Sketch Placement on Existing Frame Generator Assembly

[SteveFrey]

I want the 1/4" dia. hole on the rail to update it's position when I change the size of the rail.  The center of the hole needs to be offset 1/8" from the bottom of the rail and .595" from the top.  The problem I'm having is when I create the sketch and want the offset to equal the 14" dimension / 2, that dimension comes up highlighted in RED so for some reason it can't be referenced.  It comes up HEIGHT because that's what I named it to reference in the subassembly (not shown here).  I don't think this should have anything to do with it but I may be wrong.  

The original assembly was rather simple:  the rails were say 14" long and the extrusion was contrained in the center of the sketch.  Now these rails need to extend further into something else so I used the EXTEND command to make them .595" longer.  The reason I did it this way is that the assembly fits into a space that measures 14" x 27". 

Should I be going about this in a different way?  

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Steve,

Another way to do that is probably changing the skeletal part. I am sorry I may be misunderstanding the issue. Could you share the files here?

Many thanks!

[SteveFrey]

Sure.  See attached.  Basically I'm trying to get the hole to always be centered on the part.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Steve,

I took a quick look at the attached file. The frame subassembly, Frame0001.iam is missing. Could you also include it and its frame member files?

Many thanks!

[SteveFrey]

Hi Johnson:

These files don't have any bearing on this.  I've created another set of files for you.  See attached.  Thanks.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Steve,

Many thanks for sharing the example! I think I have better understanding of the issue now. This is about parameter context confusion. The parameters which can be referenced within Frame Gen dialogs have to be at the top-level assembly, where the frame exists. If the parameters are within the part or other files, Frame Gen dialogs will not be able to access them.

Another way to solve this is to use an iLogic rule at the top-level assembly. The rule can access parameters at all levels. Then link them using iLogic statements accordingly.

Many thanks!

[SteveFrey]

I don't understand.  Can you explain?  

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Steve,

I thought I explained the situation clearly. Basically, the parameter you are referencing is in the skeletal part, which FG is not able to access. You want to use d0 (14in) in Part1 to drive the hole location in Lexus Classic, right?

Many thanks!

[SteveFrey]

Yes.  But I want the extruded hole to always center on the part in between the .125" x .595" extended points.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Steve,

There should be several ways to achieve your goal. I have seen some users using Adaptive sketch (project the sketch in Part1 to the frame member). I personally like using iLogic better. You can set up an iLogic rule at the top-level assembly. You will be able to access any parameter from any component. Also, you can equate these parameters fairly easily. If you need an example, I can show you next week.

Many thanks!

[johnsonshiue · Accepted solution]

Hi Steve,

I was overthinking. Actually, you can simply link the parameter from the part to the assembly. Try this.

Go to the assembly Parameters table -> Link -> change file filter to Inventor files -> select Part2 -> link "d0" or any parameter you want from the part.

Now you can reference the parameter.

Many thanks!

[SteveFrey]

Awesome!  That works!  Many thanks!