Feature Request: Associative "Live-Derived" Mirror Component
The Problem:
Currently, the Mirror Component tool in Inventor 2027 offers associative placement, but both primary options fall short for "handed" parts that require further modification:
- The "Purple" Option (Copy): Provides excellent associative placement (no mates required) but breaks the link to the base part.
- The "Green" Option (Mirror): Provides associative placement and maintains a link, but creates a locked derived part. This prevents adding unique secondary features and restricts independent Sheet Metal flat patterns.
- The Manual Workarounds:
- Traditional Derived Part: Maintains the link and allows new features, but requires tedious manual mating.
- Flat Structure Mirroring: While this automates the mirrored part creation, it still requires the user to manually mate the component within the assembly, adding redundant steps to the workflow.
The Proposal:
Introduce a new Mirror Component option that combines Associative Placement with an Unlocked Derived Link.
Key Functionality:
- Live Geometry Link: Changes to the parent (Part 1) automatically propagate to the mirrored child (Part 2).
- Independent Feature History & Sheet Metal Support: Part 2 must remain "unlocked" so users can add local features (flanges, cutouts, etc.) that only exist in the mirrored version. This includes the ability to generate and maintain an independent Flat Pattern for sheet metal components.
- In-Place Placement (Mirror Component/Pattern): Utilize the same "zero-mate" associative positioning found in the Mirror Component Pattern side of the assembly mirror feature, ensuring the part is placed correctly without manual constraints.
The Benefit:
This bridges the gap between a static copy and a restricted mirror. It allows for a "Parent/Child" relationship where the handed part stays updated to the original while allowing for the unique secondary operations required in real-world manufacturing.
