Parametric Chaining a Family Model along a line, path or surface.

[Anonymous]

I'm trying to create a parametric chain conveyor family in Revit. I can get the top of the chain run to flex with an array by hosting it on a the surface of the channel. I can make the links around the sprocket fixed. I'd like to be able to flex the chain on the bottom. I have attempted to host it on a void surface extruded from an arc. When I attempt the polar array, Revit doesn't like the fact that it changes the rotation of the link and therefor returns an error causing the array to "ungroup" Also, unlike the linear array, the polar array doesn't allow me to label the number of items in the array. Thus I can't make a parameter. I saw something in this post referring to an non-hosted family as well as doing something with the origin. If possible, could someone explain the procedure for both in steps?  Ideally, I'd like to be able to draw the path of the chain and have the link model follow and repeat at a set interval along that path anchoring to the pin's axis of rotation. I came close with a face based generic family. I could select the cylindrical face on the inside of the sleeve to connect to, but I can't get the cylindrical face of the pin to be the connecting surface, only the planar surface the model was based on. I've included some images of what I'd like to achieve. There is no flex in the chain so far... except on the top. Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated. Side note; I'm somewhat willing to create the whole assembly in Inventor and export to a Revit family. If there is a way of making the chain flex as the rest of the assembly flexes in Inventor, please share that with me instead.

[Avaris.]

To be honest, I think you don't need such a detailed item in Revit to show your architectural intent. If you want to model it, I would do it in Inventor or such, they have their own forum. It is however possible to distribute families along a curve with Dynamo.

[Corsten.Au · Accepted solution]

Adaptive FamilyProfile of ChainExtrude to get the shape

fix the size

Select the surface and divide.. Make sure its fixed distance or using minimum distance, this is done using surface and use pattern ( square pattern )

Create a new Pattern based family ( same square ) , create the typical pattern to repeat, insert this in previous adaptive familyIn the pattern, now you can select the inserted family..select the surface and keep changing the pattern..

[Anonymous]

Thank you for that solution. I now know I need to spend more time in the massing environment. I'm going to do some experimentation with the parametrics to ensure it flexes in all configurations. I'll let you know how that goes. Appreciate it!

Jon

[Corsten.Au]

Best luck...

bit of learning, hit and trial but eventually its worth using

1. Adaptive family

2. Pattern based family

Lot of youtube videos as well to learn from..

cheers!

[Anonymous]

Thanks,

Dynamo is something that I also need to spend more time in. And indeed you are correct, for architectural purposes the level of detail is not required. Sometimes I do it just 'cuz. Along the way, I discover functionality that I didn't know existed in Revit. Never a bad thing! Now, on to play with Dynamo and the massing environment! Appreciate the input.

Jon