I have an assembly that includes a linear slide (http://www.mcmaster.com/#cadinlnord/6203k57/=iag4j5) and a push-pull toggle clamp (http://www.mcmaster.com/#cadinlnord/5093a56/=iag52s). I downloaded the models from McMaster Carr as 3D SAT (ACIS) files and imported them to ProE WF4, then reassembled the parts with the required motion constraints to function properly. So far, so good.
Where I am having trouble is that I need a conditional interaction between the two sets of motion. The assembly has a moveable U-shaped bracket mounted on the slide. When the assembly is coming together, the bracket swings over a bolt head mounted in the push-pull clamp. When the clamp is engaged, the bolt head pulls on the bracket to overcome the insertion force of connectors between two parts of the assembly. When breaking the connection, the U-bracket swings out of the way and the bolt head pushes against the block that holds the bracket. Once the connection is broken, the slide moves freely for the remainder of its travel. (The push-pull clamp has .75" of travel, while the slide needs to move 6" to allow changing the unit being tested.)
Is it even possible to create this kind of contingent connection? I can get the slide to move with the clamp by inserting a mate constraint between the U-bracket and the bolt head, but that permanently ties them together and prevents the bracket from swinging out of the way, which limits the slide travel to only 3/4". That is not what I need.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Edited by: ahunter
Where I am having trouble is that I need a conditional interaction between the two sets of motion. The assembly has a moveable U-shaped bracket mounted on the slide. When the assembly is coming together, the bracket swings over a bolt head mounted in the push-pull clamp. When the clamp is engaged, the bolt head pulls on the bracket to overcome the insertion force of connectors between two parts of the assembly. When breaking the connection, the U-bracket swings out of the way and the bolt head pushes against the block that holds the bracket. Once the connection is broken, the slide moves freely for the remainder of its travel. (The push-pull clamp has .75" of travel, while the slide needs to move 6" to allow changing the unit being tested.)
Is it even possible to create this kind of contingent connection? I can get the slide to move with the clamp by inserting a mate constraint between the U-bracket and the bolt head, but that permanently ties them together and prevents the bracket from swinging out of the way, which limits the slide travel to only 3/4". That is not what I need.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Edited by: ahunter