Dimension ID on constraint

[jacob.ellerbrock]

So we all know how dimensions in a sketch are labeled d# and the # is whatever the next number in line is. And then we can use the dimension in other dimensions of the part. Ex. d2*2 is twice as big as whatever d2 was. Constraints also have these same dimension tags but in order for you to know what it is, you have to finish the constraint and then go into the browser to find its tag. Can we get this ID tag placed in the constraint tab so if I want to use it somewhere else, I don't have to go find it and I can just type it into my next dimension like a sketch. In the attachments I screenshot a sketch dimension verse using a constraint. As mentioned, it'd save time if the dimension ID tag (d#) was on the constraint window.

[ambrose]

This sounds like a reasonable idea, given how easy it should be to implement.

However, there is another way to approach this which is arguably better practise. If you are making heavy use of formulas for your dimensions then it is a good idea to give your parameters meaningful names. For example, instead of d0, d1, d2... you could have length, width, thickness... This makes it much easier to keep track of what is going on and is especially helpful for large complicated models.

There is a very quick and easy way to name your parameters as you go. If you type 

my_variable_name = value

it will rename that parameter to "my_variable_name".

e.g.

[jacob.ellerbrock]

I did not know about that. I may try to use this more often. Not sure how much it will help my current situation as most of the dimensions are arbitrary but this is definitely something I will be using more of. I always preferred the d0, d1, d2... over naming everything because of how quickly one exhaust all worded options of similar dimensions and/or components.

[ambrose]

Yes, coming up with good parameter names can be surprisingly difficult! Personally I like to use long names, like "rotor_arm_clearance" or "front_flange_thickness". This self documenting style makes things easier when you come back to a design after months or years.

Also, if you give parameters custom names then you can select them from a dropdown menu instead of having to type them in repeatedly (see picture below). This does not work for d0, d1, d2 etc. which will not show up in the menu.

If you prefer short names you could go for something like t1, t2, t3... for thicknesses, r1, r2, r3... for radiuses, cg1, cg2, cg3 for clearance gaps etc. etc. This is avoids you having to invent and type long names and still makes your model a bit easier to understand than just having d everywhere.