Choose Axis by Clicking on the USC Axis

[nickada]

In my assemblies, I use rectangular patterns A LOT. When I first started, I would click on an edge of part in order to select the axis I wanted the pattern to follow. The problem with this method is that if I edited the assembly I might replace or remove the part I used create the pattern. If the part I used changes, the pattern fails.

Now I move to the top of the assembly browser, then chose the axis I need. The problem with this method is that I spend a lot of time moving around the browser.

When choosing the axis I need for a pattern, it would be nice if I could click on the appropriate axis on the USC icon. This would save quite a lot of time.

[Anonymous]

In the Component pattern window, could you add a section in the window to allow you to select an axis from the assembly origin for the pattern direction.  It would save a lot of time not having to find them in the browser each time.

[eucci]

When selecting a direction for a pattern, move, etc. I prefer to pick an axis (when possible) rather than an edge. This is a more robust workflow that will avoid errors due to picking model edges that may change or disappear as a part gets revised. The normal process is to start a pattern (or any other command that needs direction input), then I have to scroll to the top of the model tree to select an axis. It would be so much easier if I could just select one of the axis' in the coordinate system display in the lower left corner of the screen.

[benedikt_zeilinger]

I will post this idea anew, because we really need this!

[benedikt_zeilinger]

In the Component pattern window, could you add a section in the window to allow you to select an axis from the assembly origin for the pattern direction.  It would save a lot of time not having to find them in the browser each time.

Also, choosing from the small coordinate system in the graphics window would be an option.

This is a copy with some additions from this idea, i'm reusing this since this has become quite the hassle for me in my latest work.

Screenshot with edited axis buttons are from this post https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-ideas/automatic-pattern-direction/idc-p/6705357/highlight/tr..., commented by mcgyvr.

[johnmondro4888]

@nickada - Great suggestion! This, or put the world (X-Y-Z) in the dialog box similar to the mirror command world planes.

[nickada]

@johnmondro4888- YES! Putting the world (X-Y-Z) in the dialog box is even a better idea!!

[leblanc2024]

@nickada and @johnmondro4888 both are great suggestions.

If I could vote more than once I would!!!

[Yijiang.Cai]

Many thanks for posting the idea to us, and tracked as [INVGEN-60724]

[nickada]

@Yijiang.Cai - I've seen INVGEN-XXXXX before. What does this mean? Is it
something I can track?

Thanks

[Yijiang.Cai]

@nickada, it is an ID for customer requirement tracked in our internal system, and project team will be involved for investigation. We will keep the status of idea updated. Thanks!

[johnmondro4888]

@nickada @Yijiang.Cai - very cool, glad this idea is being considered!

[eucci]

Thank you, Audodesk!

[johnmondro4888]

@Yijiang.Cai yes, thank you for the update. Small tweaks like this really save a lot of time in the long run!

[dan_szymanski]

This idea has been implemented within Autodesk Inventor 2023.2. Please review the Inventor 2023.2 What's New article here, for more information regarding how pattern axis selections have been enhanced. Special thanks to everyone who cast a vote for it.

[eucci]

AWESOME!

[nickada]

@Yijiang.Cai @dan_szymanski - Thank you!