Adaptive Components for Reduced Rework

[aboutinVK4YF]

Hi,

I have attached a pack and go file in inventor 2026. One mate is not working. The idea is to be able to use library parts as adaptive components. In my example there is a known external dimension that a welded frame must fit inside of. Any of the members may change sizes but welding space must remain. 1/4 inch for the outside of the vertical columns and 2 inches from the sides of the angled member.

It would need to be able to adapt to a change in size of the members without needing to redo the model.

It does not seem to be something that can be done with frame builder as at the point the skeleton is sketched there is no knowledge of the member geometry.

[CCarreiras]

Hi!

We don't know the model and the conditions you need as you.

You have to explain better what you need, give information more detailed... maybe with some images... 

When you refer the size members, are you talking about variation of length, or also the frame section size?

I can understand the "1/4 inch" from the outside (signed in the image), but the "2 inch from the angled member".... what angled member?!

This is what we can see from your model:

 

Anyway, i don't think you will be able to do that following the adaptative method and the "copy from copy from copy"...

Probably you will get there with frame generator, depends on your goal (and other conditions that we don't know yet).
But the way to go is to build a parametric system with parameters linked between the parts.

I believe you want something similar to this:

(Check the video)

[aboutinVK4YF]

I am sorry the model was not looking right. Here is it looking better:

For the change of members I do mean the section. All previous dimensions and spacings must remain even if a change like this happens:

I have not seen the video yet but will respond once I see it.

[CCarreiras]

Ok, now is clear...

When you refer the size members, are you talking about length variation, or also the frame section size?

[aboutinVK4YF]

I have seen the video. That is not what I am looking for. sorry for the confusion. For my example and use case. The outer dimensions (1500mmx1070mm) would always remain fixed. The weld spacing 1/4in and 2in shown above would also need to remain fixed. The sections of any member may be adjusted shown above where the vertical members were changes from 2x4in to 4x2in.

[aboutinVK4YF]

just to clarify if it was not said. the sections will change size. where the inner members would change length to adapt to the section changes.

 

[CCarreiras]

So, the vertical and angled member are the only ones that change size, right?

You will only use that 2 sizes? (2x4in or 4x2in.)

Are these components coming from content Center, or you build each one "manually"

How do you plan to change sizes? ..........Replacing the members? selecting a new family? Rotating the members?

Can you upload the complete model, with the angled member?

[aboutinVK4YF]

I will be changing the sizes parametrically in the model. Changing the sizes in the parameters preserves which faces have the mates. Which is why I was using copies from the library. 

I will often not know the final sections that will be used when I initially create the model. Often the client changes the requirements or a new load case is brought up by the team.

[CCarreiras]

So can be any size? the important is to maintain the conditions no mather the sizes selected, right?

At the end, the goal is to get the cut length for all the parts, for any size the customer ask, right?

Is ok if you use parts outside a library? custom made components?

[CCarreiras]

It's not so complicated.... i will take a look on that...

[aboutinVK4YF]

yes I just need to maintain the requirements for fit and welding. I would ideally get the cut length of all members. I can make custom components but I would be sticking with available steel sections.

[CCarreiras · Accepted solution]

The library parts are all messed up.

Anyway...
I can't change size using the library since i din't have it, but i managed to change dimensions parametrically just to show you how it can work.
Basically all the system is managed by a reference part (SKELeton) which manage all parts positioning, sizing, etc.

The files are attached if you want to test.