Pro/ENGINEER: Advanced Assembly Design & Management Wildfire RA-T-251-WF-02
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ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge™ Advanced Assembly Design and Management Wildfire PRINTING HISTORY Document Number
Date
Description
RA-T-251-WF-01 RA-T-251-WF-02
05/05/03 05/20/03
Initial Printing for Wildfire Release Printing for Wildfire Release
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Table of Contents Table of Contents .............................................................................. i Chapter 1 Introduction to Assembly .......................................... 1-1 1.1
Assembly Design Philosophies................................... 1-3 Default Datum Planes................................................ 1-3 Parts and Subassemblies .......................................... 1-4 Skeleton Models ........................................................ 1-4 Assembly Features .................................................... 1-4 Parts in Assembly Mode ............................................ 1-4 Assembly Relations ................................................... 1-5 Assembly Regeneration............................................. 1-5
1.2
Component Placement ................................................. 1-6 Constraints and Offsets ............................................. 1-7 References ................................................................ 1-8
1.3
Revision Tools............................................................... 1-9 Edit Definition............................................................. 1-9 Edit References ......................................................... 1-9 Reorder.................................................................... 1-10 Insert Mode.............................................................. 1-11
1.4
Repeating Components.............................................. 1-12 General Steps.......................................................... 1-12 Start the Repeat operation ................................ 1-12 Modify constraints and references .................... 1-13 Complete the repeat operation.......................... 1-13
1.5
Assembly Design Approach ...................................... 1-14
1.6
Assembly File Management ....................................... 1-15 Rename ................................................................... 1-15 Save a Copy ............................................................ 1-16 Backup..................................................................... 1-17
Exercise 1a Assembly Constraints I .................................. 1-19 Exercise 1b Assembly Constraints II ................................. 1-31 Chapter 2 Skeleton Models ......................................................... 2-1 2.1
Skeleton Models............................................................ 2-3 Parent/Child Relationships ........................................ 2-3 Incorporating Motion .................................................. 2-4 Spatial Claims............................................................ 2-5 Geometry Creation .................................................... 2-6 General Steps............................................................ 2-7 Create a skeleton model ..................................... 2-7
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Define the skeleton geometry ............................. 2-8 2.2
Skeleton Properties ...................................................... 2-9
Exercise 2a Creating a Skeleton part................................. 2-11 Chapter 3 Packaging.................................................................... 3-1 3.1
Packaging ...................................................................... 3-3 General Steps............................................................ 3-3 Assemble the component.................................... 3-3 Position the component in the assembly............. 3-4 Move Options................................................. 3-4 Free Form Packaging .................................... 3-7
3.2
Finalizing Components ................................................ 3-8 Snap by Proximity...................................................... 3-8
Exercise 3a Packaging Assembly Components ............... 3-11 Chapter 4 Assembly Duplication Tools ..................................... 4-1
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4.1
Pattern Tables ............................................................... 4-3 General Steps............................................................ 4-3 Start the creation of the pattern........................... 4-4 Set the pattern type............................................. 4-4 Convert a dimension pattern to a table.......... 4-4 Select the driving dimensions ............................. 4-5 Edit the table ....................................................... 4-5 Save the table to disk, if necessary..................... 4-6 Modify the pattern table, if necessary ................. 4-7
4.2
Reference Patterns ....................................................... 4-8 General Steps............................................................ 4-8 Start the creation of the pattern........................... 4-8 Set the pattern type............................................. 4-9 Complete the pattern........................................... 4-9
4.3
Fill Patterns ................................................................. 4-10 General Steps.......................................................... 4-10 Start the creation of the pattern......................... 4-11 Set the pattern type........................................... 4-11 Define the fill area ............................................. 4-11 Define the fill options......................................... 4-12 Remove members of pattern, if necessary ....... 4-13
4.4
Copying........................................................................ 4-14 General Steps.......................................................... 4-14 Start the copy operation .................................... 4-14 Select the reference coordinate system............ 4-14 Select the component(s) to be copied............... 4-15 Define the first copy direction............................ 4-15 Define additional copy directions ...................... 4-16 Pro/ENGINEER: Advanced Assembly Design and Management
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Modify the instances, as necessary .................. 4-17 Exercise 4a Copy and Pattern ............................................ 4-19 Chapter 5 Assembly Family Tables ............................................ 5-1 5.1
Creating Assembly Family Tables............................... 5-3 General Steps............................................................ 5-3 Open the family table editor ................................ 5-4 Add items to the family table ............................... 5-4 Add instances to the family table......................... 5-6 Manipulate the family table instances ................. 5-7 Component Manipulation ............................... 5-7 Pattern ........................................................... 5-8 Controlling Lower Level Items...................... 5-10 Create a multi-level family table, if necessary ... 5-10 Verify the family table ........................................ 5-11 Retrieve an instance.......................................... 5-11 Instance Index ......................................................... 5-12
5.2
Modifying Family Tables ............................................ 5-13 Modifying family tables ............................................ 5-13 Modifying non-family tables ..................................... 5-14 Adding components to the generic model ............... 5-14 Adding components to an instance.......................... 5-15 Deleting components from an instance ................... 5-16 Deleting components from the generic .................... 5-17
Exercise 5a Assembly Family Tables ................................ 5-19 Chapter 6 Assembly Management.............................................. 6-1 6.1
Component Display Styles........................................... 6-3 General Steps............................................................ 6-4 Open the View Manager...................................... 6-4 Create a display style .......................................... 6-4 Define display settings for the components......... 6-5 Complete the display style .................................. 6-6 Edit the display style, as necessary .................... 6-7
6.2
Layers in Assembly Mode ............................................ 6-8 General Steps............................................................ 6-8 Access the layer tree........................................... 6-8 Create the layer................................................. 6-10 Add features or components to the layer .......... 6-11 Add part level features to a layer ................. 6-12 Set and save the display status of the layer...... 6-13 Blank ............................................................ 6-13 Unblank........................................................ 6-13 Isolate .......................................................... 6-13 Hidden.......................................................... 6-13
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Layer Info..................................................... 6-14 Modify the layer, as necessary.......................... 6-15 Default Layers.............................................. 6-15 6.3
Suppress and Resume ............................................... 6-16 Select the items to be suppressed .................... 6-16 Suppress the selected items ............................. 6-17 Resume items as necessary ............................. 6-18
6.4
Restructure.................................................................. 6-20 General Steps.......................................................... 6-20 Start the restructuring operation........................ 6-21 Select the component to move.......................... 6-21 Select the target component ............................. 6-21 Continue moving components as necessary .... 6-21 Break external references as necessary........... 6-22
Exercise 6a Layers .............................................................. 6-23 Exercise 6b Restructure...................................................... 6-33 Chapter 7 Designing in Context.................................................. 7-1
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7.1
Introduction to External References ........................... 7-3
7.2
External References for the Current Assembly ......... 7-4 General Steps............................................................ 7-4 Activate the reference control ............................. 7-4 Define the Accessible tab options ....................... 7-5 Define the Shared tab options............................. 7-6 Complete the settings ......................................... 7-7
7.3
Global External References ......................................... 7-8 General Steps............................................................ 7-8 Activate the reference control ............................. 7-8 Define the Object tab options.............................. 7-9 Define the Geometry tab options ........................ 7-9 Define the Selection tab options ....................... 7-10 Complete the settings ....................................... 7-11
7.4
Global Reference Viewer............................................ 7-12
7.5
Creating Parts in Assembly ....................................... 7-14 General steps .......................................................... 7-14 Start the creation of a new component ............. 7-15 Select the type of component............................ 7-15 Define the creation options ............................... 7-16 Create geometry or assemble components ...... 7-17
7.6
Creating Assembly Features ..................................... 7-19 General Steps.......................................................... 7-20 Create the assembly feature ............................. 7-20 Set intersection option....................................... 7-20
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7.7
Mirroring Components ............................................... 7-23 General Steps.......................................................... 7-23 Create a temporary assembly ........................... 7-24 Start the mirror operation .................................. 7-24 Select the type of mirror .................................... 7-24 Select the component(s) to mirror ..................... 7-25 Select the reference for mirroring...................... 7-25 Complete the component .................................. 7-26 Mirroring Subassemblies ......................................... 7-27
Exercise 7a Assembly Features ......................................... 7-29 Exercise 7b Assembly parts ............................................... 7-35 Exercise 7c Mirroring Components ................................... 7-53 Chapter 8 Distributing Design Information................................ 8-1 8.1
Merge & Cut Out............................................................ 8-3 General Steps............................................................ 8-3 Create an assembly ............................................ 8-4 Start the Merge or Cut Out operation .................. 8-4 Select the references .......................................... 8-5 Merge......................................................................... 8-5 Cut Out ...................................................................... 8-5 Review the models .............................................. 8-6
8.2
Part Intersections.......................................................... 8-7 General Steps............................................................ 8-7 Create an assembly ............................................ 8-7 Create the new component ................................. 8-8 Select the references .......................................... 8-8 Review the model................................................ 8-8
8.3
Copy Geometry Features ........................................... 8-10 General steps .......................................................... 8-11 Create or open an assembly ............................. 8-12 Set the reference control ................................... 8-12 Start the creation of the feature......................... 8-12 Select the entities to copy, as necessary .......... 8-13 Define options for the feature ............................ 8-15 Complete the feature......................................... 8-16
8.4
External Copy Geometry Feature ............................. 8-17
8.5
Inheritance Features ................................................... 8-18 General Steps.......................................................... 8-19 Create or open an assembly ............................. 8-20 Start creation of the inheritance feature ............ 8-20 Define the base model ...................................... 8-20 Define the optional elements, as necessary...... 8-21 Complete the feature......................................... 8-24
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Exercise 8a Assembly Merge ............................................. 8-25 Exercise 8b Copy Geometry ............................................... 8-31 Chapter 9 Simplified Representations ....................................... 9-1 9.1
Simplified Representations.......................................... 9-3
9.2
System-Defined Simplified Representations ............. 9-5 General Steps............................................................ 9-5 Open the View Manager ..................................... 9-5 Select the simplified representation .................... 9-6 Master Rep .................................................... 9-6 Symbolic Rep................................................. 9-6 Graphics Rep................................................. 9-6 Geometry Rep ............................................... 9-6
9.3
User-Defined Simplified Representations .................. 9-7 General Steps............................................................ 9-7 Open the View Manager ..................................... 9-7 Create a new simplified representation............... 9-7 Define the representation settings ...................... 9-8 Manual Selection ........................................... 9-8 Definition Rules.............................................. 9-9 Update the simplified representation................. 9-11 Redefine the simplified representation.............. 9-11
9.4
Zones .......................................................................... 9-12 General Steps.......................................................... 9-12 Start the creation of the zone ............................ 9-12 Create a new zone ............................................ 9-13 Define the zone regions .................................... 9-13 Redefine the zone, as necessary...................... 9-15 Use the zone in a simplified rep ........................ 9-16
9.5
Envelopes .................................................................... 9-17 General Steps.......................................................... 9-17 Start the creation of the envelope ..................... 9-18 Create a new envelope ..................................... 9-18 Select the components to be represented ........ 9-19 Create the envelope model ............................... 9-19 Use the envelope in a simplified rep ................. 9-20
Exercise 9a Simplified Reps I ............................................. 9-21 Exercise 9b Simplified Reps II............................................ 9-29 Chapter 10 Interchange Assemblies ........................................ 10-1 10.1
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Functional Component............................................... 10-3 General Steps.......................................................... 10-3 Start creation of the interchange assembly....... 10-3 Assemble the components................................ 10-4 Pro/ENGINEER: Advanced Assembly Design and Management
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Specify reference tags....................................... 10-4 Auto Tagging ........................................................... 10-6 Manual Tag Creation ............................................... 10-6 Complete the interchange assembly ................. 10-8 Replace components with functional interchange components....................................................... 10-8 10.2
Simplify Components ............................................... 10-10 General Steps........................................................ 10-10 Start the creation of the interchange assembly 10-10 Assemble a functional component .................. 10-10 Assemble or create the first component.......... 10-11 Assemble ................................................... 10-12 Create ........................................................ 10-12 Complete the first association ......................... 10-12 Add functional components, as necessary...... 10-13 Add simplified components, as necessary ...... 10-14 Complete the interchange assembly ............... 10-16 Substitute for the simplified component .......... 10-16
10.3
Case Studies............................................................. 10-17 Example 1.............................................................. 10-17 Example 2.............................................................. 10-18 Example 2.............................................................. 10-19
Exercise 10a Functional Interchange Assemblies I........ 10-21 Exercise 10b Functional Interchange Assemblies II ...... 10-29 Exercise 10c Optional - Flexible Component .................. 10-37 Exercise 10d Simplify components.................................. 10-41 Chapter 11 Automation.............................................................. 11-1 11.1
Assembly Relations .................................................... 11-3 General Steps.......................................................... 11-4 Start the creation of the relation ........................ 11-4 Specify the geometry to be referenced ............. 11-5 Enter a comment statement .............................. 11-5 Determine dimension symbols, as necessary ... 11-6 Enter the relation ............................................... 11-6 Symbols ....................................................... 11-7 Operators ..................................................... 11-7 Functions ..................................................... 11-8 Parameters .................................................. 11-8 Complete the relation ........................................ 11-9 Regenerate the model....................................... 11-9 Flex the model................................................... 11-9
11.2
Assembly Pro/PROGRAM ........................................ 11-10 General Steps........................................................ 11-12
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Access the design program............................. 11-12 Add input statements ...................................... 11-13 Add relations ................................................... 11-14 Edit the body of the program, as necessary.... 11-14 Conditional Statements.............................. 11-14 Execute Statements................................... 11-15 Interchanging Components........................ 11-16 Fix errors, if necessary.................................... 11-17 Incorporate the design .................................... 11-18 Regenerate the model..................................... 11-18 Creating Instances..................................... 11-18 Process Flowchart ..................................... 11-19 Exercise 11a Relations I.................................................... 11-21 Exercise 11b Relations ll................................................... 11-25 Exercise 11c Program l ..................................................... 11-31 Exercise 11d Program ll .................................................... 11-37 Chapter 12 Shrinkwrap Features .............................................. 12-1 12.1
Shrinkwrap Features .................................................. 12-3 General Steps.......................................................... 12-5 Start or open an assembly ................................ 12-5 Start the creation of the shrinkwrap .................. 12-6 Define the shrinkwrap attributes........................ 12-6 Define additional elements, as necessary......... 12-8 Complete the shrinkwrap feature ...................... 12-9
12.2
External Shrinkwrap Feature ................................... 12-10
12.3
Simplifying using Shrinkwrap Features ................. 12-11 Replace ................................................................. 12-11 Simplified Representation Substitution.................. 12-12
Exercise 12a Creating a Shrinkwrap Feature.................. 12-13 Exercise 12b Substituting a Shrinkwrap .......................... 12-19 Chapter 13 Assembly Model Performance .............................. 13-1 13.1
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Factors Affecting Model Performance ...................... 13-3 CPU Speed.............................................................. 13-3 RAM......................................................................... 13-3 Swap Space ............................................................ 13-3 Network Traffic ........................................................ 13-3 Dual Processors ...................................................... 13-4 Trail Files ................................................................. 13-4 Search Paths ........................................................... 13-4 Levels of Detail ........................................................ 13-4 Software change configuration ................................ 13-5
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Appendix A Model Tree Usage................................................... A-1 A.1
Search Tool................................................................... A-3 Activate the Search Tool ..................................... A-3 Define the type of item and model....................... A-4 Define the rule ..................................................... A-4 Search the model ................................................ A-5 Save the search results to a layer, if necessary.. A-5 Complete the search ........................................... A-6
A.2
Model Tree Customization .......................................... A-7 Activate model tree settings ................................ A-7 Make the desired changes .................................. A-8 Tree Filters..................................................... A-8 Tree Columns ................................................ A-8 Save the settings............................................... A-10
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Pro/ENGINEER: Advanced Assembly Design and Management
Chapter 1 Introduction to Assembly Pro/ENGINEER: Introduction to Solid Modeling I & II and Pro/ENGINEER: Advanced Part Design emphasize the importance of using Pro/ENGINEER as a design tool to capture all the required design information in the model. This same statement is true for assembly design. Throughout this course, you will learn new techniques to help create and manage your assembly designs. In learning these techniques, you will learn how to create flexible assembly designs and robust models.
This chapter introduces:
9Assembly Design Philosophies 9Component Placement 9Repeating Component Placements 9Assembly Design Approach 9Assembly File Management
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1.1 Assembly Design Philosophies Default Datum Planes
New assemblies, like new parts, should start with default datum planes. Default datum planes provide a foundation for the assembly and should not be deleted. As references, they are convenient for constraining the first component to any subsequent components and features at assembly level. Default datum planes can be created manually as the first features in the model using Pro/ENGINEER’s default template. They have a naming convention ASM_FRONT, ASM_RIGHT and ASM_TOP, as shown in Figure 1–1.
Figure 1–1 Keep in mind that default datums must be created as the first three features in the assembly. A start-assembly or template can be used to ensure that the assembly starts with the default datum planes.
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Parts and Subassemblies
Assemblies are comprised of components, which can be parts or other assemblies. Parts can either be assembled or created in the assembly. Consider using subassemblies in the top-level assembly to organize the design. Components are listed in the model tree in the order they were added to the assembly, as shown in Figure 1–2. Notice the name of the assembly is listed first in the model tree, followed by the three assembly default datum planes, coordinate system, and the parts and subassemblies currently constrained in the assembly.
Figure 1–2
Skeleton Models
A skeleton model is used to conceptualize a top-level assembly. The use of a skeleton model can help you to simulate motion in an assembly and control space requirements.
Assembly Features
The ability to create features at the top-level assembly and subassembly level is a powerful tool. Remember that the selection of sketching planes, orientation planes, and sketching references all form parent/child relationships. Parent/child relationships that are established between two components in an assembly are termed external references. External references can be desired or undesired in your assembly depending on your design intent; they are discussed later in this course.
Parts in Assembly Mode
Pro/ENGINEER enables you to create parts in the context of the assembly. As with assembly features, you must be careful about creating external references when creating a part in Assembly mode.
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Assembly Relations
Relations are user-defined mathematical equations used to capture and control design intent in parts and assemblies. The use of assembly-level relations can drive dimensions and parameters in one component and equate them to dimensions and parameters in other components.
Assembly Regeneration
In an assembly, component features are regenerated before components. Each feature is regenerated in the order that they were added or created in the assembly. It is a good idea to regenerate every time you modify your model so that it is up-to-date. To regenerate your model, click Edit > Regenerate or select the button. To regenerate assembly features or components select the button.
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1.2 Component Placement The Component Placement dialog box, shown in Figure 1–3, is used to constrain components within an assembly. The dialog box appears every time you choose to assemble a new component or redefine the placement of an existing component. Select here to indicate how a component being assembled should be displayed.
This section lists the currently defined constraints and enables you to redefine them. Select the button to remove an existing constraint.
Select the button to add a new constraint. Select here to specify the component reference.
Select this button to flip the reference for a constraint..
Select here to specify the assembly reference. The placement status for the component is listed here. This section also enables you to toggle the Allow Assumptions option.
Select the button to complete the placement.
Select the button to preview the placement.
Select the button to cancel the placement.
Figure 1–3 The choice of constraints and references used to assemble components is important. The references selected form parent/child relationships. Ensure that the relationships that are established do not limit future manipulation (i.e., deleting a component).
