Dynamic Block Limitation? Increment Move/Stretch...

[Teun Ham]

I am creating my first Dynamic Block, and I think I am running into a limitation...

This is the situation:
A Red Block is positioned in the center and it does not move.
Yellow Blocks are being arrayed (to the left and the right), which works fine!
The Triangles needs to be strechted to the sides (which works fine), but they also need to start right next to the last arrayed item.

This is my latest attempt: http://discussion.autodesk.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/154-453483-5081424-100232/DB%20Limitation.dwg

In order for me to keep a good overview, would you please reply to my topic at the discussion forums from Autodesk: (http://discussion.autodesk.com/thread.jspa?threadID=453483)?

I will make sure that I will post the solution here (if there is one)

Thanks for any replies!

[Teun Ham]

I am THIS CLOSE to the solution...

Open the attached drawing, select the grip and drag it to the left. As you wil notice, the rectangle will be stretched to the left and the right side will be stretched with increments. This is EXACTLY what I want...

But...

What you see is a trick, I have positioned two grips on top of eachother in the DWG. As soon as you release your mouse button you will see the two grips seperately.

I have tried to combine those two grips into one (by chaining the actions), but as soon as I do that, the increment stretch is lost.

(http://discussion.autodesk.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/154-453483-5082802-100326/WhatIwant.dwg)

[Chris.N]

Hiya,

would this block be what you are looking for? one thing to keep in mind, don't overdo the parameters, they can have almost an unlimited # of actions associated with them. simple is usually much more powerfull, and easier to figure out.

[Chris.N]

BTW, what is that kind of block for?

i had fun making it.... i got the double opposite array action to work in a way i hadn't figured it could from a single parameter.

[Teun Ham]

Hi Cris,

Nice idea to move the complete array to the left with the move action :-) .An array only works in one direction (to the right in this case), it would be nice if we could have a "direction multiplier" (1 or -1), or if we could have a negative aray offset (-450mm for example).

What it is? The rectangles and the triangle are a simplified representaion of a top view of our double perforated baffle. The triangle is the side baffle which must be stretched to the side of the vessel shell (we create seperation equipment for the gas/oil industry). In reality we have a 20mm clearance.

But, "whatyouget" is not exactly "what I want". I want to have one grip which affects both the seamless stretch action of the triangle AND the increment stetch action.

In short, I want to "combine the two grips" of "WhatIWant" I have tried to chain the two parameters, but to no avail.

I agree on the "less is more" mentality, but I first have to get this thing working properly. As soon as that's the case I will try to simplify the actions/parameters.

Thanks for your efforts!

[Chris.N]

But, "whatyouget" is not exactly "what I want". I want to have one grip which affects both the seamless stretch action of the triangle AND the increment stetch action.
Well, i'm glad i'm close, but i'm still confused by what you mean in combining seamless and increment. i looked at your other thread, and still am not following what is desired in that statement.

[Teun Ham]

:-) I can understand that you are a little bit confused...I will try to clarify things:

Forget all the other examples I posted at the autodesk discussion group. The "triangle" is the main problem.

If you open "WhatIWant.dwg" again you will see only one grip (if you are seeing two grips, DL the example again, or drag one grip on top of the other). Dragging that grip will stretch the point of the triangle seamless, but the other end of the triangle will "jump" (the "increment stretch").

But when you release the mouse button after you have stretched the triangle, you will notice that there are actual two grips! I just placed the grip of the seamless stretch on-top-of the grip of the increment stretch.

I want to combine those two grips into one.

I hope this is clear now :-)

[Chris.N]

I want to combine those two grips into one. i don't think you can. you can't have 2 radically different behaviors at same parameter. (and having said that, will welcome any corrections thrown my way ;) )

now that i know what block is for, is the issue the location of the 'increment' stretch node? (i guess i don't understand the desire for the backside of the triangle to 'jump' as you have it in whatiwant) you can move the nodes anywhere you want independent of the parameter, but beware that disecting in block editor will then become more confusing in future....

[Teun Ham]

I was hoping I could chain the parameters (or even create a 3rd parameter which drives the other two), but chaining the increment stretch action renders it useless.

The right side of the triangle must "jump" because there's another block which is being arrayed. Read the post below:

--

Here's what I have got so far...

...I have changed the geometry to simple blocks (red & yellow) and a triangle, but the problem remains the same...

The triangle should be streched (like the first DB)...
The yellow blocks should be patterned (like the second DB)...
They should work together (like the third DB)...

But the triangle right side should be next to the last arrayed yellow block!

(http://discussion.autodesk.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/154-453483-5081424-100232/DB%20Limitation.dwg)

[Chris.N]

well, IMHO, i can't think of anything other than what i've supplied you. If you do arrive at a solution to your conundrum as posted above, please post and let us know how you did it.

[Teun Ham]

I will! Thanks again for all your efforts Chris!

[Teun Ham]

Update:

I got an e-mail from John Beltran (Senior Software Engineer, Design Solutions Group, Autodesk), he couldn't a solution either...

For the time being I will have to stick with two grips