version of this linkage

[kellings]

Hi @armstrong.ndukwe Here are a couple of ideas for you, though I'm not sure either are exactly what you are trying to do. 

Idea 1 is to create sketches sort of like what the image you attached looked like. Then to loft or boundary fill those sketches in. 

Idea 2 would be to create your assembly of the linkage and add joints. In the animation workspace, you could position things where they need to be and the capture different story boards for those positions and make a drawing out of each story board. 

Again, I don't think either is exactly what you are trying to do, but I think that is the closest functionality that is currently available in Fusion for what you are trying to do. 

Thanks,

Kevin