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Constraints and Offsets
The Constraint Type column provides a pull-down menu with the available constraints. Constraints can be added or removed at any time using the and buttons. You can further define placement of the component using the options in the Offset column. These options include the following: • • •
Consider using Mate or Align with an offset of zero instead of Mate or Align with the Coincident option in the Offset field. The offset dimension can then be modified if necessary.
Coincident (default) 0.0 Oriented
To define an offset other than Coincident, double-click in the Offset column and select an option. The 0.0 option provides a modifiable dimension while maintaining the Align or Mate requirement. The Oriented option maintains Mate and Align without having to define a specific offset. The checkmark to the right of the offset column allows individual constraints to be enabled or disabled. Clearing the checkmark temporarily disables the constraint. The placement constraint options available in Assembly mode are described in Table 1–1. Table 1–1 Option
Description
Mate
Selected planar surfaces face opposite directions and are coplanar
Align
Selected planar surfaces face the same direction and are coplanar. Selected revolved surfaces or axes are coaxial. The system changes aligned axes or revolved surfaces into an Insert constraint
Mate Angle
Selected planar surfaces face opposite directions and are offset with an angular dimension
Align Angle
Selected planar surfaces face the same direction and are offset with an angular dimension
Insert
Selected cylindrical surfaces are coaxial
Coord Sys
Selected coordinate systems are aligned at their origins with axes facing the same direction
Tangent
Selected surfaces are tangent. Surface normals face each other
Pnt on Line
A point or vertex is constrained to be in line with an edge, axis, or datum curve
Pnt on Srf
A point/vertex is constrained to be in contact with a surface
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References
Option
Description
Edge on Srf
A straight edge is constrained to be in contact with a planar surface or datum plane
Automatic (default)
The system assigns an appropriate constraint type based on the references from the assembly and the component
Constraints are specified to locate components parametrically with respect to existing components and assembly features. Similar to the interdependencies between features in a part, parent/child relationships also exist in assemblies. Any reference made to other components when assembling a new component creates a parent/child relationship. Default datum planes can be used as constraint references when defining component placements. When a datum is selected as a reference, and the orientation is not acceptable, select the
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button to flip the component.
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1.3 Revision Tools As in Part mode, the following four options enable you to easily manipulate component sequence and parent/child relationships between components: • • • •
Edit Definition
Edit References
Edit Definition Edit References Reorder Insert Mode
The Edit Definition option enables you to redefine the original placement constraints of a component using the Component Placement dialog box or redefine any of the elements specified when creating features in the assembly. To edit the definition of a component or feature in assembly mode, select the item and click Edit Definition in the pop-up menu or in the Edit pull-down menu. The Edit References option enables you to change the placement constraint references for the component within the assembly or the placement constraint for an assembly feature. This option enables you to make the necessary changes without accessing the Component Placement dialog box or the feature’s dashboard. To edit references, select the item and click Edit References in the pop-up menu or in the Edit pull-down menu. The REROUTE REFS menu appears as shown in Figure 1–14.
Figure 1–4
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It is a good idea to roll back the model so you do not try to select references that are on components below it in the model tree.
Before making any selection you are first prompted if you want to roll back the model. Rolling back the model enables you to return the assembly back to the state it was in when the component or feature was added to the assembly (i.e., all features and components below it will be suppressed). If you select “No” then all the existing components and features will remain in the model. When redefining references in a model that has not been rolled back, be sure to consider parent/child relationships. The Reroute Feat option enables you to select a component to change its assembly references. The Replace Ref option enables you to replace one reference for another. This option replaces all references that are made to the original. The Replace Ref option is recommended when a reference needs to be removed from the model.
Reorder
Components and features can be reordered in an assembly. This enables you to change the order in which they appear in the model tree and the order in which they are regenerated. To reorder an item in an assembly, select it in the model tree and drag and drop it to the required location. Be sure to consider parent/child relationships when reordering items (i.e., a child cannot exist before its parent). Features and components cannot be reordered before the first items in an assembly. You can also reorder by clicking Edit > Component Operations > Reorder. Select the item to reorder and click Done. The message window indicates where you can insert the feature, as shown in Figure 1–5. To complete the reorder, click Before or After and select the item to move before or after. Feature 6 (the selected component for reorder) can be placed before or after any feature between feature number 2 and 5.
Figure 1–5
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Insert Mode
Insert mode enables you to add new features or components before existing items in the model tree. To control inserting using the model tree, ensure that Features are enabled in the Model Tree Items dialog box (
> Tree Filters). To insert a new feature or component
in the assembly, select the icon at the bottom of the model tree and drag it to the required location. The model appears as it did at this point in the creation of the assembly. All the remaining items in the assembly are suppressed. You can continue to add components or features as necessary. Once done, select and drag the icon to the end of the model. All of the suppressed items are automatically resumed. You can also insert by clicking Edit > Component Operations > Insert Mode > Activate. Select an item to insert after. All features below the selected item are suppressed. Once you have finished adding components or features you can resume the suppressed components by clicking Cancel in the Insert Mode menu.
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1.4 Repeating Components In many cases, components are duplicated in the assembly using the same assembly constraints, with small variations in the references or offset values. Pro/ENGINEER provides an option that enables you to repeat constraints and make the necessary modifications.
General Steps
Use the following general steps to repeat the placement of an existing component: 1.
Start the Repeat operation.
2.
Modify constraints and references
3.
Complete the repeat operation.
Step 1: Start the Repeat operation To repeat an existing component within an assembly, select it and click Edit > Repeat. The Repeat Component dialog box appears, as shown in Figure 1–6. The constraints and references used to assemble the selected component are listed in the Variable Assembly Refs section of the dialog box.
The 10_32_STUD component was assembled using an Align and Mate constraint, as shown in the Variable Assembly Refs section. Figure 1–6
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Step 2: Modify constraints and references To select multiple constraints, press and hold the key while selecting the constraints.
To reuse constraints listed in the Variable Assembly Refs section, select the constraints and select the button. The system prompts you for the new assembly reference for each constraint. Once the references are selected the instance is listed in the Place Component section of the dialog box. In Figure 1–7 four additional components are added to the assembly by repeating constraints and selecting new references from those used to place the original 10_32_STUD component.
Each additional component that is repeated must reuse the same selected constraints as the first repeated component. If you want to reuse a different combination of constraints you must confirm the existing components and click Edit > Repeat to repeat the additional component. Four additional 10_32_STUD components are repeated by selecting a new alignment reference for each instance. The Mate reference is maintained, as shown in the Place Component section. Figure 1–7
Step 3: Complete the repeat operation Once the new references have been selected, select the button to complete the repeat operation.
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1.5 Assembly Design Approach Two methods can be used to build the top-level assembly: existing components can be brought into the assembly and constrained or new components can be created within the context of the assembly. In the bottom-up design method, parts are created first, brought into the assembly and constrained using the Component Placement dialog box. This approach limits the ability to design around other parts or reference other geometry in the assembly. The top-down approach enables you to create parts within the context of the assembly. This approach allows for the organization of complex designs by controlling interactions and dependencies between the components within the assembly. To create a new component in an assembly, click Insert> Component> Create or select the button. The Component Create dialog box appears as shown in Figure 1–8.
Figure 1–8 The Component Create dialog box lists four types of components and their sub-types. When creating parts in Assembly mode you have the advantage of seeing the geometry of existing components. This existing geometry can be used to create geometry for the new part.
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1.6 Assembly File Management An assembly model can contain many part files; a large amount of files require effective management. File management is important because a poorly arranged directory structure can lead to failures on retrieval. Assembly files are created in the current working directory. Components can be assembled from this directory or from another directory; however, if assembled from another directory, search paths must be established in the config.pro to ensure that the system can find the components. When you save an assembly model, the system saves the assembly model and any modified component to its original location. The following options can be used to manage an assembly file: • • •
Rename
Rename Save a Copy Backup
To rename an assembly component, click File > Rename. The Rename dialog box appears as shown in Figure 1–9.
Figure 1–9 Select the button to select the component to be renamed. Enter the new name in the New Name section of the dialog box and select the
button.
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Save a Copy
You can copy an existing file to a new name while retaining the original file. This enables you to explore different design options. To save a copy of an existing assembly, click File > Save a Copy in the menu bar. The Save a Copy dialog box appears as shown in Figure 1–10.
The copied file is by default stored in the current working directory. You can select a different directory to save the file using the Look in pull-down menu.
Figure 1–10 Enter a new name for the file and select the button to save it to the hard disk drive. The original file remains in the active window; to work on the new file you must explicitly open it. If you do not want to save changes in the original file, make sure to erase the file from session without saving.
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Backup
To avoid the loss of work, you may want to create a backup copy of your file by clicking File > Backup in the menu bar. This enables you to create a copy of the assembly and all its components in one location. The Backup dialog box appears as shown in Figure 1–11.
The button at the top of the Backup dialog box enables you to create a new directory for backup. Select this pull-down menu to navigate to the directory where you to back up the file.
Figure 1–11 The original model remains in the active window when you save the backup copy.
Browse to the target directory. The assembly and all associated part and subassembly files are stored in the target directory using the same file names as the original files. Any changes saved to the backup file remain independent of the original file.
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Exercise 1a Goal
Assembly Constraints I In this exercise, you will assemble a turbine rotor using the required placement constrains such that the completed assembly appears as shown in Figure 1–12.
Figure 1–12 After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 Assemble generic and instances using placement constraints Task 1: Create a new assembly called rotor. 1.
Set the current working directory to the Compressor directory.
2.
Create a new assembly called [rotor] using the default template.
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Task 2: Assemble the impeller component. You can also click Insert > Component > Assemble to assemble a component.
1.
Select the button to assemble the first component and select impeller.prt. The model appears as shown in Figure 1–13.
Figure 1–13 2.
Align the datum planes in the component and the assembly. To unblank datum planes, select the and click Layer Tree. Select impeller.prt from the pull-down menu. Select the two datum plane layers and click Unblank in the pop-up menu.
3.
Align datum plane TOP from the impeller model with ASM_TOP in the assembly. Align datum plane RIGHT and ASM_RIGHT and FRONT and ASM_FRONT.
4.
Select the impeller.
5.
Blank the datum planes in the impeller component and return to the assembly model tree.
button to complete the assembly of the
Task 3: Assemble the bolt_tie component
1.
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Select the
button and select bolt_tie.prt.
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2.
Mate the surfaces shown in Figure 1–14.
Mate these surfaces
Figure 1–14 3.
Using the Insert constraint, select the surfaces shown in Figure 1–15.
Insert these cylindrical surfaces
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4.
Clear the Allow Assumption option and add an Align constraint that orients datum plane RIGHT in the bolt_tie component with datum plane ASM_RIGHT in the assembly, as shown in Figure 1–16. Orient the datum planes so that this surface is aligned with ASM_RIGHT
Figure 1–16 5.
Select the bolt_tie.
button to complete the assembly of the
Task 4: Assemble an instance of the second_third_stage component. 1.
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Turn on the display of datum coordinate systems if they are not already displayed.
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2.
Select the button and select second_third_stage.prt. The Select Instance dialog box appears as shown in Figure 1–17.
Sixth.prt is a family table instance of second_third_stage.prt.
Figure 1–17 3.
Select SIXTH and select the button. The model appears in the assembly as shown in Figure 1–18.
Figure 1–18
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4.
Constrain the PRT_DEF_CSYS coordinate system in the sixth model and the SIXTH coordinate system in the impeller part. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 1–19.
Figure 1–19 5.
Select the instance.
button to complete the assembly of the SIXTH
Task 5: Assemble an instance of the second_third_stage component.
To unblank datum planes, select the and click Layer Tree. Select impeller.prt from the pull-down menu. Select the axis layer and click Unblank from the pop-up menu.
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1.
Select the button and assemble the FIFTH instance of the second_third_stage.prt.
2.
Align axes A-2 in the FIFTH instance and A-2 in the SIXTH instance.
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3.
Mate the surfaces shown in Figure 1–19.
Mate these surfaces
Figure 1–20 4.
Select the instance.
button to complete the assembly of the FIFTH
Task 6: Assemble an instance of the second_third_stage component.
1.
Select the button and assemble the FOURTH instance of the second_third_stage.prt
2.
Align axes A-2 in the FOURTH instance and A-2 in the FIFTH instance.
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3.
Mate the surfaces shown in Figure 1–21. Mate these surfaces
Figure 1–21 4.
Select the button to complete the assembly of the FOURTH instance.
Task 7: Assemble the generic of the second_third_stage component.
1.
Select the button and assemble the Generic of the second_third_stage.prt.
2.
Assemble the component using the Align and Mate constraints and similar references used when the previous instances were assembled.
3.
Select the generic.
button to complete the assembly of the
Task 8: Assemble the first_stage component.
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1.
Select the
button and assemble the first_stage.prt.
2.
Assemble the component using the Insert and Mate constraints and similar references used when the previous instances were assembled.
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3.
Select the button to complete the assembly of the first_stage.prt. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 1–22.
Figure 1–22 Task 9: Assemble the coupling_adaptor.prt component.
Use Pick From List to select the hidden references.
1.
Select the
button and assemble the coupling_adaptor.prt.
2.
Mate the surfaces shown in Figure 1–23. Mate this surface of the bolt_tie
with this surface of the coupling_adaptor
Figure 1–23
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3.
Insert the surfaces shown in Figure 1–24.
Mate this surface of the coupling_adaptor
with this surface of the impeller Figure 1–24
4.
Orient the surfaces shown in Figure 1–25.
Use Mate as the constraint and Orient as the offset.
Orient this surface of the tie_bolt...
...with this surface of the coupling_adaptor Figure 1–25
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5.
Select the button to complete the assembly. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 1–26
Figure 1–26 6.
Save the assembly and close the window.
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Exercise 1b Goal
Assembly Constraints II In this exercise, you will assemble four components into an engine assembly using the required placement constraints. The completed assembly appears as shown in Figure 1–27.
Figure 1–27 After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 Assemble components using placement constraints
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Task 1: Create a new design assembly. 1.
Set your working directory to Engine.
2.
Create a new assembly called [engine]. Clear the default template. Select the button. The New File Options dialog box appears as shown in Figure 1–28.
Alternatively, you can click Edit > Setup > Units and set your unit system once you have created the assembly using the default template.
Figure 1–28 3.
Select mmns_asm_design in the template section of the dialog box to set the units for the assembly. Select the
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button.
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Task 2: Assemble the block_left component. To clear the model notes from the display, click Tools > Environment and clear the 3D Notes option.
1.
Select the
button and assemble block_left.prt.
2.
Align the bottom planar surface in the block_left model with ASM_TOP in the assembly.
3.
Mate datum plane RIGHT in the block_left model and ASM_RIGHT in the assembly.
4.
Align datum plane FRONT in the block_left model and ASM_FRONT in the assembly.
5.
Select the button to complete the assembly of the block_left part. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 1–29.
Figure 1–29 Task 3: Assemble the bushing component.
1.
Select the
button and assemble bushing.prt.
2.
Insert the surfaces shown in Figure 1–30.
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Insert these surfaces Figure 1–30 3.
Mate the surfaces shown in Figure 1–31.
Mate these surfaces Figure 1–31 4.
Select the bushing part.
button to complete the assembly of the
5.
Assemble bushing.prt to the other side of block_left.prt.
Task 4: Assemble the crank component.
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1.
Select the
button and assemble crank.prt.
2.
Insert the surfaces shown in Figure 1–30.
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Insert these surfaces Figure 1–32 3.
Align datum plane DTM12 on the crank with datum plane RIGHT on the engine.
4.
Select the button to complete the assembly of the crank part. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 1–33.
Figure 1–33 5.
Save the assembly and close the window.
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Chapter 2 Skeleton Models Skeleton techniques are used in Pro/ENGINEER Assembly mode to create an underlying structure for assembly models. It generally consists of datum and surface features to which assembly components are constrained and geometry can be created.
This chapter introduces:
9Skeleton Models to control Parent/Child Relationships 9Skeleton Models for Simulating Motion 9Skeleton Models for Spatial Claims 9Skeleton Models for Geometry Creation
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2.1 Skeleton Models A skeleton model acts as a three-dimensional layout of an assembly and facilitates a top-down design strategy. The skeletal structure is defined by creating part-level datum, surface, and solid features in the skeleton model. A skeleton model can be used to control parent/child relationships, incorporate motion, define spatial claims and create geometry. By default, only a single skeleton can exist in an assembly. Subassemblies can also contain a skeleton; however, it must be created in the subassembly.
Parent/Child Relationships
By assembling to a skeleton instead of referencing other components, the likelihood of creating unwanted parent/child relationships between components is reduced. Using this technique makes operations such as suppressing, deleting, and interchanging components easier, since fewer dependency relationships exist between components. The component shown in Figure 2–1 is being assembled to datum features in a skeleton model. Additional components are assembled referencing only the skeleton so that no parent/child relationships are established between components.
Consider suppressing components as you are selecting your assembly references to ensure that references are only established with the skeleton model.
Align axis A_7 and axis CONNECTING_ROD1.
Align axis A_5 and axis CRANK.
Align datum plane BLJ to the end surface.
Figure 2–1
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Incorporating Motion
When creating the skeleton, the capacity for motion can be incorporated into the design using dimensioning and construction techniques. You can simulate motion by modifying the skeleton model dimensions in the assembly instead of modifying the components or the assembly constraints. The assembly shown in Figure 2–2 is created by assembling components to the features in the skeleton model. Changes made to the angular dimension value affect the position of components in the top-level assembly. This is because the linear entity in the skeleton was used as a reference when assembling the components. The angular dimension in the skeleton can be modified.
The linear curve in the skeleton was dimensioned using an angular value.
The new dimension value affects the component’s positions in the assembly, simulating rotational motion.
The components in the assembly were assembled referencing the skeleton curves.
Figure 2–2
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Spatial Claims
A skeleton can be used to create conceptual parts that define regions of an assembly, known as "spatial claims". These regions represent the volume to be occupied or avoided by components that have yet to be created. The skeleton model representing the volume of these regions can then be referenced during the construction of these components to ensure they fall within location and volume limitations. For example, the skeleton model shown at the top of Figure 2–3 is a skeleton model that represents the base and the electrical components for a power assembly. Both of these sub-assemblies have not been designed yet; however, their size is accounted for when the top-level assembly is created, as shown a the bottom of Figure 2–3. This surface feature is created in the skeleton to represent the electrical subassembly.
This surface feature is created in the skeleton to represent the base subassembly.
Figure 2–3
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Geometry Creation
In a top-down design environment, component geometry can be created in the context of the assembly. The benefit of this technique is that references can be made between components to create the required geometry. However, as the number of references increase they can become difficult to organize and control. In this case, creating or copying cross-referenced geometry from the skeleton model creates a centralized location for exchanging information between assembly components. The reference geometry is easily distinguished from the final assembly geometry because it is located in a single location. The solid model shown on the right-hand side of Figure 2–4 is created in the assembly, referencing datum points PNT0 and PNT1 from the skeleton model, as shown in the sketched section on the left-hand side. Additional components can be created in the assembly referencing the same skeleton.
Figure 2–4
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General Steps
Use the following general steps to create skeleton models: 1.
Create a skeleton model.
2.
Define the skeleton geometry.
Step 1: Create a skeleton model To create a skeleton model, click Insert > Component > Create or by selecting the button in the toolbar. Select the Skeleton Model option in the Component Create dialog box, enter a name for the skeleton, and select the button. The Creation Options dialog box appears as shown in Figure 2–5. The default skeleton name consists of the parent assembly model name with "skel" appended to it (e.g., crank_skel.prt). You can also enter a user-defined name for the skeleton.
