Direction of Pattern in Sketches, Parts and Assemblies

[emanuel.c]

I just have this burning curiosity:

There may be a setting I'm missing or it may be just me... But why is it that 95% of the time (my estimation - literally, just about all the time) when I use the pattern feature, Inventor's 1st preference is opposite of what I need?! I should say I notice this in assembly patterns much more, but that could just be that I use pattern feature so much more in assemblies than in parts? I literally always have to click that arrow button!

Any input? Thanks

[NigelHay]

Maybe there's a relationship to the direction towards or away from an origin plane but it's always seemed a bit random to me.

[mcgyvr]

Just your luck.. Heck it may be 50% but failures tend to be remembered more than successes sometimes..

The direction is based on the same rule..  I think its the right hand rule based on the faces normals or something like that.

[emanuel.c]

...failures tend to be remembered more than successes sometimes..

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Agree 100% with the statement 😊

However, I can guarantee it's not just that, it really does happen that most to nearly all of my pattern directions start opposite of what I need. Pure coincidence I suppose. In fact I may just count them a little while just to verify it is so. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing a setting or something. Sometimes it's kind of strange. I have a long item for example. I place another item at one end. Why does the software "think" I want to pattern other items in mid air, the wrong way? 😬 

I have a similar issue with flat patterns, where so often my first bend starts with "Down". I wish I could change that, because our brake machines only bend "Up"...

Thanks for your input!

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Emanuel,

I think I know the issue. The default direction of a given straight edge is somewhat unpredictable from the user's perspective. It cannot be controlled by the user. I guess you may want to select a planar face instead. It will always give you the normal direction (going outward).

Many thanks!

[emanuel.c]

Hi Johnson,

How do you use planar faces for patterning? I didn't know that was possible. I kept track of patterning for a few days to see what percentage goes "the wrong way" for me and it's at least 80%...

Thanks

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Emanuel,

I think I just got short-circuited again. Patterning command only allows axial selection, not planar normal selection. I was dreaming. Sorry for the confusion!

I guess the only viable alternative is UCS. At least UCS X, Y, and Z are clearly showing the positive direction.

Many thanks!

[emanuel.c]

Actually half truth there 😊 I think there is planar selection in parts but only axial in assemblies.

It's OK, I'll live with it, it was just a puzzlement and like I said I was hoping I didn't miss a command or something.

Thanks everyone!