Need Help with Bottom Hardware on Parametric Strongback Hanger

[ryan_duongUWFBX]

I'm building a parametric strongback hanger family and I'm stuck on adding the hardware assembly to the bottom of the c channel. I have successfully created the top assembly (Nut + Square Washer + Channel), which resizes perfectly with the type parameters i have going on.

The Goal: I need to add a matching hardware stack (Square Washer + Round Washer + Hex Nut) to the bottom of both rods (under the C-channels).

Requirements:

1. Parametric Sizing: The bottom Nut/Washer dimensions must update with my rod diameter parameter just like the top ones do.

2. Horizontal Lock: It must move with the rods when the channel length instance parameter changes.

My Issue: I'm struggling to create this bottom assembly without breaking existing constraints. Should I copy the top geometry in the Front View and re-lock it, or draw it from scratch in the Ref. Level? Also, how do I preserve the "Nut Cage" reference planes if I copy them? I tried adding a reference plane in the middle of the C channel and then mirroring it, but the assembly wouldn't rotate and i don't think there parameters saved.

I've attached my .rfa file & screenshots on how i want the hanger to look like. Any simple steps on how to add this bottom stack correctly would be appreciated!

[Sahay_R]

Right now I’m away from my computer - till I get back to it here are some suggestions - create the Nuts / Washers as independent families, nest them into the overall family. They will be easier to constrain. 

[azad.Nanva]

As @Sahay_R said:

For ease of workflow, you should build these components in a separate family and then nest it wherever it's required in your main family.

I have created a sample for you that you can use.

[lauri_barnhart]

Hello, @ryan_duongUWFBX,

Just checking in—did the responses shared by @Sahay_R or @azad.Nanva help clarify your question?

If so, please consider clicking the "Accept Solution" button on the post(s) that solved your problem. Doing so helps others in the community easily find useful answers.

If your question still needs more attention, feel free to reply here with an update. This way, other members can jump in with further suggestions or guidance to help you move forward.

All the best,

Lauri | Community Manager

[ryan_duongUWFBX]

Thank you for your reply. However, I am still having problems with the hanger. I like that you can drag the c channels length to wherever you want as well as changing the parameters of the rod changes the family. There is still the problem of dragging the rod in a project to any specific length i want it to, the rod "breaks". I just want the rod's length to move independent and adjustable whenever. Also, the bottom nut/ washer you created is not moving correctly with the c channel. Lastly, it seems changing the parameters to the different rod length seems to slightly break the c channel. Is there a way to fix these? Thank you for your help.

Attempting to move the rods in my file is breaking everything as you can see here

Bottom portion is not moving well with the top portion when moving the c channels

C channel breaks when i change the type to 1''

[Sahay_R]

@ryan_duongUWFBX 

Simpler solution - I mirrored the nuts / washers to the bottom of the channels. Grouped them. Flexed the length of the channels - the groups moved with them correctly. Family attached. 

Either this, or take the elements in the groups and create a corresponding family, constrain to the centerlines of the rods. 

[ryan_duongUWFBX]

Thank you for your reply. However, getting this error when trying to load this family into a project.

[Sahay_R]

@ryan_duongUWFBX here you are - please see the attached Project 1 - look for Family 1.

[ryan_duongUWFBX]

Hello, thank you for your reply, it seems like you have fixed most of my bugs with the file. However there are some things i would like to fix, dimensions wise. The proposed file attached has a washer that is too big than what I envision. Here is what i want the hanger to look like.

https://www.gonefco.com/buy/product/strongback-channel-trapeze-assemblies/652359

Additionally, could you have these dimensions I have uploaded? Thank you for all your help and response.

[Sahay_R]

A tip - take the Excel file with the dimensions that you have provided and use it as a Lookup Table. Thats a quick and easy way to propagate multiple values for multiple parameters. Take a look at this guide to working with Lookup Tables - https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/class/Power-Revit-Lookup-Tables-2017 

[ryan_duongUWFBX]

Thank you. I am just getting back to continuing this hanger project and appreciate all the help. Uploaded below is my file. Everything in this file has the correct parameters with the assigned numbers and when selected a certain size, the washer, nut, rod, and hanger changes accordingly. Additionally, using my handles, i can drag the hanger horizontally as long as i want, which is great. However, I still have some problems with this file.
First, when i load this family into a project, I want to not only adjust the hanger horizontally (which works) I want to also be able to select the two rods individually and be able to change their length using the shape handles. However when i try to select the rods, I am only able to select the entire strongback hanger. I was wondering if you can help me devise a solution to help me move the rods individually in the project while also keeping moving the hanger horizontally. Also, I am still having issues with adding the nut washer and bolt at the bottom of the family. I am open to PMing and starting over if needed. I am relatively new to Revit and don't have a vast knowledge in families, so if you can help me with these problems to complete this C-channel hanger it would be very appreciated.