Helical Massing

[KraiggC]

I'm trying create a light. It has square profile rotating hectically. I found a way to create a helix, except when I add a profile the twist on its path. Is there a way to manipulate this so I can have one side maintain the exterior? I've added images of what I have and what I'm trying to create.

[barthbradley]

Are you using HyunWoo Kim's method?  

.

[KraiggC]

Did you modify your post? My email response is showing something completely different. But to answer the question I see below the method I'm using is from David Light. 

[barthbradley]

Yes. My initial reply wrong  -- at least it seemed that way upon re-reading your post.  I'm still not understanding though. That's why I'm asking how you did your helix.  If HyunWoo Kim's way, you used a 3-pt. adaptive and the repeater tool.  Is that right?   

...okay, so David Light does it the same.  You're starting off with a 3-pt adaptive line and then repeating it over a divided surface with nodes.  Right?  So, what is it you want to do?  Originally I thought you just wanted the whole helix on its side, but I'm not sure now.  

[KraiggC]

I actually did a 9-pt adaptive spline. I've attached another image to better convey the twisting that happening that I'm trying to remedy.

[barthbradley]

the twisting is the nature of the spline. Look at the family.  Turn the host that the spline is following along into a Ref. Line.  You'll see that the work planes of the Ref. Line twist on its axis as it winds about.  

...a quick fix without redoing the work you've accomplished, would be to use a circle shape.  Just a thought.  

[KraiggC]

I'm not fully aware what you mean. The mass I have connected the adaptive spline to won't allow me to change it to a reference line. The spline itself also won't let me change it unless I'm in the family itself. I've attached the family so maybe you can screen shot what you mean?

[barthbradley]

There's no form in Family10. Just a Spline.  Not really sure what you are doing now.  Attached is your Family10 with a 4x4 rectangular box which I made from your spline line and profile.  

[ToanDN]

Use a simple swept blend for a segment of the helix then multiple it.  No twisted faces.

[Corsten.Au]

Try this.. Adjust the sizes

Grid U and V

[KraiggC]

Um Toan.. how the #@$% did you do that?? Can you attach that? I've been trying sweeps and sweep blends forever to achieve this but they never gave me more than 2d curves.

[ToanDN]

I did it at home so I don;t have the file wight now but it is quite simple.

[barthbradley]

Is that all you are trying to do; create a sweep form? Did you open the file I sent you?  It has a 4x4 sweep form that can easily be parameterized so you can change its dimensions.  

...or, maybe you are missing the Lock Profile tool???