Parametric Array Breaking Constraints

[Irich]

I am attempting to create a parametric array using an altered structural member. 

My specific problem is having on component aligned with reference planes driven with a length parameter. It works perfectly fine. I make a linear array with the component and I can no longer change a length parameter! I get the 'constraints are not satisfied error' which removes my alignment.

See the attached screenshots...

Here is a lengthy explanation of what how I got here. I took the LVL model and added some sizes. I saved it as another part and inserted it into my family and aligned each end with the reference planes. In the video you can see it adjusts just fine! But as soon as I make it into an array it will no longer adjust.

I feel like there is something silly I am forgetting but I cannot for a life of me figure out what or why!

PLEASE HELP!

[L.Maas]

Can you upload the family? Then we can have a look what you have sofar

[A_MAQ]

could you upload the family , we will try to check it 

best,

[Irich]

Ah yes! That would make it easier to get help wouldn't it!

Files are pretty straight forward the 'forum upload' is the single component that adjusts as needed. The 'forum upload - arrayed' is after I made the array and can't adjust it.

[A_MAQ]

you are constraining the group,while the family inside group is parametric , so it will continue give you that message

[A_MAQ]

by the way why you do not use structural beam system?

[Irich]

But if I don't group it then I can't control the number of instances using parameters?

Ultimately what I need is to be able to add parameters that drive the spacing between the members as well as how many members there are while keeping them aligned; preferably between two planes.

 I can make do with one plane IF I can then add another parameter that controls the length using other parameters and formulas. 

[Irich]

I have attempted to use structural beam system but these are actually in the vertical and my research has shown that the beam system will only work horizontally. If that is inaccurate and I can do that, I am open to that solution!

[Judy_S]

Hi, lrich,

I'm Judy, a Revit specialist, and I see you have a question about creating an array group in your family. I'll he happy to see if I can help. 

After looking at the families you uploaded, I found that the host family is a generic model family, and the nested family is a structural framing family. Structural framing families have different functionality than generic model families, so I would recommend that the nested and host families are both of the same category to make sure you don't have unexpected problems with visibility or functionality in your project.

It also looks like there are some modeling issues in the nested family. For example, the ends of the sweep path are not properly constrained, so the family may not flex properly. If this family isn't properly built and constrained, it may not behave the way you expect when it's nested into the host family.

To control the number of elements in the array, select the string showing the number of elements (but not the number itself!). You can then add a label to it in the same way that you add a parameter to a dimension. 

To control the spacing of the array, create a dimension from the first to the second element in the array, and label it Spacing (or whatever you like). This value will be applied to the spacing of all the elements in the array. There's more information in the Help on Changing Arrays.

Please let me know if this helps!

Cheers,

Judy_S

[Irich]

Thank you for that explanation Judy! That helps a lot. 

I will dig into some other templates and see if they allow me to accomplish what I am trying to do.

If you happen to have any suggestion on which template I use; I would be very appreciative of the help!

Thanks again

[Judy_S]

Hi, lrich,

The family template you use would depend on what type of family you are trying to create, so if you're creating a structural beam, you would use a structural beam family template. The Structural Framing - Beams and Braces family.rft seems like a good place to start for this type of family. It already has an extrusion in it and perhaps you could add the necessary height and depth parameters and create the types that are in the nested LVL family. You can then array this family in your project (similar to how you would do so in the family itself), rather than creating arrays within the family. This will keep the family simpler. Keeping families simple is a good thing to do; avoid nesting if you can (but sometimes you have to!). 

I hope this is helpful!

Best,

Judy _S

[Judy_S]

Hi, lrich! 

Just checking to see if the template suggestion answered your question. Let me know, and have a good weekend!

Cheers,

Judy_S

[Irich]

I haven't found one that works for me yet. I haven't given up but I have also come across a new problem that I am trying to solve now...

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/revit-structure-forum/parameter-change-and-void-extrusion-disappears/...

[Judy_S]

Hi, lrich,

Have you found a template that works for you yet? Let me know if you need any more help with the parametric array issue. Thanks!

Judy_S

[Irich]

Thank you for checking on my progress Judy. I have not been able to find a template that gives me what I need! I have tried numerous structural templates but none of them will function that way I need. I have a couple more ideas but I am skeptical at this point!

[Judy_S]

Hi, lrich,

Can you describe what it is you need to accomplish that the structural templates don't provide? Have you tried using the unhosted Generic Model template? This is a "plain vanilla" template which can be then reassigned to the desired category. It won't have all the features of the structural templates even after you change its category, Since I don't know why the templates you've tried don't do what you need, I don't know if this suggestion will work, either, but I wanted to point out the option in case it gives you another angle on creating your family.

Let me know if that helps. If it does, please be sure to press the "accept as solution" button so others can find the answer if they are looking for similar information.

Best,

Judy_S

[sonbuilding2020]

Hello July! Nice to meet you. I have prollem when create array. I used both family template generic model for nested family and hosted family. Family Nested have one  instance type parameter is Length, and i use function shared before load in to hosted family. After create array in hosted family, i dont change Length of nested family, Revit report Constraints are not satisfied. can you help me, why, because, resolve. Thank very much

[sonbuilding2020]

You can download file example follow the link  google driver below

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1miaD2lIDOTdneAZJ8PCefnNTxkHXcsqr?usp=sharing