Array parameter problems attached to lookup table

[sean.cameronMUKTW]

I am trying to make a circular array of bolts on a flange attached to a valve. The bolt is created in another Family and imported into the Valve family. I made the bolt "Work Plane Based" so that I would not get a rotation/mirror error message. 

The parameter for the array is being retrieved from a "lookup table". So that the array centreline radius will adjust according to the change in the radius of the flange. 

I have managed to get this to work earlier when I created the bolt in the Valve family and not in a separate Bolt family. However, the bolt length was not able to change when the size of the valve changed. 

This is causing a bit of a headache. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Sean

[barthbradley]

I think I get what you are trying to do. The better way to do this, would be to have a parameter-driven offset from origin in the Family 2 -- and then associate that offset parameter to the Array Centerline parameter in the Host.  The Array Centerline would not be labeled to a dimension in the Host.  

[barthbradley]

Attached file should give you an idea of what I am talking about.  

Family 2-2 replaces Family 2.  The difference being the workplane the "tube" extrusion is draw on.   Note also that Family 2-2 has an "o" parameter which is the y offset from center y origin of Family.  This "o" parameter is associated to the "Array Centerline"  in the Host. Also note that the "tube" extrusion profile is drawn as two half circles which allows it to be aligned, locked and driven by the Ref. Plane that moves up or down depending on the "o" parameter value.   

Family 2-2 in loaded into the Host and placed on a NAMED  Ref. Line workplane ("b") in Front View.  As I said, its  "o" parameter is associated with Host parameter (e.g. "Array Centerline"). It's Length parameter is not associated. I had no idea what drives it, so it is -2.25" (that's a negative 2.25) .   

Play with the "Nominal Radius".   You'll see that it flexes now.   

Hope this helps. 

[sean.cameronMUKTW]

Thanks for the help! I will try this out when I get the chance.