Is it possible to combine circular and sketch driven pattern tool?

[Anonymous]

Hey Inventor community!

I am starting to have my first baby steps in Inventor. Maybe it is a straightforward problem, but I have been struggling quite some time...

Let's introduce my problem. I need 1) to have a solid repeated n number of times along a 3D spline and 2) that each of the repetitions face a concrete point in the space. To start, I have the 3D coordinates for the center of every solid and for the points to which the solids have to face to (a point belonging to a normal vector, so to say). The points are labelled as Centers and Normals respectively in the attached file.

I have managed 'task 1)' by using Sketch Driven Pattern tool and the coordinates for the center. However, I am still struggling to get the second task done. Basically, what I would like to know is whether something like a combination of Sketch Driven and Circular pattern tool exist.  

I have tried (and failed) the following:

- Use a 3D perpendicular constrain between a solid and an axis connecting a given center with the point belonging to the normal vector (Example Axis in the file). When I select the perpendicular constrain (after selecting both the axis and the solid) nothing happens.

- Use the Circular pattern - does not let me use. I think I cannot use a spline connecting the center points as a pattern path.

If someone has any idea, you can save my life 🙂 If not, have a nice day anyways!

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,

Carlos

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Carlos,

Circular Pattern or Rectangular Pattern does not allow users to pick Sketch-Driven Pattern. This seems to be a limitation. I follow up with the project team to see if if the limitation can be lifted. In the meantime, you can edit the Sketch Drive n Pattern and change the output to Join instead of New Solid. Then use Circular Pattern command -> Pattern Solids -> pick the solid -> pick the axis -> Ok. Please note, you can also keep the solids separate without joining them,. You will end up with a lot of solid bodies.

Many thanks!

[Xun.Zhang]

Hi Carlos,

Thanks for the feedback. This is a general Inventor pattern behavior so far. If you create a base pattern feature as solid type and new solid option ON, you never able to create another pattern on top of this base pattern feature even for normal rectangular or circle pattern which means there is none of business of sketch driven pattern here. The reason is the base pattern created multiple solids which is not a general feature at all. 

Base pattern reason -

The way to solve it, you have to select solid bodies in the browser tree rather than select the based pattern feature itself, you can get the example from enclosed Inventor 2017 file and a video for your reference as well.

http://autode.sk/2pheqyw

Hope it helps!

[torbjorn_heglum2]

If I understand correctly, you have an irregular pattern where you also want to twist each member of the pattern.

If that is the case, this can be done by a sketch driven pattern. You will need to create a surface with correct normal vector for each of your sketch points and use it as a reference face for the pattern. (Note that there are some bugs related to this feature - but in some cases it is very efficient)

Sketch driven pattern with twist

Torbjørn

Inventor 2017.4

[Anonymous]

Dear all,

Thanks a lot for your answers. I think I did not explain myself very well, however, torbjorn more or less understood me. I have been trying to create a Boundary Path out of a spline connecting all the points (similar to your screenshot) but I did not succeed. It has only work if I limit my surface to very few points. I have tried in this small Boundary Path, and it does not work neither. I attach a screenshot.

I have tried also Johnson's advice with no success neither. I think I did not understand you completely, since there is no a single axis but 13 axis. The one that is displayed was just an example of what I meant. 

Thank you very much again.

Cheers,

Carlos

 

[Anonymous]

Dear all,

Thanks for all the answers.

I think I did not explain myself really well - Sorry for that.

@johnsonshiue: I didn't fully understand what you mean by "pick the axis". There is not a single axis but 13 axis, although in the file I added there was only one for illustration. Each of the axis should be connecting the center point of my solid and the point belonging to a vector normal to my solid.

@torbjorn_heglum2: I think you understand more or less quite well what I meant. However, I have tried to make a Boundary Path but I can only when few points are chosen. I drew the Boundary Path by first drawing a closed loop in 3D Sketch. But then I followed your steps and did not work (see screenshot attached)


Thank you very much in advance, guys!

Cheers,

Carlos

PS: I think something is wrong with the forum because I post already a reply, and had to write again since was not there anymore...

[JDMather]

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@Anonymous wrote:

... since there is no a single axis but 13 axis. The one that is displayed was just an example of what I meant. 

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I think I could come up with a possible solution, but I do not know which point pairs you intend to use to define the other 12 axis.

There is only a single axis in the file that you attached.  Can you attach file with the other 12 axis for clarity of Design Intent?

What is the source information for coordinates of the 3D sketch points in Centers and Normals?

[Anonymous]

Hi JDMatther,

Thanks for your reply. Please, find attached the file with the axis.

Thanks!

Cheers,

Carlos