Figure 2–5 Skeleton models can be created using one of the following three options: • • •
Copy From Existing Empty Create First Feature
The Copy From Existing option copies features from an existing model. This option is valuable when the skeleton model is created prior to the top-level assembly.
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The Empty option creates a blank part file where all features, including the default datum planes, must be created. The Create First Feature option creates a feature in the skeleton model at the assembly level. This option can be used to create the default datum planes for the skeleton model by selecting three perpendicular planes in the assembly to copy into the skeleton. The skeleton model always exists as the first component in the assembly model tree. Even if it is created after other components, the skeleton is placed before the assembly default datum planes and any previously assembled components. If there are existing components, an origin to origin constraint is added to align the origin (the point of intersection of the three default datum planes) of the first component to the origin of the skeleton model. This alignment may result in the reorientation of the first component and its children. You can manually redefine the component’s placement constraints to correct the orientation. You can avoid this situation entirely by creating the skeleton model before any components are assembled. Skeleton models appear with a unique icon in the model tree to distinguish them from other components. Figure 2–6 shows the model tree icons for parts, sub-assemblies and skeletons.
Part Component Icon
Assembly Component Icon
Skeleton Component Icon
Figure 2–6
Step 2: Define the skeleton geometry To define the geometry for a skeleton created within the assembly, use either of the following techniques: • •
Activate the skeleton and create the geometry within the context of the assembly Open the skeleton in Part mode and create the geometry
Any type of feature can be added to the skeleton model, including solid and sheet metal features; however, skeleton models typically only consist of surface and datum features.
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2.2 Skeleton Properties Skeleton models in Pro/ENGINEER have the following properties: •
• •
•
• • • • •
By default, only one skeleton model can be created for an assembly. By setting the configuration option multiple_skeletons_allowed to "yes", you can have more than one skeleton belonging to an assembly. Skeleton models can exist in sub-assemblies but must be created at the subassembly level. Skeleton models are always given the default name of assembly_name_skel.prt where assembly_name is the name of the parent assembly model. You can use an alternative name if desired. If you are creating multiple skeletons, the default name is incremented for each skeleton (assembly _name _ skel0002.prt). Skeleton models can be created at any time but are automatically reordered to appear before the first component and feature in the assembly. Assembly features such as cuts and holes do not intersect skeleton models. Skeleton models are not included in the mass property calculations. Skeleton models can be filtered out of assembly bill of material listings. The display of skeleton models can be removed from assembly drawings and simplified representations. By default, the color of all solid and surface geometry in the skeleton is medium blue (R=0, G=0, B=49). This color is controlled by the configuration option skeleton_model_default_color. The color is defined by three values (ranging between 0 and 100), specifying the percentages of red, green and blue. This option only applies to skeleton models created after the configuration option is set.
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Exercise 2a Goal
Creating a Skeleton part After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 Create a skeleton model that defines motion in an assembly In this exercise, you create the assembly shown in Figure 2–7 and Figure 2–8 using a skeleton model. The skeleton model is used to define circular motion for the crankshaft and linear motion for the pistons.
Figure 2–7 2 4
1
4
5
3 6
2 3
Figure 2–8
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The assembly components include the following: • • • • • •
bearing_journal_short.prt piston.asm piston_pin.prt connecting_rod.prt connecting_rod_journal.prt bearing_journal_main.prt
Task 1: Create the assembly and set up the skeleton model. 1.
Change your working directory to the Piston directory.
2.
Create a new assembly called [crank_piston] using the default template.
3.
Set the length units for the assembly by clicking Edit > Set Up. Click Units in the ASSEM SETUP menu.
4.
Click millimeter Newton Second (mmNS) in the Systems of Units section of the Units Manager dialog box. Select the button to set the new units.
5.
Click Convert Existing Numbers (Same Size) in the Warning dialog box. Select the
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button.
6.
Select the
button.
7.
Click Done in the ASSEM SETUP menu.
8.
Select the
button to create a new component.
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9.
Select Skeleton Model from the type menu of the Component create dialog box, as shown in Figure 2–9. Select the button to accept the default name of crank_piston_skel.
Figure 2–9 10. Click Empty in the Creation Options dialog box. 11. Select the
button.
12. Save the assembly and close the window. Task 2: Add features to the Skeleton model. 1.
Open crank_piston_skel.prt in Part mode.
2.
Ensure that the length units of the part are set to millimeters to match those of the other components in the assembly.
3.
Select the
4.
Create a sketched datum curve that represents the overall length
button to create default datum planes.
of the assembly. Select DTM3 datum plane, and select the button. Select the Curve dialog box.
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5.
Sketch the curve so that one endpoint of the curve is aligned to DTM1, as shown in Figure 2–10.
The endpoint of the line should be aligned to DTM1.
Figure 2–10 6.
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The first component in the assembly, bearing_journal_main.prt, is aligned to DTM1 of the skeleton. Rename DTM1 to reflect this alignment. Double-click on DTM1 in the model tree and rename the datum plane to [BJL].
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7.
Create a datum plane offset from datum plane BJL. Use an offset dimension of [-107]. This locates the first instances of the piston, piston_pin, and connecting_rod components. See Figure 2–11.
8.
Rename this datum plane to [PCR1].
Figure 2–11 9.
Sketch a datum curve on datum plane PCR1 that controls the motion of the first piston. Use PCR1 as the sketching plane and DTM2 as the top reference. Use DTM3 and DTM2 as sketching references.
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10. Sketch the two line entities first and dimension them as shown in Figure 2–12. Create the circle to represent the path of the rotation.
Sketch the two linear entities first and then sketch the circle. The diameter of the circle should be driven by the length of the shorter line.
Figure 2–12 A dimension symbol can be changed from the default (e.g., d12) to help identify the dimension when it is modified and used in relations.
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11. When the feature is completed, change the symbol of the angular dimension. Select the datum curve and click Edit in the pop-up menu. 12. Select the angular dimension and click Properties in the pop-up menu. From the Dimension Text tab, change the name of the dimension to [crank_angle] using the Name field. The sketch appears as shown in Figure 2–13.
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Figure 2–13 13. Select the button to create two datum points. Create the datum points through the vertices of the datum curve shown in Figure 2–14. Select these two vertices to create the datum points.
Figure 2–14 Press the key while selecting the references to select multiple references for the axis.
14. Select the button to create a datum axis. Create the datum axes normal to datum plane PCR1 and through one of the datum points just created. Create a second datum axis normal to datum plane PCR1 and through the other datum point created in the previous step.
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15. Rename the axes using the names shown in Figure 2–15. These axes are used as assembly references.
Figure 2–15 16. Create a datum plane offset from datum plane BJL by a distance of [-117]. Rename this new datum plane to [CRJ]. This plane is used to locate the connecting rod journal component. The sketch appears as shown in Figure 2–16 (axes display has been disabled for clarity).
Figure 2–16 17. Create a datum plane offset from datum plane BJL. Use an offset dimension of [-127]. This locates the second instances of the piston, piston_pin, and connecting_rod components. Rename this datum plane [PCR2]. 18. Create a datum plane offset from datum plane BJL. Use an offset dimension of [-163]. This locates the bearing_journal_short. Rename this datum plane [BJS].
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19. Sketch a datum curve on datum plane PCR2 that controls the motion of the second piston. Use PCR2 as the sketching plane and DTM2 as the top reference. Select the four sketching references shown in Figure 2–17. Sketch the two lines segments and the circle.
Select these four sketching references: 1. Point PNT1 2. Top half of circle 3. Bottom half of circle 4. DTM3
Sketch these entities: 1. Circle 2. Line 3. Line
Figure 2–17
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The completed feature appears as shown in Figure 2–18.
Figure 2–18 20. Create two datum points through the vertices of the datum curve shown in Figure 2–19.
Select these two vertices to create the datum points.
Figure 2–19
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21. Create two datum axes. Make them normal to datum plane PCR2 and through the datum points just created. Rename the axes using the names shown in Figure 2–20.
Figure 2–20 22. Create an axis at the intersection of datum planes DTM2 and DTM3. Rename the axis to [CRANK], as shown in Figure 2–21.
Figure 2–21 23. The skeleton model is now complete. Save the part and close the window.
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Task 3: Assemble the components to the skeleton. 1.
Open crank_piston.asm. You should see the geometry of the skeleton model.
2.
Assemble the component bearing_journal_main.prt, as shown in Figure 2–22 and Figure 2–23. Keep the Automatic constraint default option and select entities to align. The Align constraint is assigned automatically.
Align axis A_7 and axis CONNECTING_ROD1.
Align axis A_5 and axis CRANK.
Align datum plane BLJ to the end surface.
Figure 2–22
Figure 2–23
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3.
Assemble the component connecting_rod.prt as shown in Figure 2–24 and Figure 2–25.
Align axis A_3 to axis PISTON1.
Align axis A_5 to axis CONNECTING_ROD1.
Align DTM1 to PCR1.
Figure 2–24
Figure 2–25
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4.
Assemble the component piston_pin.prt, as shown in Figure 2–26 and Figure 2–27.
Align axis A_3 and axis PISTON1.
Align DTM3 and PCR1.
Figure 2–26
Figure 2–27
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5.
Assemble the component piston.asm, as shown in Figure 2–28 and Figure 2–29. Be sure to reference the skeleton model only.
The Orient constraint is combined with Align and Mate constraints. To orient two entities, keep the Automatic constraint default option in the Constraint Type field. Select in the Offset field and select Oriented in the pull-down menu in the Component Placement dialog box. Then select the ADTM2 and DTM2 datum planes. Orient ADTM2 and DTM2. Align ADTM1 and PCR1.
Align axis A_10 and axis PISTON1.
Figure 2–28
Figure 2–29
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6.
Assemble the component connecting_rod_journal.prt, as shown in Figure 2–30 and Figure 2–31. Align axis A_4 to axis CONNECTING_ROD1. Align DTM1 and CRJ.
Align axis A_5 to axis CONNECTING_ROD2.
Figure 2–30
Figure 2–31
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7.
Simulate assembly motion by modifying the skeleton dimension crank_angle. Select the skeleton model in the model tree and click Activate in the pop-up menu.
8.
Select the datum curve in the area of the connecting rod and click Edit in the pop-up menu. When the 45° angle (crank_angle) appears, change this value to [135] and regenerate. The assembly rotates.
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Task 4: Optional - Assemble the remaining components in the assembly. 1.
Assemble the remaining components (connecting_rod.prt, piston_pin.prt, piston.asm, and bearing_journal_short.prt). The final assembly is shown in Figure 2–32.
Figure 2–32
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Task 5: Modify the skeleton dimension crank_angle. 1.
Modify the skeleton dimension to simulate assembly motion.
Figure 2–33 Why did both pistons move when only one dimension was modified? 2.
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Save the assembly and erase it from memory.
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Chapter 3 Packaging In Introduction to Solid Modeling II, you learned to parametrically assemble components relative to one another or to the assembly default datum planes using component constraints. Packaging enables you to place components in the assembly without specifying the parametric constraints to locate them.
This chapter introduces:
9Packaging Components using the Component Placement dialog box 9Packaging Components using the Move dialog box 9Translating and Rotating Components 9Parametrically Finalizing Component Placements
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3.1 Packaging In some cases, you do not initially know the exact location of a component relative to others. In these cases, you can package a component. A packaged component is not parametrically defined, but it is part of the assembly. A packaged component appears in the model tree and is identified with an icon beside its name, as shown in Figure 3–1.
Packaged component
Figure 3–1
General Steps
Use the following general steps to package a component: 1.
Assemble the component.
2.
Move the component relative to existing references.
Step 1: Assemble the component Use one of the following two methods to package a component in an assembly:
Method 1 1.
Select the button or click Insert > Component > Assemble and select the component from the Open dialog box. The Component Placement dialog box appears.
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2.
Select the button without defining any constraints. The message window displays the message "You are leaving this component as packaged."
Method 2 1.
Click Insert > Component > Package > Add.
2.
Select a model to be packaged. To select the model, you can select from the Open dialog box (Open) or from an existing model in the model tree (Sel on Model). You can also use the Sel Last option to package another instance of the last model added to the assembly.
Step 2: Position the component in the assembly
Move Options
Once the component is added to the assembly, you must position the component in the assembly. The Move dialog box varies depending on the method used to add the component to the assembly. When using Method 1 (selecting the button), you must select the Move tab to access the move options, as shown on the left-hand side of Figure 3–2. When using Method 2 (Insert > Component > Package > Add) the move options are immediately available, as shown in the right-hand side of Figure 3–2.
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Method 1
Method 2
Figure 3–2
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The Move options are described in Table 3–1. Table 3–1 Section
Option
Description
Motion Type
Translate
Translates the component relative to the motion reference.
Rotate
Rotates the component relative to the motion reference.
Adjust
Enables you to use mate or align from a selected component surface using an assigned motion reference.
View Plane
Defines a view plane for the motion reference.
Sel Plane
Defines a selected plane as the motion reference.
Entity/Edge
Defines an edge, axis, or curve as the motion reference.
Plane Normal
Defines a selected plane as the normal plane for the motion reference.
2 Points
Defines a line between the points as the motion reference.
Csys
Defines the X, Y, or Z axis of a coordinate system, as the motion reference.
Translation
Specifies the increments for linear movement.
Rotation
Specifies the increments for angular movement.
Relative
Defines the relative location for the packaged component.
Motion Reference
Motion Increments
Position
You can set drag preferences to control the movement of the component during packaging. Access these preferences by clicking Tools > Assembly Settings > Component Drag or by selecting the button in the Move dialog box.
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The Preferences dialog box appears as shown in Figure 3–3.
Figure 3–3 The Drag options control how to the component is moved. The Dynamic Drag option moves a component while maintaining component constraints. The Modify Offsets option modifies the offset value associated with a constraint when it is moved. The Add Offsets option redefines align and mate coincident constraints to offsets when the component is moved. The Drag Center options enable you to select a new point as the drag center. You can select the Model Center or Default Csys.
Free Form Packaging
You can also press the + keys to manipulate the component independently of the assembly while Component Placement dialog box (Method 1) is open. Use the following combinations to manipulate the component: • • •
+ + left mouse button moves the component normal to the monitor screen + + middle mouse button rotates the component + + right mouse button pans the component.
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3.2 Finalizing Components Use one of the following two methods to locate a packaged component parametrically in an assembly.:
Method 1 1.
Select the packaged component and click Edit > Definition. The Component Placement dialog box appears even if the packaged component was originally added to the assembly using the Insert > Component > Package > Add option.
2.
Use the Place tab on the Component Placement dialog box to define the constraints of the component.
3.
Select the
button.
Method 2
Snap by Proximity
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1.
Click Insert > Component > Package > Finalize and select the packaged component.
2.
Use the Place tab on the Component Placement dialog box to define the constraints of the component.
3.
Select the
button.
Snapping by Proximity enables you to automatically generate assembly constraints during free form packaging, which increases your efficiency in assembling components. To enable Snap by Proximity, click Tools > Assembly Settings > Component Drag, expand the Snap Options field and select the Activate Snapping option, as shown in Figure 3–4.
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Figure 3–4 Use the following steps to snap by proximity:
If the constraint type is Automatic, the system selects an appropriate constraint type based on the snapped references. You can specify a unique constraint type before snapping to limit the type of constraint created.
1.
Ensure that the Place tab is displayed in the Component Placement dialog box.
2.
Select the assembly reference to which you want to snap the component.
3.
Using the + keys, free form package the component. As valid component references are moved into the proximity of the selected assembly reference, the component snaps to the reference.
4.
Once a valid component reference has been established, release the + keys to automatically generate an assembly constraint.
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Exercise 3a Goal
Packaging Assembly Components In this exercise, you will package and move components within the top-level assembly. You will add a single constraint to a component and investigate how this component moves relative to the assembly. To complete the exercise, you will finalize component placements for a packaged component. The completed assembly appears as shown in Figure 3–5.
Figure 3–5 After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 Package a component in an assembly 9 Move a packaged component in an assembly 9 Finalize a packaged component’s placement Task 1: Open the assembly called rotor.asm.
If you did not complete the rotor assembly in exercise 1a, open rotor_final1.asm.
1.
Set the current working directory to the Compressor directory.
2.
Open rotor.asm.
Task 2: Package the air_entry assembly. 1.
Click Insert > Component > Package > Add > Open.
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2.
Select air_entry.asm and select the button. Place the component in the assembly using the left mouse button as shown in Figure 3–6.
Figure 3–6
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3.
Select the Rotate option in the Motion Type section of the Move dialog box.
4.
Select Sel Plane in the Motion Reference pull-down menu and select the ASM_RIGHT datum.
5.
Select 90 in the Rotation pull-down menu of the Motion Increments section.
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6.
Rotate the air_entry.asm, as shown in Figure 3–7. The component rotates by increments of 90°.
The and buttons can be used to undo and redo movements of the packages component.
Figure 3–7 7.
Select Translate in the Motion Type section and move the air_entry.asm, as shown in Figure 3–8.
Figure 3–8 8.
Select the button to confirm the placement of the packaged component.
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9.
Click Done/Return in the PACKAGE menu. The packaged component appears in the model tree and is identified with an icon beside its name.
10. Select air_entry.asm in the model tree and click Edit Definition in the pop-up menu. The Component Placement dialog box appears. This dialog box enables you to assign constraint to parametrically place the packaged component. When packaging or parametrically placing a component in an assembly, you may need to manipulate the layers at the part level to select the required references. Consider using the Search
11. Align A_2 of air_entry.asm to A_2 in the bolt_tie component. The components appear as shown in Figure 3–9.
Tool ( ) to find and apply a reference.
Figure 3–9 12. Select the button to close the Component Placement dialog box. Although one constraint has been added, it remains a packaged component until parametric constraints are added to fully locate it. Task 3: Package and finalize the 10_32_stud.prt in the assembly. As an alternative to using Insert > Component > Package > Add > Open option, you can package using the Component Placement dialog box.
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1.
Select the
button and assemble 10_32_stud.prt.
2.
Select the Move Tab in the Component Placement dialog box.
3.
Translate the stud to the intersection of the assembly datum planes, as shown in Figure 3–10, using Sel Plane option.
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Figure 3–10 4.
Select the button to confirm the placement of the packaged component. The packaged component appears in the model tree and is identified with an icon beside its name.
5.
Click Insert > Component > Finalize and select the 10_32_stud component. The Component Placement dialog box appears.
6.
Align A_2 in the bolt_tie component to A_2 in the 10_32_stud component.
7.
Mate the surfaces shown in Figure 3–11 using an offset value of [4].
Mate these surfaces
Figure 3–11
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8.
Select the button to complete the Component Placement using the allowed assumption. The model appears as shown in Figure 3–12. Now that the component is parametrically placed in the assembly, the component is no longer identified with an icon beside its name.
Figure 3–12 9.
Select air_entry.asm in the model tree and click Edit Definition in the pop-up menu. The Component Placement dialog box appears even though this assembly is packaged using Insert > Component > Package.
10. Select the Move tab in the Component Placement dialog box and explore how translation and rotation of the assembly works with the assigned alignment constraint. How does the movement of this assembly affect the stud? How would place the 10_32_stud to be able to translate or rotate it with the air_entry assembly? 11. Save the assembly and close the window.
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Chapter 4 Assembly Duplication Tools As with features, components are often reused throughout company designs. This chapter introduces a number of patterning and copying techniques to reuse existing designs. These techniques ensure efficiency and consistency when creating more complex assemblies.
