Round tube frames/chassis

[dwoodville]

Hello all,

I'm wanting to create a round tube chassis/frame for a vehicle using 2" OD tube with .120" wall thickness. I've tried a few times to create an intersection of tubes but its proving to be very difficult. Inventor won't allow me to use the "shell" function on more than one tube it seems. Does anyone have a quick video of how to do tube work with notches (not sheet metal)? I'd love to see an example of someone doing this. 

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! Did you use Frame Generator to create the frame members and miters? Could you share your attempt here? The issue should be geometry specific. It is better to see the files. Forum experts should be able to find out the logical reason to the behavior.

Many thanks!

[dwoodville]

I did not use the frame generator when trying this. For me to share my attempt should I upload the file or just show a screenshot?

[JDMather]

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@dwoodville wrote:

... For me to share my attempt should I upload the file or just show a screenshot?

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It would be best to upload the file(s).

If multiple files - place all into one folder and right click on the folder and select Send to Compressed (zipped) folder.

Attach the resulting *.zip file here.

[dwoodville]

Ok lets see if this file upload works. 

[TheCADWhisperer]

You really should be using Frame Generator rather than the technique you are using, but is something like attached what you are after?

You should make it a habit to fully define your sketches.

[dwoodville]

Yes that is what I'm trying to do. I'm going to try the frame generator next. Thank you for the recommendation!

[dwoodville]

One thing I can't seem to find in the frame generator is a 2" OD pipe with .120" wall thickness (DOM). I've tried editing an existing tube but I can't seem to actually edit the OD and wall thickness.

[dwoodville]

Man, I've tried searching a lot to figure out how to create the type of material I want to model with but I have not found an answer. I've read multiple things about libraries and how I can edit them but I've yet to find the answer I'm looking for. So you have an idea of what I'm trying to do I've attached an image of a chassis just as an example (sorry for the poor quality). 

kelly.young has embedded your image for clarity

[kelly.young]

Hello @dwoodville if the shape isn't included in the stock frame generator options you can author your own parts. 

Create parts for Structural Shape Authoring

Frame Generator Overview

From the supplied image, you could create your 3D sketch (or well defined 2D sketch combinations), use the Frame Generator to sweep the tube and clean up the transitions. It will probably save you a lot of time and make it easier to change sizes. 

Please select the Accept as Solution button if a post solves your issue or answers your question.

[dwoodville]

Hey @kelly.young, I'm reading about creating iparts like you mentioned but it doesn't seem like I could sweep a 3d drawing with something I created from iparts. 

[kelly.young]

@dwoodville there are a few links that might be helpful in understanding the capabilities:

iPart iAssembly and Frame Generator not getting along

Custom cut lengths driven by end point constraints

Understanding Autodesk Inventor Frame Generator, Bill Of Materials and Part Numbers

Forum Search: Chassis

You would probably want to start over with a different design style as it is an entirely different process. 

Are you creating all iParts in tables and adjusting within that? 

Creating parametric sketches that the Frame Generator can run along would be fast and easy to control. 

Might be missing your point, do you have a screenshot or screencast that would help show what you are trying so far?

Please select the Accept as Solution button if a post solves your issue or answers your question.

[dwoodville]

@kelly.young I'm still new to inventor and I'm trying to wrap my head around things. I'll look into the suggestion you made and see what I can learn. At this moment I don't have anything to upload to show what I'm working on. I start and then stop pretty quickly because I can't figure some things out lol.