Free modeling

[michael_janssenCN38L]

Hello Inventor specialists,
I have a difficult model here, probably with open spaces, which I cannot build.

Our task is to remodel the existing step file of over 100 MB in Inventor in order to make the file smaller.

But the part on the bottom is unsolvable for me at the moment.
I would be happy if someone could give me a tip on how to proceed.

Regards

Michael

P.S. Attached is the file (don't forget to move "End of Part").

[kacper.suchomski]

Hi

This is not a free form. This is a simple rectangular pattern based on parametric geometry - mainly arcs. In Inventor a rectangular pattern can be created in various directions - not only perpendicular ones.

You can see an example of a non-perpendicular rectangular pattern here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VB7jygfmXoo

[michael_janssenCN38L]

The video is understandable. I understand that the shapes are then edited with patterns.

But the real problem is how do I construct the distorted elevations (see blue arrow)?

[kacper.suchomski]

There are many possibilities, depending on what is hidden there - Loft, Sculpt. You need to break this geometry down into primitives - think about what shapes this geometry is made of.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! This is a very elaborated part. I don't know how to reduce the file size. I tried exporting the file to various CAD formats. Actually the Inventor file (with EOP at the bottom) 67MB is relatively compact, compared to other formats.

With 18455 faces and 47918 edges, this is a very complicated parts. The amount of geometry is like 3000+ boxes but with much more complicated definition than planes and straight edges.

In terms of modeling, I would break it into two solid bodies at least. One is the actual egg cradle. The other one is the supporting structure. Then combine them into one solid body.

Many thanks!

[SBix26]

What version of Inventor are you using?  It would be unfortunate if someone created a model for you and you couldn't open it!

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Sam B

Inventor Pro 2025.0.1 | Windows 11 Home 23H2

[michael_janssenCN38L]

we are working with Inventor 2024.3 and Windows 11

[NigelHay]

You have some good suggestions here from others. Can I ask why you need to reduce the file size? Is it because it slows down your work when using the part or just for storage memory limitations. You have shown that you can reduce the file size by dragging the EOP marker up the browser tree. I have some parts which have large arrays that slow things down. I've created model states which have the arrays suppressed to avoid them slowing things when used in assemblies & then I use the unsuppressed version when the detail is needed in drawings etc.

[Frederick_Law]

IV file may not get smaller or faster with so many pattern.

[michael_janssenCN38L]

Hello,

The suggestions here are not enough for me. That's why I won't confirm a solution yet. But I have written to a professor in Bulgaria. He will build the part for us in Inventor.

He has a channel on YouTube where you can learn Inventor excellently. But not the standard things.

Here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/@prof-stancescu

[kacper.suchomski · Accepted solution]

Here's an example. The dimensions are random. The geometry of the cutout is also random and must be selected for a specific case.
However, the method is proven and works.

[michael_janssenCN38L]

Great and thanks, that seems to be the way for me!

[SBix26 · Accepted solution]

Well.  I took this as a challenge to my modeling skills, and after a week of working at it, waking up in the middle of the night with a new idea for tackling a particular part of the problem, etc,  I think it's complete except for the item # and recycling marks.  It's not an exact match due to the difficulty of measuring and analyzing the original model, but very close.

One big complication is that the six-sided cavities making up the middle of the model are not regular hexagons-- instead of six 120° angles making up each, there are four 115° angles and two 130° angles.  Not impossible, of course, just less amenable to making use of easy patterns.

The attached file is Inventor 2024 and has the EOP pulled to the top to keep it smaller.

For what it's worth, my computer with a four-year-old AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and 16 GB RAM didn't break too much of a sweat, which surprised me.

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Sam B

Inventor Pro 2025.1 | Windows 11 Home 23H2