This chapter introduces:
9Patterning Components 9Copying Components
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4.1 Pattern Tables Pattern tables enable you to generate a table of dimensional values that represents the placement of the patterned components. Tables enable you to create complex component configurations that you could otherwise not create using a dimensional pattern. For example, a pattern can be created with unequal increments. Consider using a pattern table in any of the following situations: • • •
A complex, irregular pattern is required that cannot be created using a dimensional pattern. Multiple models share the same pattern. The placement of the pattern instances must be relative to the pattern leader’s references, not the pattern leader.
An assembly with two components is shown in Figure 4–1. Both components have been patterned using a pattern table.
Figure 4–1
General Steps
Use the following general steps to create a reference pattern: 1.
Start the creation of the pattern.
2.
Set the pattern type.
3.
Select the driving dimensions.
4.
Edit the table.
5.
Save the table to disk, if necessary.
6.
Modify the pattern table, if necessary.
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Step 1: Start the creation of the pattern To start the creation of a pattern, select the component to be patterned and select the menu.
button or click Pattern in the pop-up
Step 2: Set the pattern type Select Table in the pattern type pull-down menu, as shown in Figure 4–2.
Pattern type pull-down menu Figure 4–2
Convert a dimension pattern to a table
In some cases, you may have already created a dimension pattern when you realize that it is not as flexible as you require. In these cases, you can convert this dimension pattern to a table and then modify the table to create the required pattern. To convert a dimension-driven pattern to table, use the following steps: 1.
Select the pattern in the model tree and click Edit Definition in the pop-up menu.
2.
Select Table from the pattern type pull-down menu. The dimensions used to create the dimensional pattern are added the table.
Once a table is converted from a dimension pattern to a table pattern, it cannot be converted back.
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Step 3: Select the driving dimensions To select more then one dimension to be included in the table, use the key while selecting the dimensions.
Pro/ENGINEER prompts you to select the dimensions to drive the pattern. The dimensions are added to the table and appear in the slide-up panel, as shown in Figure 4–3.
Figure 4–3
Step 4: Edit the table Any dimension added to a pattern table is a variable dimension and can be modified to create each pattern instance. Any dimensions associated with the component placement that were not used to drive the pattern are invariable. This means that modifications made to invariable dimensions are made to all pattern instances. To edit a table, select the
button in the dashboard. You can also
access the table editor by selecting the slide-up panel and clicking Edit in the pop-up menu, as shown in Figure 4–4.
Press the right mouse button in the slide-up panel to open the pop-up menu.
Figure 4–4
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The dimensions appear in the table in the order that they were selected from the model.
The dimensions that are selected to drive the pattern appear as columns in the table. Enter absolute values relative to the dimension references of the pattern leader, as shown in Figure 4–5.
Figure 4–5 Pattern tables are stored with the model as long as the pattern exists in the model. All existing pattern tables have unique names, which enable you to easily switch the pattern table that is driving the pattern.
Step 5: Save the table to disk, if necessary Tables that are stored to disk have a .ptb extension.
A pattern table can also be saved to a directory to reuse in another model. To save a pattern table to disk, select the slide-up panel and click Write in the pop-up menu. To load a pattern table from the disk to a pattern, select the pop-up menu.
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Step 6: Modify the pattern table, if necessary You can modify all pattern tables by clicking Edit > Pattern Table. The TABLES dialog box appears as shown in Figure 4–6.
Figure 4–6 By adding additional pattern tables to a pattern, you can create multiple design variations to use with family tables. To vary the pattern table used in a family table instance, enter the name of the pattern table.
All table-driven patterns in a model are listed in the TABLES dialog box. The active table for each pattern is indicated with a red arrow. Use the buttons at the bottom of the dialog box to modify a table: •
To change the table driving a pattern, select the table and select the
•
button.
To create a new table for use in a pattern, select the
button.
Once the table is created use the button to open the editor. The driving dimensions are those from the original pattern table. • •
Select the button to delete a table. To rename the selected table, select the
•
To save a table to the hard drive, select it and select the button. To read a table from the hard drive, select the pattern in the
•
current model and select the
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button.
button.
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4.2 Reference Patterns Reference patterns enable you to reference an existing pattern. The Reference option is only available when the component to be patterned references the leader of the original pattern. Figure 4–7 shows an example of a reference pattern. The bolt is constrained into the assembly using the leader of the existing component (the washer) that was patterned.
Figure 4–7
General Steps
Use the following general steps to create a reference pattern: 1.
Start the creation of the pattern.
2.
Set the pattern type.
3.
Complete the pattern.
Step 1: Start the creation of the pattern To start the creation of a pattern, select the component to be patterned and select the menu.
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button or click Pattern in the pop-up
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Step 2: Set the pattern type Reference patterns do not provide modifiable parameters for the number of instances or the increment values. The pattern is dependent on the parent pattern.
If the component being patterned references another pattern, the Reference pattern type is selected by default. If not already selected, select Reference from the pattern type pull-down menu, as shown in Figure 4–8.
Figure 4–8
Step 3: Complete the pattern Select the button to complete the pattern. The reference pattern is created automatically.
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4.3 Fill Patterns Fill patterns enable you to populate an entire area with members of a pattern or create a pattern that follows a curve. You can create a fill pattern using several grid styles and remove instances of the pattern that are not required. Figure 4–9 shows a fill pattern created using the spiral option.
Figure 4–9
General Steps
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Use the following general steps to create a reference pattern: 1.
Start the creation of the pattern.
2.
Set the pattern type.
3.
Define the fill area.
4.
Define the fill options.
5.
Remove members of the pattern, if necessary.
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Step 1: Start the creation of the pattern To start the creation of a pattern, select the component to be patterned and select the menu.
button or click Pattern in the pop-up
Step 2: Set the pattern type Select Fill from the pattern type pull-down menu, as shown in Figure 4–10.
Figure 4–10
Step 3: Define the fill area As with feature creation, a selected curve is copied into the pattern without an associative link. Pattern type pull-down menu
To define the fill area you can sketch it or select an existing sketched datum curve. To sketch the fill area select the Figure 4–11.
button, as shown in
Select this button to sketch the fill area
Figure 4–11
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Step 4: Define the fill options Once the fill area has been defined, several options become available on the dashboard that enable you to define the grid style, as shown in Figure 4–12. You can also manipulate the spacing and rotation of the pattern. Sets the spacing between the centers of the pattern members.
Grid Style
Sets the rotation of the grid about the origin.
Sets the distance of pattern members from the boarder. You can enter negative values.
Sets the radial spacing for circular and spiral grids.
Figure 4–12 The available grid styles are shown in Table 4–1. The resulting patterns are based on the model in Figure 4–13.
The fill area is sketched using the edge of the circular component.
The pattern leader
Figure 4–13 Table 4–1 Grid Style Square
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Pattern
Grid Style
Pattern
Circle
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Grid Style
Pattern
Grid Style
Diamond
Curve (Locates the pattern on a curve or along the fill area boundary.)
Triangle
Spiral
Pattern
Step 5: Remove members of pattern, if necessary If you remove a member from a pattern and want to re-add it after the pattern has been completed, select on the pattern in the model tree and select Edit Definition in the pop-up menu. Select the "hotspot" that represents the deleted member to re-add it.
Once you have defined the fill pattern, you can remove selected members from the pattern. To remove a member from the pattern, select the "hotspot(s)" representing the instance in the model; the hotspot(s) turn white indicating it is removed. Select the member again to re-add the instance. Figure 4–14 shows several members of a pattern that have been removed. These members have been deleted
Figure 4–14
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4.4 Copying The Copy option can be used to duplicate components in an assembly. Copy is similar to pattern but does not require an existing dimension to drive the copy. The location of the copied component is independent of the original; however, the geometry of the copied component is still dependant on the original like in a pattern.
General Steps
Use the following general steps to copy components in an assembly: 1.
Start the copy operation.
2.
Select the reference coordinate system.
3.
Select the component(s) to be copied.
4.
Define the first copy direction.
5.
Define additional copy directions.
6.
Modify the instances, as necessary.
Step 1: Start the copy operation To copy a component, click Edit > Component Operations > Copy.
Step 2: Select the reference coordinate system The first component in an assembly cannot be copied. Always consider this when determining the order of your assembly components.
To begin the copy operation you must select a coordinate system. This is used to determine the placement of the new component within the assembly. The transitional and rotational dimension values for the copied component are measured relative to this reference. You can select an existing coordinate system from the model or create a new one. To create a new coordinate system, select the button and use the COORDINATE SYSTEM dialog box to select the references for the coordinate system.
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Step 3: Select the component(s) to be copied A component can be selected from either the model tree or directly from the model. To select multiple components, press and hold the key while selecting. Select the
button to continue.
Step 4: Define the first copy direction Once you have selected the components, the menu appears as shown in Figure 4–15. This menu enables you to assign translational or rotational values to place the new copied component.
Figure 4–15 To translate or rotate a component, click Translate or Rotate and select the axis along which you want the copied feature to translate or rotate. Once an axis is selected, enter the distance of translation or the angle of rotation at the message window prompt. You can continue using a combination of the translation or rotation options to locate the copied component. Once translation and rotation values have been defined, click Done Move. Enter the number of instances along the multiply direction. As with patterns, enter the total amount of copied instances you require including the original.
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In Figure 4–16 component A is first rotated 45° along the Z-axis, then translated 2 units in the X-direction and -1 units in the Y-direction. Component B is the resulting copied component.
Figure 4–16
Step 5: Define additional copy directions To define the second copy direction, continue defining translational or rotational values. This enables you to define an array of components (i.e., copied in two directions). Once you have defined the move and entered the number of instances, continue adding additional copy directions using the same process. In Figure 4–17, component A is copied by first translating -1 units along the Y-axis. Four instances including the original are specified for this move. The component is then rotated 10° about the Z-axis and translated 2 units in the X-direction. Three instances including the original are specified for the move. The resulting component has twelve instances, as shown in Figure 4–17.
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Figure 4–17
Step 6: Modify the instances, as necessary Each copied instance is treated as a separate component. Individual instances can be deleted or edited without affecting the rest of the copied instances. To edit the dimensions of a copied feature, select it and click Edit in the pop-up menu. This displays the translation and rotation dimensions that were specified when the component was added.
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Exercise 4a Goal
Copy and Pattern In this exercise, you will assemble a compressor vane and pattern and copy components to the assembly model. The model shown in Figure 4–18 is final assembly.
Figure 4–18 After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 Assemble multi-component model 9 Pattern assembly components 9 Copy assembly components Task 1: Create a new assembly and assemble vane_plate. 1.
Change your working directory to the Compressor directory if it is not already set as the working directory.
2.
Create a new assembly called [vane] using the default template.
3.
Select the button and assemble vane_plate.prt using the following constraints: • Align datum plane RIGHT in the vane_plate to ASM_RIGHT in the assembly. • Align datum plane FRONT in the vane_plate to ASM_FRONT in the assembly. • Align datum plane TOP in the vane_plate to ASM_TOP in the assembly. Assign an offset value of 0.0 to this constraint.
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The component appears as shown in Figure 4–19.
Figure 4–19 Task 2: Duplicate the first component using the Copy option. 1.
Click Edit > Component Operations > Copy to copy to the component in the assembly.
2.
Select the ASM_DEF_CSYS as the reference coordinate system.
3.
Select the vane_plate.prt as the component to copy. The message area prompts, “First assembly component cannot be moved or copied.” This component must be duplicated using another method because you cannot copy the first component in the assembly using the Copy option.
Task 3: Pattern the first component. You can also select vane_plate and click Pattern in the pop-up menu.
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1.
Select the vane_plate in the model tree and select the button.
2.
The dimension [0.0] appears on the model (in yellow).
3.
Select the 0.0 dimension as the pattern dimension. This was the offset dimension that was used to align datum plane TOP in the vane_plate to ASM_TOP in the assembly.
4.
Enter [0.425] as the increment.
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5.
By default, the number of instances in a pattern is set to two. Select the button to complete the pattern. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 4–20.
Figure 4–20 Task 4: Assemble the vane_blade component.
1.
Select the button and assemble vane_blade.prt using the following constraints: • Insert the surfaces shown in Figure 4–21Figure 4–21.
Insert these surfaces Figure 4–21 • Mate the top surface of vane_blade with inside of the top of vane_plate.
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• Align datum plane RIGHT of the vane _blade to ASM_RIGHT. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 4–22.
Figure 4–22 Task 5: Copy the vane_blade.
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1.
Click Edit > Component Operations > Copy.
2.
Select the ASM_DEF_CSYS as the reference coordinate system.
3.
Select vane_blade.prt as the component to copy.
4.
Click Rotate in the EXIT menu and Y Axis in the ROTATE DIR menu.
5.
Enter [22.5] as the rotation angle.
6.
Click Done Move in the EXIT menu.
7.
Enter [16] as the number of instances.
8.
Click Done in the EXIT menu. The model appears as shown in Figure 4–23.
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Figure 4–23 Task 6: Create and pattern a sketched datum point to assemble the next component. 1.
To add the angular dimension, create a construction line through the point and the ASM_DEF_CSYS and dimension to this line.
Sketch the datum point shown in Figure 4–24. Use datum plane Top of the top vane_plate as the sketching plane. Select the orientation reference so that the model appears as shown in Figure 4–24. Select the appropriate references.
APTN0
Figure 4–24
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2.
Select datum point APNT0 and select the APNT0 dimensions appear.
button. The
3.
Select the [45°] dimension and enter [8] as number of instances in the dashboard, as shown in Figure 4–25.
Select in this collector field and enter [8] as the number of instances Figure 4–25 4.
Complete the pattern. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 4–26.
Figure 4–26 Task 7: Assemble the vane_stud component.
1.
Select the button and assemble vane_stud.prt using the following constraints: • Align PNT0 to APNT0. • Mate the top surface of the vane_plate with the vane_stud surface shown in Figure 4–27.
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Mate this hidden surface with the top surface of the vane_plate Figure 4–27 2.
Accept the Allowed Assumption and complete the assembly. The model appears as shown in Figure 4–28. Stud
Figure 4–28 Task 8: Pattern the vane_stud.
1.
Select vane_stud and select the button. The pattern dashboard appears with the Reference option available as shown in Figure 4–29. This option is available because the vane_stud is assembled to a datum point that is already patterned in the assembly.
Figure 4–29
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2.
Complete the pattern. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 4–30.
Figure 4–30 Task 9: Assemble the vane_stud component. 1.
Reorient the model so that it appears as shown in Figure 4–31.
Figure 4–31
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2.
Select the button and assemble vane_stud.prt using the following constraints: • Mate the top surface of the vane_plate with the vane_stud surface shown in Figure 4–27. Enter [0.0] as the offset value. • Align datum plane RIGHT in the vane_stud with a new datum plane created through axis A_2 of the vane_plate and at [45°] to ASM_RIGHT. Enter [0.0] as the offset value. • Mate datum plane FRONT in the vane_stud with a new datum plane created through axis A_2 of the vane_plate and normal to ADTM1. Enter [4.5] as the offset value.
The assembly appears as shown in Figure 4–32. The vane_stud appears in the model tree as a Group because it includes the datum planes that were created to constrain it in the assembly.
Stud
Figure 4–32 Task 10: Pattern the stud. 1.
Select the Group AUTO_GROUP for the vane_stud and select the
button.
2.
Select Dimension in the pattern type pull-down menu in the dashboard.
3.
Select the 45° dimension.
4.
Enter [22.5] as the increment value for the pattern.
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5.
Enter [16] as the number of pattern instances. The model appears as shown in Figure 4–33.
Figure 4–33 6.
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Save the assembly and erase it from memory.
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Chapter 5 Assembly Family Tables An assembly family table enables you to quickly and easily create variations in your design. Family tables can be used to create similar assemblies instead of re-creating similar assemblies multiple times.
This chapter introduces:
9Creating assembly family tables 9Modifying assembly family tables
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5.1 Creating Assembly Family Tables Family tables are created and stored within a model. A family table can be as simple as representing the design variations in an assembly or it can be used to create similar assemblies. A family table can be created for any assembly by adding items such as dimensions, parameters, components or features to its family table. Once the items are added, variations of the model can be created; these variations are known as instances. An example of an assembly family table is shown in Figure 5–1.
Figure 5–1
General Steps
Use the following general steps to create a part family table: 1.
Open the family table editor.
2.
Add items to the family table.
3.
Add instances to the family table.
4.
Manipulate the family table instances.
5.
Create a multi-level family table, if necessary.
6.
Verify the family table.
7.
Retrieve an instance.
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Step 1: Open the family table editor A family table is created in the original (generic) model. To open the family table editor click Tools > Family Table. The Family Table dialog box appears as shown in Figure 5–2.
Figure 5–2
Step 2: Add items to the family table Begin creating the family table by adding any items that will be varied in the instances. Remember the design intent of the model when selecting which items to add to a family table. Consider what design variations are required and can be created. To start adding items to the family table, select the Family Items dialog box appears. When you select the Parameters option, the Parameter dialog box appears. Parameters can be selected from this dialog box.
button. The
Items such as assembly dimensions and features, components, parameters, groups and pattern tables can all be added to the table. Select the type of item you want to add in the Add Item section of the dialog box and select the item from the screen or the model tree. Items are added as columns in the family table. The order in which the items are selected is the order in which they will appear in the family table. For example, the fastener assembly shown in Figure 5–3 comes in several versions.
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Cotter Pin
Assembly-level hole
Figure 5–3 Depending on where the assembly is used, it may need a cotter pin, straight pin or no pin at all. The offset distance the bolt is from the holder also varies; therefore, the offset distance of the pin hole must be changed when the bolt offset distance changes. These items all need to be added to the family table. Figure 5–4 shows all the required family table items listed in the family items dialog box.
Figure 5–4 Once you finish adding the items to include in the family table, select the
button to return to the Family Table dialog box.
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Step 3: Add instances to the family table The rows of the table represent the unique instances of the generic assembly. Instances can be added by editing the family table or patterning an existing instance (discussed in Step 4:). To add instances, select the button in the Family Table dialog box. Each row added represents one instance. Figure 5–5 shows three instances add to the family table.
Generic Part User-Defined Instance
Family table items
The asterisk means that the value of this instance is the same as in the generic
Figure 5–5 Before any changes are made, the instances have an asterisk (*) in the cells of each column. This indicates that the value used in the instance is the same as that of the generic. An asterisk is also used in cells where an actual value is unnecessary (i.e., if the dimension is controlling a component that is suppressed).
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Step 4: Manipulate the family table instances Once the columns and rows have been added to the table, you can change the values for each item to suit the requirements for a particular instance.
Component Manipulation
A component that is added to a family table can be suppressed or replaced in instances. It can be replaced by another component that belongs in its family table or interchange group. Place the new component in the assembly instance by entering the instance or model name. In Figure 5–6 the generic component COTTER_PIN is replaced with its family table instance PIN in instance CONFIG2. Suppress a component in an instance by entering an “N” in the appropriate cell. For example, the instances CONFIG3, CONFIG4 and CONFIG5 all have the cotter_pin component and the Assembly Feature Hole suppressed, as shown in Figure 5–6.
Figure 5–6
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Pattern
Once an instance is created, you can pattern it to create additional instances with varying values for selected items (e.g., parameters, dimensions). Use the following steps to pattern an instance: 1.
Select the button. The Pattern Instance dialog box appears as shown in Figure 5–7.
Figure 5–7
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2.
