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.