Symmetric constraint involving a Width Mate like solidworks

[Anonymous]

it would be very useful if inventor has this constraint.

A width mate centers a tab within the width of a groove. Groove width references can include: Two parallel planar faces Two non-parallel planar faces (with or without draft) Tab references can include: Two parallel planar faces Two non-parallel planar faces (with or without draft) One cylindrical face or axis

Examples:

[autodesklic24.asas]

@JBerns, As for which inventor offers the centering functionality with the joins function, I would say yes... and no. because it does not do so in all cases, hence it is considered an incomplete or unfinished function. So I agree with @daan5GCJL and I have the same feeling of disappointed as @rplocickiHFLUJ, because this "problem" has indeed existed for years now. From what they say, what @jtylerbc says about updating or restructuring the current symmetry restriction seems like a very good idea to me.

Be that as it may, @JBerns I will try to some extent to summarize what @daan5GCJL meant:

Procedure and result of this function in Solidworks (SW) and Inventor (Inv):

 

[drawings3PZ39N]

The ability to constrain two parts/objects together by making them mate directly symmetrical to each other, instead of creating two midplanes and mating those planes. 

[Albin_HanssonTA8S6]

Autodesk should consider adding a version of the "Width Mate" in Inventor to Autodesk Inventor. This feature enhances design efficiency, precision, and overall user experience by providing a specific functionality that simplifies the constraining process.

What the Width Mate Does:

The Width Mate allows users to maintain the center alignment of a part within a defined width. Specifically, it ensures that a selected part or feature remains equidistant from two reference edges or faces. In an assembly, this means selecting two planes on one part for a width reference, and then two planes on another part for a tab reference, the part in question will then automatically be positioned symmetrically in the middle between these planes.

Key Benefits of Implementing this constraint:

Increased Design Efficiency: The Width Constraint simplifies the alignment process within a specified width. This reduces the steps needed for precise positioning, saving time.

Enhanced Accuracy: By maintaining the center alignment of parts automatically, this constraint minimizes human error, ensuring greater accuracy in the final design. This is especially beneficial in complex assemblies where precision is paramount.

[Albin_HanssonTA8S6]

edit:
I mean "adding a version of the "Width Mate" in SolidWorks to Autodesk Inventor" 🙂

[Excalibur-Rocket]

PLEASE.

If memory serves this was one of the more "taxing" mates in SW, but it was very useful.

It would also be nice if we could just select two surfaces on the SAME part when doing the Symmetry Constraint.

Using Albin's example above, maybe I want to center the cube in the channel. And let's say the inside of the channel is not always centered. I would like to select the the two inside faces of the channel and then select the center plane of the cube as the symmetry plane.

Inventor won't let me do this.

I know there are work arounds. I have become very adept at creating work planes, and making working planes visible and invisible.

It's hard to forget the sweat taste of the width and symmetry mates in SW. 

[MattH_Work]

Symmetry constraint works well between 2 seperate components ( 'bracket side faces' ) and a 3rd component ( axle WP ) +  axis constraint between axle & bore

Between two faces option of the Joint command work very well when the faces belong to one componet

Autodesk 'just' needs to combine them both, so Joint can select 2 faces form 2 seperate components for the first input of the ''between 2 faces' option

[damian_ehrensperger]

Agree, this constraint feature is essential for fast and efficient working. I can not understand why this is not yet implemented since this exists in Solidworks for ages. Autodesk shall urgently install test version of all successfull concurrence CAD supplier and list all usefull functions, prioritize them and implement the top20 asap.

[ivan_rados]

Recently encountered a lot of questions in terms of this width mate from Solidworks user looking at the switch to Inventor.

Something similar in Inventor would be appreciated.

There are alternatives to do this, but instead of looking at the origin folder of a part or creating a user work plane in the middle of a geometry. Simple clicking on what should be placed in the middle between something would be nice

[TWeller6RV8E]

Yes, Solidworks has this feature, and it is very useful.   It is a bit frustrating that Inventor does not have this.  Once you get used to using it, the difference is especially something you miss.

[jonathan_fYKAHT]

Why not allow at least two planes from the same part to be selected, so that the symmetry plane can be made symmetrical about those two planes?

I cannot fathom for the life of me why the developers would create such a useful tool as the symmetry constraint, but then make life difficult for users by forcing each selected plane to come from INDEPENDANT parts/objects in the assembly? Do you want to frustrate users back to Solidworks?

[ali_faraci]

This problem have been seen for a while in Inventor. Probably they cannot solve this issue as well or this bottom is related to the another software (SolidWorks). 

This is very big problem in assembly parts. Inventor don't care to the costumer as it shown.