Enter the number of instances required in the Quantity field.
3.
In the Items section at the bottom of the dialog box, use the button to move the items that you want to vary from the left-hand side to the right-hand side.
4.
Enter an incremental value in the Increment field for each varying item. A positive value indicates an increasing increment and a negative value indicates a decreasing increment.
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The dialog box shown in Figure 5–8 is set to create five instances. The offset value will decrease by 1and bolt_constraint dimension will increase by 0.5. Enter negative values for the increment if you want the increment to decrease.
Figure 5–8 5.
Select the button to complete the patterned instance. The family table populates automatically.
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Controlling Lower Level Items
For an item to be added to an assembly family table, it must exist in the assembly. An entire subassembly is considered one component at the top-level. To add individual components of a subassembly, a family table must be created in the subassembly. Instances of this subassembly can be added to the top-level family table.
For the dimension to update in the part when changed at the assembly level, you must add the dimension to a family table at the part level; otherwise, the dimension does not update when the parameter driving the dimension is changed at the assembly level.
By the same token, dimensions or parameters controlling features in a component cannot be added to a family table because the item is in the part. To control items that belong to the component level, a relation must be created at the assembly level. This relation equates an assembly level parameter to the component level dimension or parameter. This assembly parameter can then be added to the family table. Changing the assembly parameter in the family table causes the relation to change the component level dimension or parameter.
Step 5: Create a multi-level family table, if necessary Every instance can be used as the generic for its own family table. This results in multi-level family tables (i.e. nested family tables). Multi-level family tables cab be used to manage large data sets. For example, the fastener’s family table in Figure 5–9 has five instances. If each instance has six hole diameters, the table would require 30 rows of data. Creating separate family tables for each instance makes data management easier. The symbol in the Type column for CONFIG1 indicates that it has its own family table.
Figure 5–9
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Step 6: Verify the family table A model must successfully regenerate to open an instance. To check that the instances are valid, select the button in the Family Table dialog box. The Family Tree dialog box appears, which enables you to select individual instances or regenerate all instances in the family table. The regeneration status of each instance appears in the Verify status column of the dialog box. The regeneration status is also written to a file called .tst. Figure 5–10 shows the Family Tree dialog box after the instances have been verified. Notice that instance CONFIG3 has failed regeneration. The instance values must be adjusted so that the model can regenerate and the instance can be opened.
Figure 5–10
Step 7: Retrieve an instance By default, if an instance index file exists, all of the instances are shown in the Open dialog box when opening the generic model.
The family table information, including each instance, is stored with the generic assembly file. When opening the assembly, you are prompted to retrieve the generic or one of the instances, as shown in Figure 5–11.
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Figure 5–11 An instance can also be opened directly from the generic by clicking Tools > Family Table. Select the instance in the Family Table dialog box and select the
Instance Index
button.
The instance index file (stored in the current working directory as .idx) enables you to open instances by name from the Open dialog box. The instance index file contains cross-references for all Pro/ENGINEER files with family tables in that directory. Once you have verified the instances and saved the generic model file, an instance index file is automatically created or updated to include the newly saved generic assembly and its instances. You can also manually create or update the instance index file by clicking File > Instance Operations > Update Index. To remove the instances from display when opening the file, you can set the menu_show_instances config.pro option to No.
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5.2 Modifying Family Tables Models are constantly modified to reach the final design. The following examples describe how to manage changes to a generic model that contains family table instances. The component and dimensions shown in Figure 5–12 are used as family table items.
Component (Cotter_pin)
Figure 5–12
Modifying family tables
To modify a dimension in an instance, open the instance and change the value using the standard modification techniques or use the family table editor by selecting the cell and entering a new value. Any modifications made to an instance also updates in the family table editor. An example is shown in Figure 5–13. Dimension to be modified in the CONFIG2 instance
Figure 5–13 Pro/ENGINEER: Advanced Assembly Design and Management
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Modifying non-family tables
Any modifications to items that do not belong to the family table can be modified in the generic or in an instance, as shown in Figure 5–14. These changes are reflected in the generic and all its instances.
Non-family table dimensions can be modified in the generic or the instance. Instance
Generic
Figure 5–14
Adding components to the generic model
Generic
Adding a component to the generic is reflected in the generic and in all instances, as shown in Figure 5–15. The feature is not added to the family table.
Components added to the generic are also added to instances. They are not added to the family table.
Instance
Figure 5–15
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Adding components to an instance
Generic
Adding a component to an instance creates an additional column in the family table. The generic is permanently marked as "N" to prevent the component from appearing in the generic model. By default, all instances are assigned with an asterisk (*) to maintain the same status as the generic; however, this can be modified in the family table editor. Components added to an instance are not added to the generic, as shown in Figure 5–16. Components added to an instance are not added to the generic. The component’s presence in other instances depends on the value in the Family Table.
Instance: CONFIG2
Figure 5–16
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Deleting components from an instance
If a component is deleted from an instance, the following scenarios may occur: • •
If the component exists in the family table, the value of the instance is changed to "N". If the component does not exist in the family table, the item is added to the family table and the value is changed to "N". The generic is assigned the value of "Y" and all other instances are assigned as "*" to maintain the same status as the generic.
An example is shown in Figure 5–17.
Components deleted in an instance are marked as "N" in the Family Table. Generic
Instance: CONFIG2
Figure 5–17
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Deleting components from the generic
If a component is deleted from the generic, it is deleted from all instances. If the item is a family table item, the column is removed from the table, as shown in Figure 5–18.
Components deleted from the generic are also deleted from all instances.
Instance
Generic
Figure 5–18
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Exercise 5a Goal
Assembly Family Tables In this exercise, you will assemble the compressor’s stator_blade to the stator_band using the coordinate system constraint. Once assembled, you will create a family table and pattern the blades in the generic. The final generic model is shown in Figure 5–19. This assembly will be assembled into the rotor in a upcoming exercise.
Figure 5–19 After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 Create an assembly family table Task 1: Open the blade part. 1.
Change your working directory to the Compressor directory if it is not already set as the working directory.
2.
Open stator_blade.prt.
3.
The Select Instance dialog box appears, indicating that the part has family table instances. Select The generic and select the button.
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4.
Click Tools > Family Table. The family table appears as shown in Figure 5–22. The table rows represent variations of the generic part with the ANGLE and BLADE_HEIGHT parameter values specified in the columns.
ANGLE parameter BLADE_HEIGHT parameter
Generic Model
Figure 5–20 5.
Select the button to open the Family Tree dialog box. Notice that all the family instances have been successfully verified. Close the dialog box.
6.
Select each instance and select the instance.
7.
Select the
8.
Close the model.
button to preview each
button to close the family table.
Task 2: Open the band part. 1.
Open stator_band.prt.
2.
The Select Instance dialog box appears, indicating that the part has family table instances. Select The generic and select the button. The band part appears as shown in Figure 5–21.
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Figure 5–21 3.
Click Tools > Family Table. The family table for the band part appears as shown in Figure 5–22.
Generic Model
The last two columns in the family table are dimensions that ensure that the stator_band cuts are a constant size as it is projected from its sketch plane to the band.
ROTATE_ANGLE (angle between cuts)
VANES (number of cuts)
PITCH
Figure 5–22
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4.
Select the button to open the Family Tree dialog box. Notice that all the family instances have been successfully verified. Close the dialog box.
5.
Select each instance and select the instance.
6.
Select the
7.
Save the model.
button to preview each
button to close the family table.
Task 3: Create a new design assembly and assemble the stator_band. 1.
Create a new assembly called [pattern_1] using the default template.
2.
Select the button and assemble the generic instance of the stator_band part.
3.
Assemble the part stator_band as the first component at the default location using the shown in Figure 5–23.
button. The model appears as
Figure 5–23 Task 4: Assemble the stator_blade component.
1.
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Select the button and assemble the generic instance of the stator_blade part.
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2.
Assemble using the Coord Sys constraint type and select CS0 in both the stator_band and in the stator_blade. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 5–24.
Figure 5–24 Task 5: Create an assembly family table. 1.
Click Tools > Family Table. The Family Table dialog box for the pattern_1 assembly appears.
2.
Select the items.
3.
Select the Component option in the Family Items dialog box and select the STATOR_BAND.PRT and the STATOR_BLADE.PRT from the model tree. The Family Items dialog box appears as shown in Figure 5–25.
button to open the Family Items dialog box to add
Figure 5–25
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Each row added to the table represents one instance.
4.
Select the
button. The Family Table dialog box appears.
5.
Select the button in the Family Table dialog box and add five instances to the table.
6.
Edit the family table instance information as shown in Figure 5–26.
Figure 5–26 7.
Select the
button to Open the Family Tree dialog box.
Select the button to verify the family instances. Close the dialog box once all the instances are successfully verified. 8.
Preview each instance using the close the Family Table dialog box.
9.
Save the assembly.
button. Once finished,
Task 6: Pattern the blade component along the band. Alternatively, you can select the model and click Pattern in the pop-up menu.
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1.
Select the stator_blade and select the
button.
2.
The pattern dashboard appears with Reference selected as the pattern type. The blade can be patterned by referencing the other coordinate systems on the band, all of which were originally patterned themselves.
3.
Select the button to complete the pattern. The model appears as shown in Figure 5–27.
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Figure 5–27 4.
Click Tools > Family Table.
5.
Open each instance. Notice that the STATOR_BLADE is patterned in the instances.
6.
Save the assembly and close the window.
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Chapter 6 Assembly Management Your efficiency in working in Assembly mode is often determined by your use of assembly management techniques. The techniques used to control the display of components and features not only simplify the visual display, but also decrease retrieval and refresh times. Familiarity with component operations, such as Restructure, can also increase overall efficiency when making substantial changes to an assembly’s structure.
This chapter introduces:
9Component Display Styles 9Layers in Assembly Mode 9Suppressing and Resuming 9Restructure
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6.1 Component Display Styles By default, all components in an assembly are displayed using the global display settings. The choice of setting can affect the display refresh rates for large assemblies. Table 6–1 describes the four display types and how they affect the display. The global display settings can be set using the toolbar buttons or using the Environment dialog box.
Table 6–1 Option
Button
Description
Wireframe
Reduces the display refresh rates in situations such as when the model is reoriented or regenerated.
Hidden Line
Facilitates better visualization of the model by displaying hidden lines in a different color. This option can take more time to refresh for large, detailed models.
No Hidden
Facilitates better visualization of the model by not displaying hidden lines. This option can take even more time to refresh for large, detailed models.
Shading
Shades all the model surfaces. Performance is highly dependent on the hardware’s graphics capabilities.
Instead of using the same display setting for all components, you can specify display styles, which enable you to assign display settings to individual components, as shown in Figure 6–1.
Figure 6–1
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General Steps
Use the following general steps to set display styles for individual components: 1.
Open the View Manager.
2.
Create a display style.
3.
Defines display settings for the components.
4.
Complete the display style.
5.
Edit the display style, as necessary.
Step 1: Open the View Manager Display styles are set using the View Manager. To open the View Manager, select the button in the toolbar or click View > View Manager. Select the Style tab, as shown in Figure 6–2.
Figure 6–2
Step 2: Create a display style To create a display style, select the button. Enter a name for the style and press the key. The View Manager appears as shown in Figure 6–3.
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The icon indicates the active display setting.
Figure 6–3
Step 3: Define display settings for the components To define the display settings for the components, select the button. Select a component from the model tree and select the required display setting from the top row of buttons in the Style tab. The component and its display setting is displayed in the View Manager dialog box, as shown in Figure 6–4. Instead of using the section to define a component’s display setting, you can use the Redefine option in the pull-down menu. This option enables you to use the button to define rules for selecting the components. Figure 6–4
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Similar to the global display settings you can assign a wireframe shaded
, hidden line
or no hidden
component. In addition, you can use the
,
display settings to a button to blank a
component or the button to assign a display style from a selected component. For example, when an assembly with a defined style is assembled into a top-level assembly you can use its user-defined style in the top-level assembly). Continue selecting components and assigning display settings as necessary.
Step 4: Complete the display style Once you finish defining display settings for components, select the button to return to the list of display styles. The current style that was just defined has a + symbol adjacent to its name, as shown in Figure 6–5. To display the style in the model tree, select the button and click Add Column. To remove the column click Remove Column.
Figure 6–5 The + symbol indicates that the style has been modified. Select the button and click Update to update the style. Select the button to complete the display style.
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Step 5: Edit the display style, as necessary To make changes to an existing display style, access the View Manger and select the
button to redefine the component
display settings. Alternatively, you can use the options in the pull-down menu to remove, copy, or rename an existing style. You can also set temporary display styles by clicking Edit > Display Style, as shown in Figure 6–6.
Figure 6–6 Temporary display styles can be used to quickly control the display of components without having to use the View Manager. A temporary display style is not saved with the model unless you explicitly open the View Manger and create a new style.
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6.2 Layers in Assembly Mode Layers enable you to organize model items (e.g., solid features, datum features and components) in an assembly so that you can perform display operations on those items collectively. A layer can contain any number of features and components, and any one item can exist on more than one layer. For example, several datum features can be placed together on a layer, which is then blanked so those datums are not displayed. All other datum features are still visible.
General Steps
Use the following general steps to create a layer: 1.
Access the layer tree.
2.
Create the layer.
3.
Add features or components to the layer.
4.
Set and save the display status of the layer.
5.
Modify the layer, as necessary.
Step 1: Access the layer tree All layer information can be found on the layer tree. Select the button on the toolbar or select the button in the model tree button and click Layer Tree. The layer tree replaces the model tree, as shown in Figure 6–7.
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Figure 6–7 All models created using the default Pro/ENGINEER templates contain default layers. These default layers are set up to automatically include datum features (i.e., planes, axes, curves, points, and coordinate systems) and surfaces that are added to the model.
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Step 2: Create the layer To create a new layer, select the button in the layer tree and click New Layer. The Layer Properties dialog box appears, as shown in Figure 6–8.
Figure 6–8 The default name of a new layer is LAY000#, where # represents the number of layers that are created in the model. For example, the first layer that is created in the model is, by default, called LAY0001. It is recommended that you replace this name with one that describes the contents of the layer. Layer names can be numeric or alphanumeric, with a maximum of 31 characters. Names cannot consist of special characters (i.e.,!,%,&) or spaces; if a space is required, consider using an underscore (_).
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Step 3: Add features or components to the layer You can use the selection filter at the bottom of the main window to help select the correct item on the model.
Select features or components in the model tree or directly on the model to populate the layer. The Layer Properties dialog box appears as shown in Figure 6–9.
The button enables you to pause the selection of items without closing the Layer Properties dialog box. This button is useful if you want to review features before adding them to the layer.
Figure 6–9 Items are listed under the Contents tab. Select the
button to
add items to the layer. Once added, the status updates to the symbol. Select the
button to exclude an item from the layer
without actually removing it. Excluded items appear with the status. To remove an item from the layer, select it in the Contents tab of the dialog box and select the items to a layer, select the
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button. Once you finish adding button.
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Add part level features to a layer
If you are adding part features to a layer created at the assembly level, the system prompts you to create a new layer at the part level, as shown on the left-hand side of Figure 6–10. If a layer already exists in the part with the same name as the assembly layer, the system prompts you to add the item to the part layer, as shown on the right-hand side of Figure 6–10. Dialog box if the selected items from the assembly do not already exist in a part layer
Dialog box if the selected items from the assembly do already exist in a part layer
Figure 6–10 Assembly level layers can control the display of part level layers with the same name.
For example, the layer tree shown in Figure 6–11 has an assembly level layer called DATUMS. This layer includes datums from both assembly level and part level. Since datums from clamp.prt were added to the assembly level layer, the DATUMS layer is also created in the clamp.prt model.
Figure 6–11
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Step 4: Set and save the display status of the layer The display status of a layer can include the following settings: • • • •
Blank
Blank Unblank Isolate Hidden Line
The Blank status temporarily removes items in the layer from the display. To set a Blank status, select the layer in the layer tree, press the right mouse button and click Blank Layer in the pop-up menu. Alternatively, select the layer, select the Blank.
button and click
When blanking layers in a part, only the datum items in the layer are blanked. If you must remove a solid feature from the display, consider using the Suppress option. When blanking layers in an assembly, the solid components placed on a layer are blanked.
Unblank
The Unblank status sets all items on the layer to be visible. This is the default display status for all new layers.
Isolate
The Isolate status enables you to show only certain layers among a large number of layers. For example, if you isolate two of ten layers, only those two are displayed. All layers that do not have their display status set to Isolate are blanked. To isolate a layer, select the button and click Advanced Display > Isolate.
Hidden
The Hidden status enables you to display components in accordance with the Environment settings for hidden-line display. Other items on the hidden layers are not affected. The Environment settings are as follows: • • • •
Wireframe = Shown Hidden Line = Hidden Line No Hidden Line = Blanked Shading = Shown
To set the display status of a layer to Hidden, select the button and click Advanced Display > Hidden Line. Pro/ENGINEER: Advanced Assembly Design and Management
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Layer Info
To view the current display status of a layer, click Layer Info in the right-mouse button pop-up menu. The Information Window for the selected layer appears as shown in Figure 6–12.
Figure 6–12 The following two lines in the Information Window identify the layer’s display status: • •
Current Layer Operation Save Layer Operation
The Current Layer Operation line identifies the display status of the layer in the current session of Pro/ENGINEER. The Save Layer Operation line identifies the saved status of the layer. The model always opens using the saved display status for each layer. Select the button to access options for displaying layers. Click Save Status to save the display status of all layers in the model and click Reset Status to set the display status to the previously saved layer.
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Step 5: Modify the layer, as necessary To perform actions on a layer, the layer tree must be displayed. You can make the following modifications on a layer using the layer tree: • • • • To display the layer tree, select the the toolbar.
button on
Add items to a layer Remove items from a layer Delete a layer Copy and paste items between layers
To add and remove items, select the button in the layer tree and click the appropriate option. You can also use the options in the right-mouse button pop-up menu or use the original Layer Properties dialog box by clicking Layer Properties in the right-mouse button pop-up menu. To delete all items from the layer without using the Layer Properties dialog box, select the layer, select the button and click Remove All Items. All items on the layer are removed, but the layer remains in the model. To delete an entire layer, select the layer and click Delete Layer in the pop-up menu.
To select multiple items in the layer tree, press and hold the key while selecting the items. To select all items between two selected items, press and hold the key while selecting the first and last items on the tree.
Default Layers
Items from one layer can be copied and pasted to another layer by using the options in the pull-down menu or the right-mouse button pop-up menu. To copy an item, select them in the layer tree and click Copy Item. To paste an item, select the new layer and click Paste Item.
You can create additional default layers that appear automatically in the layer tree once a particular type of item is added to the model. For example, if you want to automatically place threaded features as they are created on their own layer, set the configuration option Def_Layer to “layer_thread_feat Threads”, where Threads is the name of the layer. A complete list of the default layers can be found in the Pro/ENGINEER Help system.
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6.3 Suppress and Resume Suppressed features and components are temporarily removed from the display and the regeneration sequence. This simplifies the appearance of the model and decreases the amount of time it takes to regenerate. For example, if a component is suppressed and the assembly is saved, that component is not retrieved into session the next time the assembly is opened. This can save considerable time when retrieving large assemblies. In Figure 6–13 the cut is suppressed and is therefore removed from the model tree and the regeneration sequence. The cut feature is suppressed
Figure 6–13
General Steps
Use the following general steps to suppress features or components: 1.
Select the items to be suppressed.
2.
Suppress the selected items.
