Parametric Solar Shading Problem

[Anonymous]

Hi guys, 

First post here! I'm attempting to a model a solar shading family that can be placed within a curtain wall panel. I've got so far, modelled the 'blade' within a generic model and assigned parameters. I've then hosted that within another generic model to attempt to create a formula that will change the length of the blade according the number of the blade within the array. However, i'm having trouble figuring out how i would do this? I've attached an image of the solar shading i'm attempting to replicate, and the 2 family types. 

Help would be much appreciated. Currently a student at NTU so learning as I go!

Cheers,

Reece. 

[dzanta]

if you want the length of the blade to react based upon the number of the array, you will either need to use an if/then statement or set up multiple types

see revit file attached.

[chrisplyler]

I think you're going to be better served by making a couple of pattern-based adaptive families to host on a divided surface grid.

[Anonymous]

Evening guys,

Thanks for your response. However, I would like the length of the blade to react to the integer the blade belongs to in the array. So each blade will have a individual length. ie, a linear equation where x=the number in the array. If that makes sense? 

Reece. 

[dzanta]

now this is getting trickier....

you cannot pull the ordinate number of the object in an array.  This makes it difficult to do what you want.

you can create the array as usual...make the length of all the blades a fixed length...then use a void form to try to "cut back" what you don't need.

[Anonymous]

I see what you mean, i didn't think it would be entirely possible. 

I've kind of figured out a work around, by creating an integer parameter an an instance, and then giving each individual blade a number from 1 upwards it seems to work, however, its not as fluid as i'd like it to be, and also means i cant control the blade length within the blade array family. Will upload tomorrow if you're interested to see... time to sleep haha!

[chrisplyler]

If you do it with an adaptive pattern based panel, used as a repeater on a divided surface, you can make an extra adaptive point and a reporting parameter that will measure the distance that the panel is from the end of the wall or some other "input control." Then you can use that value to control some other parameter.

So, for example, you could have the angle of a shade be dependent on the position of the panel on the wall, or something like that. I even seen an example wherein a bunch of solar panels always turn to face the Sun.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Chris, I'll try that method out at some point. I managed to get something to work, using the method i previously talked about. Decided to develop the form of the shade now anyway  lol.