Lock end points of line to corners of solids

[mmiles]

this may be really simple, but I cannot figure how to lock the end points of symbolic lines to the corners of a "dymanic" solid. I have a solid modeled as a duct with symbolic lines indicating an ex. There is an instance parameter for the length and width of the solid- which gives me the little arrows to select and drag the solid. But, the "ex" does not move dynamically with the shape of the solid. I am having trouble locking the line end points to the corner of the solid.

see image attached.

thanks.

[MNsnowtaTy]

Have u tried using the align tool picking the lines u want it to lock to first and then selecting the end point of the symbolic line?

[mmiles]

Yes I have, but the diagonal lines then carry outside of the box (i.e. the length stretches, but the height stays the same= diagonal lines match length, but exceed height.)

I cannot get the end points to stay linked to two directions. For example the x direction links well, but the y dimension increases when I do not want it to.

[eddy.lermytte]

Something like this ?

[mmiles]

Something like this ?
exactly! I will have to examine the parameters and constraints.
Is this a family already included in OOTB content?

I just made an in-place family on the fly and then I ended up banging my head on the desk trying to make the exes move....thanks.

[Dimitri Harvalias]

Matthew,
you obviously haven't discovered the joys of the "Reference line" :shock:
This is the easiest way to set up and control any line work you have that needs to be locked to a point, or hinge. No constraints or parameters required (generally)
Simply create a ref line from corner to corner and then use the pick tool to place your symbolic lines. Make sure the symbolic lines are locked to the ref lines and voila! Magic :beer:

[mmiles]

see my avatar? D'OH!
That's me scratching my head in wonder. I never did figure out how to use a reference line. This is a perfect time to practice. thanks.

[Padave]

Matthew,
you obviously haven't discovered the joys of the "Reference line" :shock:
This is the easiest way to set up and control any line work you have that needs to be locked to a point, or hinge. No constraints or parameters required (generally)
Simply create a ref line from corner to corner and then use the pick tool to place your symbolic lines. Make sure the symbolic lines are locked to the ref lines and voila! Magic :beer:


What about if you have two Solids and you want to lock them together so they move together?

[Dimitri Harvalias]

Assuming that the two solid surfaces you wan tto lock are flat planes you cna use the align tool. Select the Align tool, pick on one face (edge), pick the other edge and then click on the little padlck icon that appears.