Joint in Sub-assembly, Joint Limits in main assembly

[bknechel]

I want to know the best way to handle putting a joint limit on components of a subassembly within a main assembly, when the components have already been joined within the sub assembly. 

Here’s an example:

A linear guideway with (2) carriages on it. The carriages have been joined to the Guideway with a slider joint. Limits could be put on the carriages to prevent them from sliding off the rail, or perhaps there’s no limits on them. 

When this guideway-with-carriages subassembly is put into a main assembly, and say a gantry or saddle has been assembled to the carriages, and now there needs to be a travel (slider) Limit put on the gantry or saddle, because the entire length of the guideway is not being utilized. 

The assembly is fully defined, but I want to further limit the stroke of the gantry or saddle, so it doesn’t seem appropriate to apply another joint, since that would be over-defining the assembly, right?

I could of course adjust the limits within the subassembly, but if the same sub assembly is being used multiple times on the same machine, or in other assemblies, that is problematic. 

[davebYYPCU · Accepted solution]

Instead if Inserting the Sub Assembly, 

Derive it.  Allows for local edits at main Assembly level.

Might help....

[bknechel]

Thanks Dave!

I haven’t worked with derived parts yet, but I think that makes sense. I’ll give it a try. 

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

@davebYYPCU has given you the answer to your situation.  The reason for my post is to explain the actual process of creating multiple assemblies, using a common linear bearing assembly, and setting each assembly up with a different linear bearing movement slider limit.  You seemed to indicate that you were not familiar with the Insert Derive command so I start off my Screencast showing how to use it.

I apologize for the Screencast length, I just wanted to be complete.

[bknechel]

Thanks for taking the time to make a detailed explanation!

I tried it, and that works great!