3.
Resume items as necessary.
Step 1: Select the items to be suppressed Select the feature or component to be suppressed from the model tree or directly on the model. Careful consideration must be taken with regard to parent/child relationships. By default, all children are suppressed with their parents.
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Step 2: Suppress the selected items All suppressed settings are saved when the model is explicitly saved to disk.
To suppress the selected item, click Suppress in the pop-up menu or click Edit > Suppress in the menu bar. When suppressing a feature/component with children, all children are also selected and the Suppress dialog box appears as shown in Figure 6–14.
Figure 6–14 Select the
button to confirm suppression of the
feature/component and all its children or select the button to cancel the operation. For advanced options on controlling children, select the button. The Children Handling dialog box appears as shown in Figure 6–15.
Figure 6–15 You can set the status of any of the children to Suppress, Suspend or Freeze: •
The Suppress status suppresses the child with the parent. By default, the status is set to Suppress.
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•
•
The Suspend status temporarily removes the parent/child relationship, which enables you to edit the feature or component separately. Suspending does not suppress the child; however, the child cannot be regenerated with its parent missing. If you attempt to regenerate the model, it will fail and an Information Window appears indicating that the parent of the feature/component is missing. The Freeze status can also be assigned when suppressing a parent component or feature. Freezing enables you to lock the item in its current location so that you can continue working in the assembly.
Step 3: Resume items as necessary Suppressed items can be restored to the display by clicking Edit > Resume. The following options are available to resume previously suppressed items: • • • • The Resume option is only available if a suppressed feature is selected in the model tree first.
Resume Selected Last All
If the suppressed feature/component is displayed in the model tree, you can resume it by selecting it and clicking Resume in the pop-up menu. A selected item can also be resumed by clicking Edit > Resume > Selected. By default, all suppressed items are removed from the model tree display when they are suppressed. To display the suppressed features/components in the model tree, select the button in the model tree, click Tree Filters and select Suppressed Objects from the Display section of the Model Tree Items dialog box. Suppressed items are marked with a black dot in the model tree, as shown in Figure 6–16.
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Note that resuming individual items using the Resume option in the pop-up menu can cause failures if the resumed feature/component references items that are still suppressed.
Four components are suppressed in this assembly.
Figure 6–16 The Last option restores the last set of suppressed objects, while the All option restores all of the features/components that are currently suppressed in the model.
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6.4 Restructure Restructuring enables you to move components from one assembly to another while remaining in a top-level assembly. Components can be restructured from a top-level assembly into a subassembly or from a subassembly to a higher level assembly. The model trees shown in Figure 6–17 shows components that were restructured from the top-level assembly into a subassembly.
The rotor assembly is restructured so that components are moved into the BLADES subassembly.
Figure 6–17 Remember to consider any parent/child relationships that may result when you move from a top-level assembly into a subassembly. References to the original top-level assembly will be missing if the subassembly is retrieved into session on its own, which means you must redefine references to fix the failure.
General Steps
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Use the following general steps to restructure components: 1.
Start the restructuring operation.
2.
Select the component to move.
3.
Select the target component.
4.
Continue moving components as necessary.
5.
Break external references as necessary.
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Step 1: Start the restructuring operation To begin restructuring, click Edit > Restructure. A RESTRUCTURE STATUS column is added to the model tree, as shown in Figure 6–18. This column helps identify which components are being moved.
Figure 6–18
Step 2: Select the component to move Once the Restructure menu is open, the system prompts you to select a component to move. Select the component from the model tree or on the model. The model tree updates the RESTRUCTURE STATUS column to identify the component being moved.
Step 3: Select the target component Select the target component by selecting in the model tree or on the model. The model tree updates to show the selected component as part of the target subassembly. To undo the last move, click Undo Last in the RESTRUCTURE menu.
Step 4: Continue moving components as necessary When restructuring, only one component can be moved at a time. You can continue moving components using the RESTRUCTURE menu. Once you have completed all restructuring, click Done.
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Step 5: Break external references as necessary In many situations, a restructured subassembly fails when it is opened without the top-level assembly being in session. This failure occurs because the placement references were established in the top-level when the component was originally assembled. These references are missing from the moved component when the subassembly is retrieved on its own. To resolve the failure, you must redefine component placement references or freeze the component within the subassembly.
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Exercise 6a Goal
Layers In this exercise, you will practice management techniques using layer and display options. After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 9 9 9 9
Blank layers Create new layers Review the content of a layer Copy a layer Define a component display state
Task 1: Open the assembly called rotor.asm.
If you did not complete the rotor assembly in exercise 3a, open rotor_final2.asm.
1.
Change your working directory to the Compressor directory if it is not already set as the working directory.
2.
Open rotor.asm. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 6–19.
Figure 6–19
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Task 2: Investigate the assembly. 1.
Select the button in the model tree and click Expand All in the pop-up menu to show the complete list of components in all levels of the assembly. You can select any component in the model tree to see its location and geometry highlight in red in the model.
2.
Select the button in the model tree and click Tree Filters in the pop-up menu. The Model Tree Items dialog box appears as shown in Figure 6–20.
Figure 6–20 3.
Select the Features, Notes and Suppressed Objects options and select the button to close the dialog box. All features, notes and suppressed objects will not be listed in the model tree.
4.
Open the AIR_ENTRY.ASM subassembly. Notice how the filter settings also reflect in the model tree display in other windows.
Task 3: Blank an existing default layer.
You can also select the button in the toolbar to access the layer tree.
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1.
Activate the top-level rotor assembly.
2.
Select the button in the model tree and click Layer Tree. The model tree is replaced with the layer tree, where all default and user-defined layers are displayed.
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You can also click Blank Layer in the pop-up menu to blank a layer.
3.
Press and hold the key and select the three layers in the layer tree default layers that are associated with the datum points (04_ALL_DTM_PNT, 04_ASM_ALL_DTM_PNT, and 04__PRT_ALL_DTM_PNT).
4.
Select the pop-up menu.
5.
Ensure that the datum points are displayed and select the button to update the display. All of the points should be removed from the display.
button in the layer tree and click Blank in the
Task 4: Create new layers and blank them. 1.
Select the button in the layer tree and click New Layer in the pop-up menu. The Layer Properties dialog box appears as shown in Figure 6–21.
Figure 6–21 2.
Enter [air_entry] as the name of the layer.
3.
Return to the model tree and select the AIR_ENTRY.ASM to include in the new layer.
4.
Select the
button.
5.
Select the
button in the toolbar to return to the layer tree.
6.
Move your mouse over the layer tree and click New Layer in the pop-up menu.
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7.
Enter [impeller_parts] as the name of the layer.
8.
Return to the model tree and select all of the parts between and including IMPELLER.PRT and FIRST_STAGE.PRT.
9.
Select the
button.
10. Create a third layer called [stud] and select 10_32_STUD.PRT to include in the new layer. 11. Return to the layer tree and select the three user-defined layers (AIR_ENTRY, IMPELLER_PARTS, and STUD) by pressing and holding the as you are selecting the layer names. You can also click Blank in the pop-up menu.
12. Select the
button in the layer tree and click Blank.
Select the button to refresh the screen. All but one of the components have been removed from the display, as shown in Figure 6–22. COUPLING_ADAPTOR is the only displayed component.
Figure 6–22 Task 5: Remove a component from a layer. You can also click Layer Properties in the pop-up menu.
1.
Select the IMPELLER_PARTS layer, select the the layer tree and click Layer Properties.
You can also temporarily exclude the component from the layer using the
2.
Select the BOLT_TIE component in the Contents list of the Layer
button instead of removing the component.
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Properties dialog box and select the the component from the layer. 3.
button in
button to remove
Select the button and refresh the screen. The model updates as shown in Figure 6–23.
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The BOLT_TIE and COUPLING_ADAPTOR are the only displayed components.
Figure 6–23 Task 6: Customize the model tree to show the layer status. 1.
Return to the model tree display.
2.
Select the button and click Tree Columns in the pop-up menu. The Model Tree Columns dialog box appears as shown in Figure 6–24.
Figure 6–24 3.
Select Layer in the Type pull-down menu.
4.
Select Layer Status in the Type window and select the button to transfer the column name to the Displayed window.
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5.
Select the button to close the Model Tree Columns dialog box. Compress the component displays in the model tree, as shown in Figure 6–25.
Figure 6–25 6.
Expand the listing for the SIXTH.PRT in the model tree, as shown in Figure 6–26.
Figure 6–26
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Some part features are identified as "Displayed" in the model tree ((e.g. Pattern (CUT)). This is because the datum features (i.e., sketching planes, hole axes) that belong to the feature are not blanked. If a part feature is identified as "Blanked" it is because the datum features are blanked at the part level. Task 7: Create a new layer. 1.
Return to the layer tree display.
2.
Create a fourth layer called [bolt_tie] and select BOLT_TIE.PRT to include in the new layer.
3.
Blank the layer. Only the COUPLING_ADAPTER.PRT appears in the main window, as shown in Figure 6–27. COUPLING_ADAPTOR is the only displayed component.
Figure 6–27 Task 8: Determine the content of a layer. 1.
Select the IMPELLER_PARTS layer in the layer tree.
You can also obtain layer information in the Layer Properties dialog box by
2.
Click Layer Info in the pop-up menu. An Information Window appears listing all the components in the layer as well as the layer’s display status.
selecting the
3.
Close the window once you have reviewed the information.
4.
Select the button and click Setup File > Display to show information on all layers. The data in the information windows can be saved to a text file for future reference.
button.
Task 9: Copy a layer. 1.
Create an empty layer called [COPY].
You can also click Copy
2.
and Paste in the menu.
Select the AIR_ENTRY layer and click Copy Item in the pop-up menu.
3.
Select the COPY layer and click Paste Item in the pop-up menu.
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4.
Ensure that the COPY layer remains selected and click Layer Properties in the pop-up menu. The AIR_ENTRY layer is copied into the new COPY layer. Copying layer information enables you to quickly create similar layers without having to reselect all of the items in the layer.
5.
Unblank both the AIR_ENTRY and COPY layers.
6.
Blank the AIR_ENTRY layer. The AIR_ENTRY assembly is removed from the display.
7.
Unblank the AIR_ENTRY layer to display the assembly.
8.
Blank the COPY layer. Both the COPY and AIR_ENTRY layers are now blanked because AIR_ENTRY is a child of air_entry and unless otherwise specified shares the same display status as the COPY layer.
9.
Unblank the AIR_ENTRY layer. Why is the AIR_ENTRY assembly displayed?
10. Unblank all the layers and return to the model tree display. To set the display back to the last saved status,
Pro/ENGINEER does not automatically save the layer display status changes with the model. To save changes to the status of layers (i.e.,
select the button and click Reset Status in the pop-up menu.
if they are blanked, isolated, unblanked). Select the and click Save Status in the pop-up menu.
button
Task 10: Define a component display state.
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1.
Expand AIR_ENTRY.ASM in the model tree and select the AIR_ENTRY_HOUSING.ASM.
2.
Click View > Display Style> Wireframe. The assembly appears in wireframe while the remaining components are shaded, as shown in Figure 6–28.
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Figure 6–28 3.
Select the button in the toolbar to open the View Manager. The View Manager is used to set display settings for the assembly (i.e. display states, simp reps).
4.
Select the Style tab.
The Master Style is based on the system display that is set in the toolbar (i.e., wireframe, shaded, hidden) and is the same for all components in the assembly.
5.
The Master Style appears with a + symbol adjacent to its name. This indicates that there has been a change made to the master style. The change was that you set the AIR_ENTRY_HOUSING to wireframe.
6.
To save this setting, select the button and enter [housing_wireframe] and press the key. The Master Style now returns to the master style and Housing_Wireframe is the newly defined style.
The active style is identified by the icon.
7.
Return to the master style by double-clicking on Master Style in the View Manager.
8.
Select the button in the toolbar to change the assembly display to No Hidden.
9.
Double-click on the Housing_Wireframe style. Notice that the AIR_ENTRY_HOUSING remains in wireframe but the remaining components are no longer shaded. They use the assembly display setting.
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10. To set the remaining components to shaded for this style, select the
button in the View Manager.
11. Press and hold the key and select all components other than AIR_ENTRY_HOUSING in the model tree. 12. Select the button in the View Manager. When this style is activated, the AIR_ENTRY_HOUSING is displayed in wireframe and the remaining components are shaded regardless of the display setting for the assembly. 13. Select the
button to display to the list of styles.
14. Return to the master style by double-clicking on Master Style in the View Manager. 15. Close the View Manager. 16. Save the assembly.
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Exercise 6b Goal
Restructure In this exercise, you will restructure the rotor assembly so that IMPELLER, SIXTH, FIFTH, FOURTH, SECOND_THIRD_STAGE, and FIRTST_STAGE components are moved into a new subassembly. Once the components are moved you must redefine the assembly references because the original references were made to the rotor assembly. The model tree shown on the left-hand side of Figure 6–29 shows the original rotor assembly. The model tree of the right is the restructured rotor assembly.
The rotor assembly is restructured such that components are moved into the BLADES subassembly.
Figure 6–29 After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 Create a subassembly within a top-level assembly 9 Restructure assembly components 9 Redefine component placement constrains Task 1: Open the assembly. If you did not complete the rotor assembly in exercise 1a, open rotor_final3.asm.
1.
Open the assembly called rotor.asm
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Task 2: Create a subassembly in the top-level assembly. You can select an existing subassembly to restructure your assembly model components.
You could also use Empty to create the subassembly; however, it would not contain datum planes. You would have to explicitly activate the subassembly to create datum planes. To display features in the model tree, select the
1.
Select the appears.
button. The Component Create dialog box
2.
Select Subassembly and enter [Blades] as the name for the subassembly.
3.
Select the appears.
4.
Select Locate Default Datums and select the button.The Blades subassembly appears in the model tree.
5.
Select ASM_RIGHT, ASM_TOP and ASM_FRONT to create the three datum planes in the new assembly.
6.
Display the features in the model tree. The model tree appears as shown in Figure 6–30.
button. The Creation Options dialog box
button, click Tree Filters and select the Features option.
Figure 6–30 Task 3: Restructure the assembly components. 1.
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Click Edit > Restructure. The RESTRUCTURE menu appears and a column called RESTUCTURE STATUS is automatically added to the model tree, as shown in Figure 6–31.
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Figure 6–31 2.
Select IMPELLER.PRT in the model tree as component to move. The restructure status updates to MOVING for this component.
3.
Select BLADES.ASM as target subassembly.
4.
Click Done in the RESTRUCTURE menu to complete the operation.
5.
Expand BLADES.ASM to see that IMPELLER.PRT exists in the new subassembly, as shown in Figure 6–32.
Figure 6–32
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6.
Repeat steps 1 to 4 to restructure all but the BOLT_TIE, COUPLING_ADAPTER, AIR_ENTRY, and 10_32_STUD components into the target subassembly. The model tree appears as shown in Figure 6–33.
Figure 6–33 7.
Open the blades.asm. The subassembly regenerates with no problems.
8.
Save the subassembly and close the window.
9.
Activate rotor.asm and save it.
10. Click File > Erase > Current to erase the rotor.asm and all components from session. 11. Open blades.asm. The Failure Diagnostics window and the RESOLVE FEAT menu appear indicating a failure. The Failure Diagnostics window indicates that feature references are missing and the assembly failed to regenerate component placement. This is because the placement references for some of the components that were restructured remain with the rotor assembly. Had the top-level rotor assembly been in session the failure would not have occurred.
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Task 4: Resolve the component placement failure by redefining references within the blades assembly.
To use the blades assembly independently of main model, you must redefine the component constraints. This is common with all restructured assemblies; therefore, consider the required parent/child relationships.
1.
Click Quick Fix > Freeze to freeze the first failed component.
2.
Continue to freeze the failed components in the assembly.
3.
Click Yes to exit the resolve feature environment.
4.
Select IMPELLER.PRT in the model tree and click Edit Definition in the pop-up menu.
5.
The message window prompt "The feature has an external dependency created in Rotor. It may cause problems upon redefine. Confirm to proceed" appears. Click Confirm in the CONFIRMATION menu.
6.
The message window prompt "All assembly references will be lost if component is redefined in BLADES. Confirm" appears. Click Confirm in the CONFIRMATION menu. The Component Placement dialog box appears as shown in Figure 6–34. Notice how references are missing for each of the three constraints.
Figure 6–34
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7.
Select the ADTM2 as the missing assembly reference for the IMLELLER: TOP component references. Set the offset to Coincident.
8.
Select the ADTM1 as the missing assembly reference for the IMLELLER: RIGHT component references. Set the offset to Coincident.
9.
Select the ADTM3 as the missing assembly reference for the IMLELLER: FRONT component references. Set the offset to Coincident.
10. Select the
button to complete the redefinition.
11. Select SIXTH.PRT and click Edit definition in the pop-up menu. 12. Confirm the redefinition. The Component Placement dialog box appears, indicating a missing reference. 13. Select the SIXTH co-ordinate system in the impeller part as the missing assembly reference. 14. Select the
button to complete the redefinition.
15. Select FIFTH.PRT and click Edit definition in the pop-up menu. 16. Confirm the redefinition. The Component Placement dialog box appears, indicating a missing reference. 17. Select the A_2 axis in the sixth part as the missing assembly reference for the Align constraint. 18. Select the surface shown in Figure 6–35 as the missing assembly reference for the Mate constraint. Set the offset to Coincident. Select this surface as the missing assembly reference.
Figure 6–35
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19. Continue to redefine the missing placement constraints for the FOURTH, SECOND_THIRD_STAGE, and FIRST_STAGE components. Reference the previously assembled component when selecting the references. The final assembly appears as shown in Figure 6–36.
Figure 6–36 20. Save the assembly and erase it from memory.
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Chapter 7 Designing in Context You can create component parts and features (e.g. holes, cuts) in Assembly mode. Assembly-level features enable you to create features that are unique to your model. This chapter discusses creating features at the assembly level and introduces external references that are created as a result.
This chapter introduces:
9Introduction to external references 9External references for the current assembly 9Global external references 9Global reference viewer 9Creating assembly features 9Mirroring components
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7.1 Introduction to External References When creating parts in Assembly mode, you have the advantage of seeing the geometry of existing components. The existing geometry can be used in creating the geometry for the new part. When creating new geometry, external references can be created. An external reference is any reference used to create features of a part that does not belong directly to the part in which the feature is being created. External references can be formed with the top-level assembly, subassemblies, or other components. External references should be avoided but can easily be created in the following situations: • • • •
Selecting the sketching and orientation planes Creating geometry using the options Edge > Use, Edge > Offset, and concentric circles and arcs Selecting references for sketching Selecting references for the depth options
Creating external references cannot be avoided in some situations. In these situations, you must be aware of how the part reacts. When the assembly is in session, all of the required references to create and display the part are recognized by Pro/ENGINEER and the part functions as expected. If the part is retrieved on its own and the assembly is not in session, some of the references are missing and you have limited control over the part; in this case, modification and redefinition of features may not be possible. Consider the design intent when deciding whether or not to build the part in Assembly mode. Pro/ENGINEER offers tools that can help you manage external references. These tools enable you to specify the scope of the external references, as well as how Pro/ENGINEER reacts to invalid reference selections. External references can be managed in the following ways: • •
Current Assembly Global Settings
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7.2 External References for the Current Assembly Managing external references within the current assembly enables you to specify both the allowable scope of external references and how the system reacts to invalid selections. The setting is only available for the current assembly.
