Controlling Parameters

[DonWonnSSUSA]

Hi everyone! I have pretty much searched my brain out and can not find what I'm looking for. :?

I am in the midst of creating a generic line model family for a conveyor system. I have created the basic geometry and everything works except one thing. I can not add the offset parameter or something to change the heights of the beginning or the end of the conveyor for when they change elevations.

Does anyone have any ideas or other suggestions on the process? Maybe a different family template to use that I can pull my existing geometry into.

Certainly Appreciated.

Steve

[twiceroadsfool]

Im not real clear on what youre trying to do, but it sounds like a Line Based Generic model Family, but you want the two ends at different heights. If thats the case, you have a few options:

1. since its workplane based, make a reference plane that crosses the different heights in the project environment, and use the family on the workplane. I wouldnt prefer that method, as then youd have to chase reference planes for every conveyor.

2. Build it in the family. Right now it sounds like the geometry id flexing based on the Line and the Length parameter. Youll need to go to the side elevations, and add in some reference planes or lines to attach the start and end heights, however constrained that youd like them to be. Then, you need to constrain your gemoetry between THOSE points, and not simply the beginning and end of the Reference Line that is there by default...

[DonWonnSSUSA]

SO let me get this straight.

I need to take the second option being that it is in the family, and create the reference planes crossing the start point and end point and that will give me the instance parameters needed within the project?

Thanks for your quick reply.

Steve

[twiceroadsfool]

Basically. It wont be a quick and easy fix.

Youre going to need to constrain a start height and a finish height (i guess you really only need the finish height... The start height can hypothetically be the workplane).

But then, youre going to need to constrain the geometry between points "workplane/start" and "constrained-height/end).

Then youre going to have to test the constraints by flexing the family, to make sure that at varying lengths, everything stays tied to the correct references. THEN you can tie your geometry to it...

[DonWonnSSUSA]

Thanks Aaron. I will definitely give this a try. One quick question. I did not see any parameter giving the option to be a start or end height parameter. Will they show up when I input the ref planes at the start and end points?

Thanks,

[twiceroadsfool]

Nope... Youll have to make a parameter for it. Put in the new ref. plane, dimension it off the level. Grab the dimension, in the option bar theres a button that says Add Label. Go in there, and click add parameter...

[DonWonnSSUSA]

That easy huh? Well, I wish I had slowed down and thought about that, lol. I appreciate the help. Now I go to go help some one else here at the office. Thanks,

Steve