What's the best way to handle a dimensioned drawings that changes the amount of holes in a pattern?

[chris]

So lately I have to set up a bunch of custom plate flanges, each a different size (OD and ID), and of course it also requires a different BC and equally spaced hole amount. I created a few "template" parts and I've used Design Assistance to make the copies, but what I am running into is that some of the drawings are having issues because the dimension assigned to the BC as well as the bolt holes is breaking when changing from something like 16 holes to 8 holes.

It seems to be tied to the fact that when adding the "Centered Pattern" centerline, you have to pick the OD and two holes, but if those holes change to a different amount, that centerline breaks and takes the hole size dimension and the BC dimension with it. 

If anyone has an idea how to avoid this or a workflow that works for them I'm all ears.

[mluterman]

For repetitive, automated tasks like this, I am starting to avoid using Inventor's tools; in this case, the "Centered Pattern" centerline. Instead, I would start a sketch and construct my own. In that sketch, I would project enough information so I can construct the BC (like 3 periphery holes, maybe). Once exiting that sketch, I would also skip the "Hole and Thread" command and use a leader to pick up one of the projected holes from that sketch. I then would attach any parameter I want from the model to that leader. This way I am completely bypassing the "normal" Inventor methods used to detail that hole pattern, and I now have a drawing that reacts parametrically to changes in the model without having to worry if things will "blow up".

[CCarreiras]

Hi!

I do this:

I only place a dimension between first and second Holes.

It's a pattern, so, the other ones will be equally spaced.

If you want to have some extra work, you can do that with iLogic:

You will have to name the entities (all the holes edges), and then create a routine to place a dimension between all the entities.

[chris]

@mluterman Interesting, what are the chances you can do a screen capture showing that method?

[kacper.suchomski]

Hi

I admit that I haven't checked what I will write now - what will happen if you do as @CCarreiras  does, i.e. you dimension the position and diameter of the first hole and the distance between the first and the second, and in addition you create a table of holes to automatically update the information on the quantity?

Normally I manually describe the number of spacers in brackets, but if you want to automate it, I think you can use a table with the number of holes.

[mluterman]

1. First screenshot below-create the sketch at the .ipt level (I'm finding it's better to do it here rather than try to create it at the .dwg level).

2. Second screenshot below. Right-click the view and "Get Model Sketches". The sketches must be in plan view to the sheet plane. Go to the browser for that .ipt and make sure you also click "Include" so the sketches show up.

3. Third screenshot below-select the sketch rather than the hole within the leader command and add your paramaters from the model to follow the hole from the sketch.

[CCarreiras]

@mluterman the issue is.... if you use some holes as reference, when you change the number of holes in the pattern, some of the sketches references will be lost...

[Frederick_Law · Accepted solution]

If it's patterned, only first one is available all the time.

Technically second hole should be there.

If there are minimum holes, ie 4 then first 4 holes won't disappear.

Use "hole note" on first hole and it can show number of holes.

Put all dimensions to first hole.

[mluterman]

Is this wrong? Sketch in .ipt follows the holes (I changed BC DIA and qty).