General Steps
Use the following steps as a general guideline to control external references for the current assembly: 1.
Activate the reference control.
2.
Define the Accessible tab options.
3.
Define the Shared tab options.
4.
Complete the settings.
Step 1: Activate the reference control Click Edit > Setup > Ref Control or click Reference Control in the pop-up menu while the top-level assembly is active. The External Reference Control dialog box appears as shown in Figure 7–1. Use the Look In pull-down menu to select the object type (model or component) and the object.
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Figure 7–1
Step 2: Define the Accessible tab options The Accessible tab enables you to define the scope of components, which may be referenced by the current model. The available options are described in Table 7–1. Table 7–1 Option
Description
All
Enables references to be made to any model in the assembly
Subassembly
Enables references to be made only to the components that belong to the same subassembly
Skeleton Model
Enables references to be made only to the skeleton model of the subassembly
None
Prevents references to other components
The All option is the default option; unless otherwise specified, you can select references from all other models in the assembly.
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Step 3: Define the Shared tab options The Shared tab enables you to specify which geometry in the current model can be referenced by other models. The Shared tab options are shown in Figure 7–2.
Figure 7–2 The Geometry Allowed for Referencing section enables you to define which geometry in the current assembly can be referenced for geometry creation. The options are described in Table 7–2. Table 7–2
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Option
Description
All
Enables references to be established to all geometry in the current model
Published Geometry
Enables you to restrict the references that are made to this model to only published geometry features
None
Prevents any references from being made to the current model
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The Allowed Placement References section enables you to define whether references in the current assembly can be used for component placement. The options are described in Table 7–3. Table 7–3 Option
Description
All
Enables all geometry to be used as component constraints
Component Interfaces
Enables only component interfaces to be used for the component constraints
None
Prevents geometry from being used as a component constraint
Step 4: Complete the settings Select the button to complete the reference control settings for the current assembly. The settings are stored with the model.
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7.3 Global External References Managing external references within each assembly enables you to set individual settings depending on the assembly and the design intent. Pro/ENGINEER also offers tools to globally set the reference control for all assemblies in the current session.
General Steps
Use the following steps as a general guideline to define global external reference settings: 1.
Activate the reference control.
2.
Define the Object tab options.
3.
Define the Geometry tab options.
4.
Define the Selection tab options.
5.
Complete the settings.
Step 1: Activate the reference control Click Tools > Assembly Settings > Reference Control. The External Reference Control dialog box appears as shown in Figure 7–3.
Figure 7–3
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Step 2: Define the Object tab options The Objects tab enables you to define the scope of the components that can be referenced. The options are described in Table 7–4. Table 7–4 Option
Description
All
Enables references to be made to any model in the assembly
Inside Subassembly
Enables references to be made only to the components that belong to the same subassembly
Skeleton Model
Enables references to be made only to the skeleton model of the subassembly
None
Prevents references to other components
Step 3: Define the Geometry tab options The Geometry tab enables you to specify the type of geometry that can be referenced, as shown in Figure 7–4.
Figure 7–4
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The Geometry tab options are described in Table 7–5. Table 7–5 Option
Description
All
Enables references to be made to all geometry
Published Geometry if Exists in a Model
Enables you to restrict references to published geometry that currently exists in a model. If none exist in the model, this option allows external references to any geometry
Published Geometry Only
Enables you to restrict references to any published geometry
Step 4: Define the Selection tab options The Selection tab, shown in Figure 7–5, enables you to define which references are displayed in the Selection Bin dialog box when using Pick From List. This option can be used in conjunction with the control that is set in the Geometry tab to set colors for references that are allowed or not allowed. Setting colors makes references easily recognizable.
Figure 7–5
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The Selection tab options are described in Table 7–6. Table 7–6 Option
Description
None
Enables you to select all references in the model, whether or not they are actually allowed as external references
Forbidden References not Allowed for Backup
Enables you to set additional control over selecting references. Any reference type that was prohibited in the Component or Geometry tab cannot be selected.
All Forbidden References
Prevents you from selecting any forbidden references in the model
Change Color of Not Allowed for Backup
Enables you to set the display color of the entities that are not allowed to be selected based on the settings in the Components and Geometry tabs.
Change Color of Allowed for Backup
Enables you to set the display color of the entities that are allowed to be selected based on the settings in the Components and Geometry tabs
Step 5: Complete the settings Select the button to complete the reference control settings for the current session. These settings must be specified for each Pro/ENGINEER session.
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7.4 Global Reference Viewer The Global Reference Viewer is a tool that can be used to review references within the assembly structure. To access the global reference viewer, click the Info > Global Reference Viewer. The Global Reference Viewer dialog box appears. An example of the dialog box for an assembly component is shown in Table 7–6.
Figure 7–6
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The options in the Filter Setting section defines specifics on the references that you want to investigate. The options are described in Table 7–7. Table 7–7 Section
Option
Description
Ref Type
Feature
This option displays references generated by features. (e.g., placement refs, depth references, etc.)
Relations
This option displays objects with dependencies due to relations.
Component
This option displays references created due to placement constraints. (e.g., mate and align references, etc.)
External
This option displays objects with external references. (e.g., references that exist outside the part being investigated)
Local
This option displays objects with local references. (e.g., references that exist within the model being investigated)
All
This option displays objects with external or local references.
Objects with Parents
This option displays all objects with parents for the model being investigated.
Objects with Children
This option displays all objects with children for the model being investigated.
All Objects
This option displays all objects with either parent or child references.
Ref Extent
Displayed Objects
For more information on the reference, use the Full Path and Info options in the Actions menu.
To access information on the references, a feature or component must be selected in the Main Tree section. A red arrow appears adjacent to the object indicating that this is the current object for investigation. References are displayed in the Parent/Child Tree section.
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7.5 Creating Parts in Assembly Creating parts in Assembly mode enables you to use other assembly component references and features to create new parts. This ability produces a parent/child relationship between components, which can greatly enhance your ability to modify the related parts at the same time (i.e. when a parent part is modified, all child parts are updated). This consideration is important to your design intent when creating parts within an assembly. An example of a part created in Assembly mode is shown in Table 7–7. The shaft part was created in the assembly.
Figure 7–7
General steps
7–14
Use the following general steps to create components in Assembly mode: 1.
Start the creation of a new component.
2.
Select the type of component.
3.
Define the creation options.
4.
Create geometry or assemble components.
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Step 1: Start the creation of a new component To create a component within an assembly, click Insert > Component > Create or select the button from the toolbar. The Component Create dialog box appears as shown in Figure 7–8.
Figure 7–8
Step 2: Select the type of component A Bulk Item is a part created to represent a non-geometric part that is required in the BOM (e.g., paint).
You can create a Part, Subassembly, Skeleton Model or a Bulk Item within an assembly. The Skeleton and Bulk Item options do not have additional subtypes The additional options for parts and subassemblies include the following: • • • • •
Mirroring components in Assembly mode is discussed in detail later in this chapter.
Solid is used to create a solid part. Sheetmetal is used to create a sheet metal part. Intersect is used to create a part by intersecting two or more parts. Mirror is used to create a part or subassembly by mirroring an existing component. Standard is used to create a standard subassembly.
Enter a name for the part and select the component.
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Step 3: Define the creation options The Creation Options dialog box, as shown in Figure 7–9, appears once the component is created. It enables you to define the creation method for the new component.
Figure 7–9 The creation options available when creating a component in Assembly mode are described in Table 7–8. Table 7–8 Option
Description
Copy From Existing
This option creates a part by copying geometry, parameters, and relations from an existing part. Once the part has been selected and a new name is entered, the Component Placement dialog box appears to place the new component.
(part, subassembly, skeleton model, bulk item)
Locate Default Datums (part, subassembly)
Empty (part, subassembly, skeleton model, bulk item)
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This option locates datum planes in the new part by referencing existing datum planes in the assembly. No external references are established. This option creates a part with no geometry. The part geometry can be added at any time.
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Option
Description
Create features
This option creates part geometry without creating datum planes and uses existing assembly references.
(part, subassembly, skeleton model)
Select the
button to create the component.
Step 4: Create geometry or assemble components To Activate a component, select it and click Activate from the pop-up menu.
Once the new component has been created within the assembly, you can activate it within the assembly and create the required geometry or assemble the required components. Be aware that if you are creating geometry or assembling components within a top-level assembly, external references can be easily established. To avoid unwanted external references, consider setting the external reference control. Alternatively, if you do not require references to the top-level assembly consider opening and working on the new component outside of the top-level assembly. All geometry creation for parts and component placement options for subassemblies are the same as when created outside of a top-level assembly.
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Consider the assembly shown in Figure 7–10. The shaft part was created in the assembly because the diameter of the shaft must be the same diameter as the hole in the clamp. If the diameter of the hole in the clamp is changed, the shaft diameter updates accordingly. To avoid external references when creating this part, delete constraints and add a dimension for the diameter of the shaft. The diameter of the shaft will not update if the diameter of the hole is changed.
The shaft part was created in the assembly.
Figure 7–10 The part was created by clicking Component > Create > Part > Solid > Locate Default Datums > Three Planes. The protrusion was then created referencing the existing edge of the clamp; as a result, an external reference was created.
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7.6 Creating Assembly Features As in Part mode, you can create a limited set of features in Assembly mode. Assembly mode features are limited to the following: • • •
Hole Cut Pipe
Hole
Figure 7–11 When creating features in an assembly, external references can be created in the following situations: • • • • •
Selecting the sketching and orientation planes Selecting a placement plane Creating geometry with options using an edge, offset edge, and concentric circles and arcs Selecting references for sketching Selecting references for the depth options
The reference control and the global reference viewer functionality can also manage external references when creating features in Assembly mode.
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General Steps
Use the following general steps to create assembly features: 1.
Create the assembly feature.
2.
Set the intersection options.
Step 1: Create the assembly feature The feature creation process for assembly features is the same as creating features in Part mode. To create a feature, select the required option in the Insert pull-down menu or select the required button from the toolbar. As mentioned above, you can only create holes, cuts, or a pipe feature.
Step 2: Set intersection option You will notice the following differences from part mode when a cut feature is created in the assembly model: •
You are only able to create cuts in Assembly mode.
•
The button is added to the dashboard. This slide-up panel enables you to select the components that the feature intersects as well as what level the feature is displayed in. The dashboard for a cut is shown in Figure 7–12.
To remove the components from the Intersected Models section, press the right mouse and click Remove in the pop-up menu.
Part Level Figure 7–12
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The default setting for the visibility of features is the top-level assembly. This means that an assembly feature is only visible at the top-level assembly is created. The visibility can also be specified to be at the part level. In these situations, the assembly features can be seen in the part when it is retrieved in Part mode. To set visibility at the part level, select Part Level in the Level pull-down menu. The system-defined instances that are created when Top Level visibility is selected are invisible. You will not see them in the family table or BOM.
If Top Level is selected as the visibility level, system-defined instances of the parts are created and the model is replaced with the instances from the assembly. You also have the option of creating user-defined names for the instances. When you create a user-defined name for these instances in the Instance column, the instances are visible in the assembly family table and BOM. The intersection and visibility levels can also be redefined once the feature has been created by clicking Intersect in the pop-up menu. This option prevents you from having to edit the feature definition and use the dashboard to set the visibility levels. The Intersected Comps dialog box appears as shown in Figure 7–13 to redefine the intersection and visibility levels.
For some features, the Intersection is defined using the Intersected Comps dialog box.
Figure 7–13
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Consider the following example. The assembly hole feature shown in Figure 7–14 was added to the assembly shown in Figure 7–10. The hole was defined to intersect through both the clamp.prt and the shaft.prt.
Hole
Figure 7–14 The visibility level was specified as Part for the clamp and Assembly for the shaft. Figure 7–15 shows the two parts as seen in Part mode.
Figure 7–15
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7.7 Mirroring Components New parts can be created by mirroring existing components in an assembly. The resulting part is a mirror image of the source component and can be retrieved in Part mode and used in other assemblies. Depending on the options used to define the mirror, the original component may or may not be required for the mirrored part to exist. Figure 7–16 shows an example of a mirrored component. The model on the left was created in Part mode and was mirrored in Assembly mode to create a mirrored model.
Figure 7–16
General Steps
Use the following general steps to mirror a component: 1.
Create a temporary assembly.
2.
Start the mirror operation.
3.
Select the type of mirror.
4.
Select the component(s) to mirror.
5.
Select the reference for mirroring.
6.
Complete the component.
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Step 1: Create a temporary assembly Components are mirrored within a temporary assembly that can be deleted once it has been used to mirror the component. To create the assembly, clear the Use Default Template option and create an Empty assembly. Once the assembly is created, assemble the component to be mirrored.
Step 2: Start the mirror operation To mirror a component, click Insert > Component > Create, or select the button in the toolbar. The Component Create dialog box appears. Select Part as the type, Mirror as the Subtype, and enter the name of the new component, as shown in Figure 7–17Figure 7–17.
Figure 7–17
Step 3: Select the type of mirror Once the mirror part has been created in the assembly, the Mirror Part dialog box appears as shown in Figure 7–18.
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Figure 7–18 Remember to always consider your design intent when selecting the type of mirror.
When mirroring a component you can create it as a Reference or a Copy. The Reference option defines the part so that it references the source part for all information. Changes made to the source part are reflected in the mirrored part. The original part must exist for the mirrored part to exist. The Copy option enables you to create an independent mirrored part by copying all information to the mirrored part. Changes to the source part are not reflected in the mirrored part. The original part does not have to exist for the mirrored part to exist.
Step 4: Select the component(s) to mirror Select the button in the Part Reference section and select the component(s) to mirror.
Step 5: Select the reference for mirroring Select the button in the Planer Reference section and select the mirror reference plane. If you have selected to create the mirrored part as a Reference, the plane used to mirror about becomes a parent to the mirrored part. The selected plane should belong to the part that is being mirrored. In cases where the plane belongs to the assembly or to other components in the assembly, an external parent/child relationship is created that requires the assembly to exist for the mirrored part to be successfully regenerated.
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Step 6: Complete the component Select the
button to create the mirrored component.
Figure 7–19 shows two halves of an assembly. The model on the left-hand side was created in Part mode and mirrored in Assembly mode.
Figure 7–19 The two components can be assembled in a new assembly, as shown in Figure 7–20
Figure 7–20
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Mirroring Subassemblies
Subassemblies can be mirrored in an assembly in a similar manner to part models. Select the button and click Subassembly and Mirror in the Component Create dialog box to create the new subassembly. The Mirror Subassembly dialog box appears as shown in Figure 7–21.
Figure 7–21 The Mirror Subassembly dialog box enables you to define the subassembly to be mirrored and the reference plane. Unlike mirroring part components, you do not have the option to mirror by Reference or Copy. Subassemblies are always mirrored by reference. To complete the mirror operation you must specify an action and new name for each of the components in the subassembly. This is done using the Mirror Subassembly Components dialog box, as shown in Figure 7–22.
Use Template section
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The Action menu options define whether the component is included and, if so, whether it is assigned a new name. The name is entered in the New Name column. You can use the Use Template section to rename components based on specified criteria. The Use Suffix section enables you to append text to all of the component names. Once all of the component actions are set and the components are renamed, select the subassembly.
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button to create the mirrored
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Exercise 7a Goal
Assembly Features In this exercise, you will create an assembly cut and set the cut’s visibility at the part level. The final assembly is shown in Figure 7–23.
Cut Figure 7–23 After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 Create assembly feature 9 Define the visibility level Task 1: Open the assembly called engine.asm. 1.
Change your working directory to the Engine directory.
2.
Open engine_final1.asm. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 7–24.
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To display items in the model tree, select the button and click Tree Filters in the pop-up menu.
3.
Display Features and Suppressed Objects in the model tree.
4.
Suppress the two bushings, the crank, and the skeleton models. The model and model tree appear as shown in Figure 7–25.
Figure 7–25 Task 2: Create assembly datum points followed by a curve through these points.
1.
Select the button and create an assembly level datum point at the vertex shown in Figure 7–26.
Figure 7–26
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2.
Select the button from the points slide-out menu to create datum points offset from a coordinate system. The Offset CSys Datum Point dialog box appears.
3.
Expand BLOCK_LEFT.PRT in the model tree and select the PRT_CSYS_DEF as the reference coordinate system for placing the points.
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4.
Enter the information shown in Figure 7–27, to create three datum points
Figure 7–27 5.
Select the
to complete the datum point creation.
6.
Blank all the part datum points so that only the assembly datum points are displayed in the assembly.
7.
Select the
8.
Using Spline and Single Point option in the CONNECT TYPE menu and select points APNT0 through APNT3.
button and click Thru Points > Done.
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The curve appears as shown in Figure 7–28.
Datum Curve
Figure 7–28 Task 3: Create the assembly feature. 1.
Select the datum curve that you just created.
2.
Select the button to create a sweep feature. The datum curve has been specified as the origin trajectory because it was selected prior to starting feature creation. It is identified in red on the model and is listed in the
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slide-up panel.
3.
Select the
button to create the sweep as a solid feature.
4.
Select the Figure 7–29.
button and sketch the section shown in
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Sketch this circle as the section Figure 7–29 5.
Complete the sketch.
6.
Complete the feature. The Intersected Comps dialog box appears.
7.
Select BLOCK_LEFT.PRT from the model tree.
8.
Select the BLOCK_LEFT.PRT in the VisLevel pull-down menu. The Intersected Comps dialog box appears as shown in Figure 7–30.
This option enables you to have the feature visible at the part level. The default option for the visibility level is at assembly level.
Select BLOCK_LEFT.PRT from the pull-down menu.
Figure 7–30
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9.
Select the button to close the Intersected Comps dialog box. The cut appears as shown in Figure 7–31.
Cut Figure 7–31 10. Open the block_left part. Even though the cut was created at the assembly level it is visible in the part because of the visibility level that was set for the cut feature. 11. Close the block_left.prt window. 12. Activate the assembly and resume the suppressed components. 13. Save the assembly and erase all models from memory.
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Exercise 7b Goal
Assembly parts In this exercise, you will create assembly features and parts. The final assembly is shown in Figure 7–32.
Figure 7–32 After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 Create assembly features 9 Create assembly parts Task 1: Create a new design assembly. 1.
Change your working directory to the Compressor directory if it is not already set as the working directory.
2.
Create a new assembly called [stator] using the default template.
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3.
Select the appears.
button. The Component Create dialog box
4.
Select Skeleton Model.
5.
Accept the default, stator_skel as the name of the skeleton as shown in Figure 7–33.
Figure 7–33 6.
Select the appears
button. The Create Options dialog box
7.
Accept the default, Copy from Existing, and select compressor_skel.prt to copy from as shown in Figure 7–34.
Figure 7–34
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8.
Select the Figure 7–35.
button. The assembly appears as shown in
Figure 7–35 Task 2: Assemble the first component.
The datum planes are turned off for clarity.
1.
Select the component.
button to assemble the impeller_cover.prt
2.
Constrain the component using the following constraints: •Mate the surface shown in Figure 7–36 with ASM_FRONT using an offset value of [1.265].
Select this surface to Mate with ASM_FRONT.
Figure 7–36 •Align datum plane TOP in the impeller_cover to the assembly datum plane ASM_TOP.
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•Mate datum plane FRONT in the impeller_cover to the assembly datum plane ASM_RIGHT. Use a [0.0] offset value. The model appears as shown in Figure 7–37.
Figure 7–37 Task 3: Assemble the second component.
1.
Select the
button to assemble the cover.asm subassembly.
2.
