Create profile in adaptive family

[longt61]

I want to create a sweep adaptive family with parameters in order to change the dimension of the component later on. Thus, I need to create 2 profile for the sweep: 1 at the start and 1 at the end of the sweep path/ reference line (both of them are identical) and then constrain the dimension to my parameters.
However, it seems to me that I can only create the profile at the start of the sweep path/reference line. The profile at the end of the sweep path is somehow rotated around the normal vector of the working plane at the end of the sweep path/ reference line. It makes the lines/curves I draw on the plane always not parallel to the ref line of the adaptive point, thus, I can not constrain the dimensions to my parameters.
I tried to load a profile family into it (the adaptive family) without result. When I create the profile in an other adaptive family and then load it, the profile only stay in 1 of 3 basic plane (Oxy, Oxz, Oyz) but not the current working plane like what happened in this video:

How can I accomplish the task? Either creating 2 profiles or loading a profile is fine. Thank you all very much.

[ToanDN]

Are the two profiles the same? If so, why do you need two? Place one profile on a cross plane of a reference point, which is placed somewhere along the spline. Do not place the profile on the start or end point of the spline.

Any by saying profile, I meant you have to draw it directly in the family, or a workplane based generic family where you draw the profile, not a true profile family.

[Corsten.Au]

Structural FrameAlternatively you can use " Structural Beam", 

1. these can be drawn in any shape... ( default adaptive )

2. Can be twisted.

3. Starting height and end heights can be adjusted

4. Profiles are editable or use custom profile...

5. Super easy to work with.

[longt61]

1. I need the 2 identical profile at each end of the sweep path because I need to constrain the dimension of the profile to some parameters and make the parameter adjustable later on. If I only place 1 profile, Revit will try to create a blend sweep, starting at one end with the original dimension, to the place where I set the profile with adjusted dimension, then to the other end with the original dimension again. 

It will produce something like this:

2. I set the working plane as the start and end plane of the reference line/ sweep path, then try to draw the profiles (as I have mentioned, but may be failed to describe it properly). However, it only work for the plane at the start, not the one at the end. I constantly receive warning stating that the line I draw (on the working plane at the end) is not parallel to the reference line of the adaptive point (not the sweep path). Thus, I can not create the profile, or I can but it will be rotated or disfigured after I constrain the dimensions to my parameters.
please help.

[longt61]

Thanks for the suggestion, but I prefer to use "Generic Adaptive Family" because I do not directly work with Revit project but create a tool using Revit Api which requires some predefine families. If I have to switch the family, that would cause a great impact to the project. Besides, I wonder if the "Structure Beam" provides me ways to control the dimension and twisting of the family instance as the "Adaptive family" does.
Is there an other way to utilize the adaptive family to meet the requirement?
Thanks in advance.

[Corsten.Au]

Check Structural beams properties
1. Gives flexibility to use profile
2. Starting point elevation
3. End point elevation
4. Custom parameter dimensions of profile
5. On plan you can create a line, curve, spline, any form
6 join two of more components
7. Custom truss will allow further flexibility to create complex design in elevation..

Essentially you are trying to reinvent something which Revit provides by default ..

Best luck

[longt61]

I am new to Revit and there are some things about using Structural Beam I am not clear:
1. Your suggestion (about the properties and manipulating the family instance .etc ..) base on Revit, not Revit api, is that correct? I want to make it clear since I will be manipulating the instance and family type from api, but the family must be created before hand. that 's why I post the question here.
2. About the properties you said I can manipulate, I still haven't got any idea how to create an instance with "any shape" or a "dynamic shape" directly (something like the curve beam you showed me). Would you be so kind to explain further since I don't know where to start. 

I managed to create the family with the desired shape (it looks like sin-wave) but it is still "fixed", not "dynamic". Besides, it seems impossible for me to insert the instance into project like a normal straight beam.
I really appreciate your help.

[ToanDN]

Did you even read my post? You do not place the profile at the end of the spline. Place a reference point somewhere in the middle of the spline and host the profile on the cross reference plane of that point. Then select the profile and the spline to create a form. You can adjust the parameters of the profile and the form will change to follow. There is no need for placing the profile twice.

[Corsten.Au]

Yeah. My suggestions for from Revit and not from api
2. Follow @Anonymous comments. Select profile ( once ) select curve and create 3d form. You don’t need two profiles ..

Best luck

[longt61]

Sign… I did actually. The result you see in the included picture is what I get when I change the parameter to make the instance become bigger, but it only apply to the part where I place my profile. Both ends of the instance still has the original dimension (which makes them look smaller) like I have described. 
Have patience my friend, I know that I am new and lack of knowledge. That is why I am here to learn and get help.

[FAIR59]

Create the profile in a Generic Model Adaptive family, with 1  PlacementPoint.

Place 2 instances of that family on the sweep line, and use the Normalized Curve Parameter of the Placement Point(1) to move the instance to the endpoint .

[value =0]  beginning

[value = 1] end 

[ToanDN]

You are correct about the result when changed the profile.  My bad.

[longt61]

I finally can place 2 profiles in an adaptive family. It is strange that I can only place my profiles and constrain their dimensions to my parameters only when I first create the adaptive points that align to either of the existing ref lines on the default ref plane.

If I move the points then align them to 1 of the ref line again, or place them randomly on the ref plane, it does not work.

I am not sure what causes the problem so further thoughts or ideas are much welcome. Hope this can help someone who encounter the same problem.
Thank you all for your help and suggestion. They really help me out a great deal.

[ToanDN]

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@longt61 wrote:

I finally can place 2 profiles in an adaptive family. It is strange that I can only place my profiles and constrain their dimensions to my parameters only when I first create the adaptive points that align to either of the existing ref lines on the default ref plane.

If I move the points then align them to 1 of the ref line again, or place them randomly on the ref plane, it does not work.

I am not sure what causes the problem so further thoughts or ideas are much welcome. Hope this can help someone who encounter the same problem.
Thank you all for your help and suggestion. They really help me out a great deal.

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I found if I place an adaptive generic profile family on the spline, drag it to one end of the spline, repeat for the other end, then the two profiles will stick to the endpoints of the spline, without having to constrain them to any planes.

[longt61]

It could be an interesting and convenient way to create adaptive family. Still, how did you accomplish that since the profiles have to be drawn on a plane? Do you mean to draw randomly on any place on the spline? What is your working plane?

[ToanDN · Accepted solution]

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@longt61 wrote:

It could be an interesting and convenient way to create adaptive family. Still, how did you accomplish that since the profiles have to be drawn on a plane? Do you mean to draw randomly on any place on the spline? What is your working plane?

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See screencast.

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/community/screencast/5ec8e819-5eb2-4425-ab6c-2c5bae2a5b94

[longt61]

You just save me big time from the tedious work of family creating. Thank so much for sharing.

[Anonymous]

Hi ToanDN

Im trying to achieve something like what you have done for a staircase hadrail but i need the profile to remain vertical at all time. this is my post:

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/revit-architecture-forum/handrail-problem-with-adaptative-family/td-p...

after watching you video i like to ask: is there a way to constrain the profile so it always stay vertical along the path?

[ToanDN]

Edit the nested family and tick Always vertical box from the Family category window.

[Anonymous]

Hi ToanDN

excuse me since im learning how to use revit and im not always finding the solutions to my problems.

attached is the project for what i need. it should be very simple however after struggling with this for 5 days im out of options. after ticking the always vertical box nothing happens. Im frustrated. 😞

my idea is to design one adaptative family that can follow the steps and then later add the material to each element. so far im not having luck with the vertical option.

a video would be great if you can find a solution to my problem.

please help.

best

J.