relations

[2ms1]

I am overhauling a part that in practice is used as a sort of template in that a huge number of its dimensions are modified formulaicly with relations. For example, a relations file is associated with it and various major dimensions of the part are varied explicitly by user by entering in length and width, for example, and then formulas in turn generate related new values for all kinds of dimensions throughout the part.

My worry is that by changing all kinds of references, redefining things, etc, I am going to break a lot of these relations. Could someone tell me how this is generally handled? I have no experience with working on a part like this with all kinds of values changed externally with a relations file.

 

[deepakbhat_nie]

Hi,


Cant say much without understanding your problem completely. Seems like you will have to add som "if else" statements to control the dimensions. This will be more like a program. Try to put some pics(of the situation now)so that it will be clear.


Regards,


Deepak Bhat

 

[jeff4136]

Be careful. You can make a mess of it, sorta like modifying program
code and the model will require similar debugging. Same is true of a
complex model if the dependancies are geometric, tho'.


You can get a roadmap with Info -> Relations and Parameters. It will
show you the Part level rels and, I believe, give you a list of
Features with relations. You'll have to use Info -> Feature to
actually see the relations. Don't remember if Sketcher relations show
up, or not.


I'd keep a safe reference copy of the part and before changing the
working copy, or if problems arise, check the reference copy using
Tools -> Relations, checking Feature and Section. VSS may hide some
relations making them easy to overlook. Check Feature and use the menu
manager to check all you can, then go back and check Section using the
Relations get/sel function.


Alter the basic input parameters periodically to make sure you haven't
inadvertently broken a dependancy chain, failed to re-establish linking
relationship, etc.


Frequent use of Info -> Parent / Child is probably also advisable.


- - - -


> externally with a relations file


Meant to ask; is that simply an export of the Relations?



Edited by: jeff4136

 

[SRINIVASANIYER1]

Dear 2ms1,


If i attempt to relate your problem with that of a hex socket head screw (Allen screw)


The variable here are the diameter and the length.


All other dimensions are related to the diameter (if necessary thru an If then statement) e.g. Head thickness = diameter and head dia = 1.5*diameter for dia>12 and = 1.5*diameter + 1 for dia < 12.


Let us say that you have created a TEMPLATE screw for M10 x 20 mm long.


Here your variable parameters are "diameter" and "Length"


Create a family table using the above parameters by putting in values.


e.g. M8 screw with lengths 10, 20, 30 and so on...


For more information refer to family tables for PARTS and ASSEMBLIES.


I hope I have been of help.

 

[t_spraker]

Since everything in Pro is referenced (every line, every dimension...EVERYTHING) you cant just delete something without also deleting its reference to other things, especially when relations are involved. However, if you use EDIT-REPLACE when you are in the sketcher mode you can keepmost references intact and save a lot of extra work making up for lost references. Not every reference can be directly replaced so some relations may have to be redone.

 

[dr_gallup]

Since everything in Pro is referenced (every line, every dimension...EVERYTHING) you cant just delete something without also deleting its reference to other things, especially when relations are involved. However, if you use EDIT-REPLACE when you are in the sketcher mode you can keepmost references intact and save a lot of extra work making up for lost references. Not every reference can be directly replaced so some relations may have to be redone.

+1 on using replace. It can save a LOT of headaches. Also go in and add comments to the relations if they are not well documented. This can really help you understand what it is supposed to do when it stops working.