Using Parametric study for frame optimization/ cost cutting

[zaheen.shaikh]

Good day people !

I need some help in parametric study (Stress Analysis). 

I want to use this tool for optimizing my Frame structure and save cost on materials while not comprising the safety factor.

I generated frames using a skeleton sketch (part) and converted to assembly, in assembly i used insert frame and chose Channels for my frame structure. 

The problem i am facing is, i am not able to add parameters in the parametric study table. when i right click on my model browser -> show parameters. i am not able to select the Channel thickness or Depth or Width. 

Can someone help me with this please.

or do i have to create my frame structure as a sketch (manually inserting the thickness, depth, width of each beam) instead of using the frame generator.

Thanks

[Scott_Stubbington]

Hello,

I can use Frame Generator but I'm not overly familiar with it.  I'm not sure how you intend modifying the Frame sizes as they could be driven from an external application.  If you were to create Sketch blocks of the Frame sizes you want and have Parameters associated with them, you would be able to change the sizes from the Parameter table alone as you have suggested.  You could also create an iFeature of sizes available locally and change things as required.
I hope that helps.

Scott

[pcrawley]

Hi @zaheen.shaikh - You should be able to access the frame-member parameters in a parametric study.

The "Model parameters" are not accessible if they were created by Frame Generator, but scroll down to "User Parameters" where they are defined - this is where you select them.

In this screenshot you can see the Parametric Table in the background showing G_T (wall thickness) is selected.

[zaheen.shaikh]

Hi @pcrawley . really appreciate your reply.

but still my problem has not been solved.

what i am trying to do is, i have selected a channel as you can see in the attached screenshot of dimensions (100 x 50 x 5). i apply load on the respective beams. i get the result. now i want to reduce the size of channels while not compromising with the safety factor. i want to know if instead of (100 x 50 x 5) whether i can use (70 x 40 x 5) or even channels of less size/weight. 

as you can see in the attached screenshot, the user parameters contains no values, while model parameters show only the forces that i have applied over the beam channels.

could you please help me with this.

is it because i am in assembly file?

Thanks

[pcrawley]

Ah - when you said "parametric study", - I assumed you meant the function specifically for "parametric studies" found in the Stress Analysis environment.  My mistake - sorry.

I don't recognise that parameter table.  Where did you find it?

As far as I know, the best way to drive the parameters within each member of a Frame Generator assembly would be through iLogic.  If you open your parent assembly and create a new iLogic rule, you can do this:

1. Find the user-parameter of the frame member.
2. Double-click the parameter name for each one you want to change and it writes the iLogic code in the bottom window for you.
3. add " = value" where the "value" is what you want to change it to.

Once you've finished the rule, run it, then update the model and you should see all your frame members update.

I would be very careful how you do this though, and make sure you have a backup!  Not all frame member sketches are well constructed, and some will fall apart if you edit dimensions incorrectly.  G_T (wall thickness) is a good example - changing it can cause the sketch to flip inside-out and then your frame will definately fail the stress calculations!

 

 

[zaheen.shaikh]

hI @pcrawley 

Please find attached a video describing what i want to achieve.

https://youtu.be/RF5esa2y-fw

The above video is using SOLIDWORKS, I want to know if i can do the same optimization using Inventor professional

[pcrawley · Accepted solution]

I think you are trying to get to the parameters by right-clicking the assembly.  The assembly is not where the part parameters live.

Try right-clicking the part(s):

 

[zaheen.shaikh]

Thanks @pcrawley. Got it.

Much appreciated