Measuring the distance between centres of two non concentric cylinders

[1380902]

Hello, 

I'm essentially building a truss bridge for a college project. The dilemma I am having is calculating the correct lengths of my diagonal and horizontal beams in order to accurately fit into my connector component.

So far if I join my connector piece (2 female unions 45degrees apart) to the horizontal beam, it is slightly out of line from the diagonal beam.

How would I go about calculating the correct length of my horizontal beam in order for the 45degree female connector to be concentric with the diagonal beam?

[piotrekdoro94]

Can you attach an example of what you are trying to achieve?

[1380902]

Thanks for your response. I have just uploaded a photo to the original post. 

[YannickEnrico]

You could constrain one to the pipe and measure the distance between the original placement and the placement you actually want

Or you could sketch it up and enter the known dimensions and figure it out that way

Edit:
The first suggestion is not one I would use for accuracy - But it'll do for a quick suggestion

[piotrekdoro94 · Accepted solution]

You can use join command with cylindrical setting (the one selected in the attached image) instead of measuring it manually. If you want to adjust the top connector just create two of those constraints, one with the diagonal beam (or the bottom 45deg collector) and the other with the horizontal one. That should align everything.

EDIT: see attached files

 

[LT.Rusty · Accepted solution]

Easiest way I know of to do this is to set up the constraints on your connectors first, before putting in the pipes. Once you have the connectors all lined up it's easy enough to measure and drop in the correct length pipes.

[Frederick_Law]

Yeap, constrain center line of connectors first.

That will lock them in place.

[1380902]

Thank you

[1380902]

Thank you