Uneven pattern with parameters

[Anonymous]

Hi,

The single bar on the side needs to be patterned unevenly across the length. However due to this being a parametric model, there can be a ranging number of these from 3-30 meaning the sketch driven pattern may not work properly. Is there any way I can do this uneven pattern with custom number of these features? Thanks!

[WCrihfield]

Use a sketch pattern within the sketch that is driving this feature.  And use a UserParameter as the Quantity value.  That Quantity Parameter will do the math comparing part length and spacing between the lines, to figure how many it needs.

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Is this what you mean? I am patterning the point within the sketch however can only do this in even spacings? Is there a way to do this unevenly?

[WCrihfield]

Oh, OK.  I guess I misunderstood the original post.  So, you're wanting to create a set of lines (or points) that are all uneven?  In that case, you're probably stuck with doing it manually.  To create a set of geometry using code automation, you're going to have to be able to explain the geometry and its placement/positioning mathematically, one way or another.  I am currently unaware of a randomizing method for creating geometry in Inventor right now.

[Anonymous]

Yes essentially a hybrid between rectangular pattern and sketch driven where the user inputs how many of them and spacing between and the model shows this. I'll have a go and see what method I can come up with. Any other help is much appreciated. 

[WCrihfield]

Would a sketch pattern of a sketch pattern work for your application?  For example...first sketch a set of geometry, to use as the 'random' portion, then create a regular sketch pattern with all of the first set of geometry selected.

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I'm not quite sure what you mean by this. Would you be able to edit the file i sent in the inital forum post and send it back with your suggestions? Thanks. 

[WCrihfield]

Nope. It sounded better in my head than it worked in reality.

[Anonymous]

Do you know how to supress a certain occurence within the sketch driven pattern using ilogic. I have never used it but i understand its possible? Would you be able to explain it simply as I'm not very experienced with this!

[WCrihfield]

Sure. Once you've created either a Pattern in a Part using one of the tools within the (3D Model tab / Pattern panel), you can click the little plus sign next to that feature in the Model browser, then right click on one of the Occurrences, then choose Suppress.

[Anonymous]

Would you be able to advise a way to do this automatically using Ilogic? 

[WCrihfield]

Yes, if I knew which I wanted to suppress.

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I would like to suppress a feature called '140 JR PATTERN'. Would you be able to write a code to help? This didn't work for me:

This is the error: "ThisAssembly: This document "Parametric 1" is not an assembly."

Dim oDoc As Document
oDoc = ThisApplication.ActiveDocument
Dim oPattern As OccurrencePattern 
'calls the pattern by name
oPattern = oDoc.ComponentDefinition.OccurrencePatterns.Item("140 JR PATTERN") 

oPattern.OccurrencePatternElements(3).Components(1).OccurrencePatternElements(3).Suppressed=True

[WCrihfield · Accepted solution]

Try this:

In the code below, I'm showing 3 different ways to do it.  I currently have the first two options commented out.

Dim oDoc As PartDocument = ThisApplication.ActiveDocument
Dim oDef As PartComponentDefinition = oDoc.ComponentDefinition

''Option 1
'For Each oFeat As PartFeature In oDef.Features
'	If oFeat.Name = "140 JR PATTERN" Then
'		oFeat.Suppressed = True
'	End If
'Next

''Option 2
'Try
'	Feature.IsActive("140 JR PATTERN") = False
'Catch
'	MsgBox("Couldn't turn the '140 JR PATTERN' off.")
'End Try

''Option 3
For Each oRPatt As RectangularPatternFeature In oDef.Features.RectangularPatternFeatures
	If oRPatt.Name = "140 JR PATTERN" Then
		Dim oFeats As ObjectCollection = oRPatt.Definition.ParentFeatures
		oRPatt.Suppressed = True
		For Each oFeat As Object In oFeats
			If oFeat.Type = ObjectTypeEnum.kExtrudeFeatureObject Then
				oFeat.Suppressed = True
			ElseIf oFeat.Type = ObjectTypeEnum.kWorkPlaneObject Then
				oFeat.Visible = False
			End If
		Next
	End If
Next

Let me know how these work for you.