Constrain the component using the following constraints: •Align ASM_TOP in the cover subassembly with ASM_ RIGHT in the top-level assembly. •Mate ASM_RIGHT in the cover subassembly with ASM_TOP in the top-level assembly. •Mate the surfaces shown in Figure 7–38 using an offset value of [0.55].
Select the datum planes in the model tree or using the Find tool.
Select this surface.
Select this surface. Figure 7–38
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3.
The model appears as shown in Figure 7–39.
Select the button to orient the cover assembly as shown in Figure 7–39.
Figure 7–39 Task 4: Create a feature in context 1.
Activate Cover.asm by selecting it in the model tree and clicking Activate from the pop-up menu.
2.
Select the
3.
Select ASM_Top in the cover subassembly as sketching plane and ASM_Right in the cover subassembly as the right reference datum plane. The model appears as shown in Figure 7–40.
button to create an extruded cut.
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4.
Sketch the section shown in Figure 7–41. Align the edges of the cut to the existing geometry in the cover subassembly. Align sketched line to the bottom most line.
Figure 7–41 5.
Complete the sketch and extrude the section THRU ALL as shown in Figure 7–42.
Figure 7–42 6.
Complete the feature.
Task 5: Create a part within the assembly.
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1.
Reactivate STATOR.asm.
2.
Create an assembly datum plane through the datum point called HOUSING_VENT_POINT and parallel to MTG_PLANE as shown in Figure 7–43.
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ASM_FRONT ADTM1
Figure 7–43 3.
Select the appears.
button. The Component Create dialog box
4.
Enter [COMPRESSOR_CASE_DUCT] as the name of the new part and select the appears.
button. The Create Options dialog box
5.
Select Create features and select the button. The part appears in the model tree and the message “COMPONENT has been created successfully” appears in the message window. This new component is now active. Any new features are added into this component.
6.
Select the
7.
Select the ASM_RIGHT datum plane in the stator assembly as the sketching plane and ADTM1 as TOP reference datum plane.
button to create a revolved surface.
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8.
Constrain the revolved surface to stator ASM_TOP and ADTM1 and sketch the section as shown in Figure 7–44. Revolve section about ASM_TOP in stator.asm
Figure 7–44 9.
Enter [180°] as the revolution angle around the center line (ASM_TOP in stator.asm). The revolve dashboard appears as shown in Figure 7–45
Figure 7–45 10. Complete the feature. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 7–46.
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The skeleton has been omitted for clarity.
Figure 7–46 Task 6: Create a second part within the top-level assembly. 1.
Select STATOR.ASM in the model tree and click Activate from the pop-up menu to activate the top-level assembly.
2.
Select the appears.
3.
Enter [COMPRESSOR_FLANGE] as the name of the new part
button. The Component Create dialog box
and select the appears.
button. The Create Options dialog box
4.
Select Create features and select the button. The part appears in the model tree and the message “COMPONENT has been created successfully” appears in the message window. This new component is now active. Any new features are added into this component.
5.
Select the
button to create a solid revolved feature.
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6.
Select the ASM_RIGHT datum plane in the stator assembly as the sketching plane and ASM_TOP as the top reference datum plane.
7.
Select ASM_TOP and all the required existing edges as references for the sketched section shown in Figure 7–47. Sketch the centering on the ASM_TOP datum plane in the stator assembly.
Revolve section about ASM_TOP in the stator assembly Figure 7–47 8.
Enter [180°] as the angle of revolution.
9.
Complete the feature.
10. Open COMPRESSOR_FLANGE in a separate window. The part appears as shown in Figure 7–48.
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Figure 7–48
11. Select the Figure 7–49.
button and create the chamfer shown
Create this chamfer
Figure 7–49 12. Save the part, close the window and activate the stator assembly.
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Task 7: Assemble STP part. 1.
Create a coordinate system on datum point called HOUSING_VENT_POINT.
2.
On the Orientation tab, select ASM_RIGHT in the stator assembly to determine the Y-axis and select ADTM1in the stator assembly to project the X-axis. The coordinate system and the COORDINATE SYSTEM dialog box appears as shown in Figure 7–50.
X
Y
ASM_RIGHT
ADTM1 Figure 7–50
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3.
Select the
button to create the coordinate system.
4.
Select the
5.
Expand the Type pull-down in the Open dialog box to include all files and select ABV-3185.stp. The Import New Model dialog box appears as shown in Figure 7–51.
button to assemble another component.
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Figure 7–51 6.
Enter [AIR_BLEED] as the name and select the
button.
7.
Close the Information dialog box. The stp file appears in a default location with respect to the assembly datum features and the Component Placement dialog box appears.
8.
Select Coord Sys in the Type pull-down menu and select ABV_3185 in the air_bleed component and the ACS0 coordinate system in the assembly. The model appears as shown in Figure 7–52. Air_Bleed Part
Figure 7–52
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Task 8: Create a feature in context of the assembly.
The datum plane should pass through HOUSING_VENT_POINT datum point.
1.
Activate the COMPRESSOR_CASE_DUCT.prt component
2.
Click Edit > Fill. Select the button to create a datum plane on the fly while the Fill feature is paused.
3.
Create the datum plane parallel to stator ASM_TOP with offset value of [3.50].
4.
Select the
button to enable the Fill feature.
5.
Select the
button to sketch the fill (flat surface) section.
6.
Select ADTM2 as sketching plane and accept ASM_RIGHT in the stator assembly as the TOP reference plane.
7.
Select the button and using the Loop option select the surface shown in Figure 7–53.
Select this surface and use all the edges on this surface o create the new Fill surface. Figure 7–53
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8.
Complete the sketch and the feature.
9.
Create a layer for the AIR_BLEED component and blank it. The model appears as shown in Figure 7–54.
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Fill surface
Figure 7–54 Task 9: Modify the COMPRESSOR_CASE_DUCT part. 1.
Select the COMPRESSOR_CASE_DUCT part in the model tree and click Activate from the pop-up menu.
2.
Expand the model in the model tree.
3.
Select the revolved protrusion and click Edit in the pop-up menu.
4.
Modify the .94 dimension to [1.00] to match the air_bleed part opening. Regenerate the part.
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5.
Sketch the datum curve shown in Figure 7–55. Select the flat surface as sketching plane and stator ASM_RIGHT as Right reference plane. The locating dimension from ASM_FRONT should be such that the datum curve extends through the entire surface.
Sketched curve
Figure 7–55 6.
Select the Fill surface.
7.
Click Edit > Trim and select the sketched datum curve as the Trimming object. Trim the flat surface as shown in Figure 7–56.
Figure 7–56
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8.
Complete the trim operation.
Task 10: Create a pad for the AIR_BLEED part. 1.
While still in COMPRESSOR_CASE_DUCT.prt, create an extruded protrusion. Select the flat surface as sketching plane and ASM_RIGHT in the stator assembly as Right reference plane.
2.
Select the button and select the edges of cut flat surface. Enter [0.125] as the feature’s thickness. The part appears as shown in Figure 7–57. Pad
Direction of the extruded feature
Figure 7–57 3.
Create an extruded protrusion. Select the flat surface as sketching plane and ASM_RIGHT in the STATOR assembly as the Right reference plane.
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4.
Sketch the section shown in Figure 7–58.
Figure 7–58 5.
Extrude the section to the top surface of the COVER.ASM.
6.
Activate the assembly and unblank the AIR_BLEED layer. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 7–59
Figure 7–59 7.
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Save the model and close the window.
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Exercise 7c Goal
Mirroring Components In this exercise you will mirror components within temporary assemblies to create mirror images. This technique saves time by allowing the designer to use the existing geometry to create an entirely new part. After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 Mirror components using the Reference option 9 Mirror component using the Copy option Task 1: Open the part called a-arm. 1.
Change your working directory up one level to the training files directory.
2.
Open a-arm.prt. The part appears as shown in Figure 7–60. This component will be mirrored to create an independent mirror image without having to recreate geometry.
Figure 7–60 3.
Close the window.
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Task 2: Create a new assembly called temp_ref and assemble a_arm.prt. This temporary assembly will only be used to mirror the component, once completed it can be deleted.
1.
Create a new assembly called [temp_ref]. Clear the Use default template option and create an Empty assembly.
2.
Select the button and assemble a-arm.prt. The model appears as shown in Figure 7–61.
Figure 7–61 Task 3: Mirror the component by referencing the a-arm.prt.
1.
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Select the button. The Component Create dialog box appears as shown in Figure 7–33.
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Figure 7–62 2.
Select Part in the Type section and Mirror in the Sub-type section.
3.
Enter [A_ARM_MIRRORED_REF] as the Name and select the button. The Mirror Part dialog box appears as shown in Figure 7–35.
Figure 7–63 4.
Maintain the Reference option as the type of mirror.
5.
Select the button in the Part Reference section and select the a_arm.prt
6.
Select the button in the Planar Reference section and select datum plane TOP in the a-arm part.
7.
Select the
8.
Select A_ARM_MIRRORED_REF in the model tree and click Open from the pop-up menu to open the part. Notice in the model tree that the only feature in the new part is a Merge. This is because the mirrored part was created using the Reference type and is dependent on a-arm.prt. Changes made to the parent model will reflect in the mirrored model.
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button to complete the mirror.
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9.
Save the mirrored part.
10. Close all windows and erase them from memory. The temporary assembly has been erased. It is no longer required now that the mirrored parts have been created. 11. Open a_arm_mirror.prt to ensure that the part opens without the assembly. 12. Close the window and erase it from memory. Task 4: Create a new assembly called temp_copy, assemble a_arm.prt, and mirror it using the copy option. This temporary assembly will only be used to mirror the component, once completed it can be deleted.
1.
Create a new assembly called [temp_copy]. Clear the Use default template option and create an Empty assembly.
2.
Select the
button and assemble a-arm.prt.
3.
Select the
button to create a new part.
4.
Select Part in the Type section and Mirror in the Sub-type section.
5.
Enter [A_ARM_MIRRORED_COPY] as the Name and select the button.
6.
Select the Copy option as the type of mirror.
7.
Select a-arm.prt as the component to mirror.
8.
Select datum plane TOP in the a_arm part as the reference plane.
9.
Select the
button to complete the mirror.
10. Open A_ARM_MIRRORED_COPY. Notice in the model tree that all features have been copied to the new part. This is because the mirrored part was created using the Copy type and is dependent on a-arm.prt. Changes made to the parent model will reflect in the mirrored model. 11. Save the part and erase all files from memory.
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Chapter 8 Distributing Design Information Pro/ENGINEER enables you to distribute design information in an assembly using advanced options. These options enable you to share feature information between components of different assemblies, which helps save time. As a result, you can design more efficiently when working with complex assemblies.
This chapter introduces:
9Merge and Cut Out 9Intersect 9Copy Geometry 9External Copy Geometry 9Inheritance Feature
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8.1 Merge & Cut Out The Merge and Cut Out options enable you to add or subtract the geometry from one set of parts to another set of parts in the same assembly. The Merge option adds geometry and the Cut Out option removes geometry. Examples of a merge and a cut out are shown in Figure 8–1. Cutout Merge
Figure 8–1
General Steps
Use the following general steps to merge or to cut out geometry: 1.
Create an assembly.
2.
Start the Merge or Cut Out operations.
3.
Select the references.
4.
Define the Merge or Cut Out operations.
5.
Review the models.
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Step 1: Create an assembly To merge or to cut out components, they must be assembled into an assembly. Constrain the components so that they are located in the required location to perform the merge or cut out. shows two examples of assembles that are used to conduct a merge and cut out. Workpiece Handle
Lever
Mold Figure 8–2
Step 2: Start the Merge or Cut Out operation Click Edit > Component Operations. The COMPONENT menu appears as shown in Figure 8–3.
Merge
Cut out
Figure 8–3
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Click Merge or Cut Out to begin the operation.
Step 3: Select the references
Merge
To define the references for a merge, select the parts to which you want to merge and select the
button. Select the reference
parts for the merge process and select the
Cut Out
button again.
To define the references for a cut out, select the part on which to perform the cut and select the button. Select the reference part for the cut out process and Select the reference part for the cut out process and select the
button again.
The OPTIONS menu appears once the references are selected, as shown in Figure 8–4.
Cut Out options Merge options Figure 8–4 The Reference option copies a component while maintaining a link to the original component. For example, a change in the original model will update in the merge or cut out feature. The Copy option copies component features and relations into another component without maintaining a link to the original model. Therefore, a change in the original model will not update in the merge or cut out feature. These options are the same for both Merge and Cut Out. The No Datums option copies the geometry (excluding datum planes) from the first set of parts into the second set of parts. The Copy Datums option copies the geometry (including datum planes) from the first set of parts into the second set of parts These options are available with Merge > Reference only. Click Done to complete the operation.
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Step 4: Review the models Open the components in a separate window to view the geometry. Figure 8–5 shows a component before and after a Merge operation.
Before merge operation
After merge operation Figure 8–5 Figure 8–6 shows a component before and after a Cut Out operation.
Before Cut Out operation
After Cut Out operation Figure 8–6
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8.2 Part Intersections Parts can be created from the intersection of components in an assembly. The new part results from the common volume of the selected components.
General Steps
Use the following general step to create intersected part: 1.
Create an assembly.
2.
Create the new component.
3.
Select the references.
4.
Review the model.
Step 1: Create an assembly To create a part from intersected components, they must be assembled into an assembly. Constrain the components so that they are located in the required location to create the part. Figure 8–7 shows two parts that are assembled.
Parts selected to create assembly shown below
Figure 8–7
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Step 2: Create the new component Click Insert > Component > Create or select the button. The Component Create dialog box appears as shown in Figure 8–8.
Figure 8–8 Select the Part option in the Type section and the Intersect option in the Sub-type section of the Component Create dialog box. Enter a name for the component and select the
button.
Step 3: Select the references Select the parts to intersect. The part is created from the intersecting volume of the selected components.
Step 4: Review the model Open the components in a separate window to view the geometry. The common intersecting volume of the two assembled components is the inside of the handle. The new part created using the Intersect option is shown in Figure 8–9.
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Figure 8–9
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8.3 Copy Geometry Features Copy Geometry is useful for copying references from a skeleton part into other parts.
The copy geometry feature passes feature information from a source part into target part(s) so that it updates to reflect changes. The most common use of Copy Geometry is for copying references between parts. You can copy the following references: • • • • • • •
Datum curves Datum features Surfaces (can only copy from one part) Edges (results in the two surfaces adjacent to the edge being copied) Publish Geometry features Vertices Copy and External Geometry features
When you create features in part models you are required to select references to locate the feature. In doing so, you establish a parent/ child relationship between your new feature and the features it is dimensioned to. This creates a dependency between the parent feature and the child feature, where the child feature cannot be fully defined unless the parent feature is present. Copy geometry also creates an external reference. Pro/ENGINEER offers tools that can help you manage external references. These tools enable you to specify the scope of the external references that are permitted, as well as how Pro/ ENGINEER reacts to any invalid reference selections. Although there are many ways to establish external references between parts, the recommended method of intentionally establishing an external reference is to create a Copy Geometry feature. As the name implies, the purpose of a Copy Geometry feature is to pull data from the parent model into the child model.
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Advantages of Copy Geometry Advantages of using Copy Geometry include the following: •
• •
•
•
•
General steps
The Copy Geometry feature consolidates all of the feature copy methods into one "super feature". For example, you can copy planes, axes, points, curves, coordinate systems, and surfaces from a single Copy Geometry feature. It consolidates many of the methods into one feature. Using Copy Geometry to establish external references helps standardize your company’s approach for data sharing. Funneling all external references through a Copy Geometry feature consolidates the external references into just a few features. This is preferable to having the external references scattered throughout the features in your model. The Copy Geometry feature is easily recognizable in the model tree. This enables anyone to open the model and immediately recognize that an external reference is present and know exactly which feature has it. The Copy Geometry feature enables more experienced users to determine where external references are needed. The model can then be handed off to another designer to construct the geometry around the copied references. The result is a reduced chance that improper external references are created. The Copy Geometry feature can be used for task distribution. When working within large design teams, this enables assembly information to be accessible in Part mode.
Use the following general steps to create copied geometry: 1.
Create or open an assembly.
2.
Set the reference control.
3.
Start the creation of the feature.
4.
Select the entities to copy, as necessary.
5.
Define options for the feature.
6.
Complete the feature.
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Step 1: Create or open an assembly Create or open an existing assembly. If you are creating the assembly, you must constrain the components so that they are in the required location to create the copy geometry feature.
Step 2: Set the reference control To set the reference control, select the top-level assembly in the model tree and click the Reference Control in the pop-up menu. The External Reference Control dialog box appears as shown in Figure 8– 10. Refer to Chapter 7 for a detailed description on how to set the reference control.
Figure 8–10
Step 3: Start the creation of the feature Activate the component in the assembly model tree that you want to copy references into. Click Insert > Shared Data > Copy Geometry. The Copy Geometry dialog box appears as shown Figure 8–11.
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Figure 8–11
Step 4: Select the entities to copy, as necessary Geometry can be selected from surfaces, edges, curves, published geometry, and other miscellaneous references. To define any of these entities, double-click on the required element and select it on the model. Figure 8–12 shows an assembly from which you want to copy the drive belt. It will be copied into the belt cover part. You cannot copy solid features, such as cuts, holes, or protrusions using Copy Geometry. The copied geometry is used in Part mode to construct solid features.
Define any of these entities
Drive belt
Figure 8–12
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The options in the Copy Geometry dialog box are described in Table 8–1. Table 8–1 Element
Description
Surface Refs
Selects reference surfaces.
Edge Refs
Selects reference edges.
Curve Refs
Selects reference curves.
Misc Refs
Opens the Misc Refs dialog box with additional reference options, as shown in Figure 8–13.
Figure 8–13 Publish Geom
This option enables you to mark features in a model that are to be copied into other parts. It can be used in the following situations: • •
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You need to copy the same set of features into multiple parts. You want to group features together to make it easier for others to copy from your model.
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Element
Description
•
You want to add features at a later time. If you redefine the Publish Geometry feature and add planes, axes, etc., they will automatically be added to any parts that copied the Publish Geometry feature, as shown in Figure 8–14.
Figure 8–14
Step 5: Define options for the feature Set the options to further define the Copy Geometry feature, if required. The COPY GEOMETRY dialog box is shown in Figure 8–15.
Define these options
Figure 8–15
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The Dependency element enables you to define the copied feature as dependent and independent. If dependent, the copied geometry updates with any changes made to the source component the next time both components are in session, or the assembly where the copied feature was created, is in session. The Externalize element enables you to convert a Copy Geometry feature into an External Copy Geometry Feature, which is discussed in the next section.
Step 6: Complete the feature Open the component. Figure 8–16 shows the belt cover part to which features have been copied. The copied references are the drive belt and MOUNT datum plane. The resulting part is independent of the source entities, which means it can be opened and used as a base for further design.
Drive belt
Figure 8–16
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8.4 External Copy Geometry Feature The External Copy Geometry feature has the same options and behaves in the same manner as a regular Copy Geometry feature, except that it is created independent of the assembly. If you are already working in an assembly, you can convert a copied geometry feature to an external copied geometry feature using the Externalize element in the COPY GEOMETRY dialog box.
To create an External Copy Geometry feature, click Insert > Shared Data > Copy Geometry from Other Model. With this feature, you can locate the copied geometry outside of an assembly. The copied geometry is placed using the relative coordinate systems of each part. Figure 8–17 shows a model tree with an external copy geometry feature.
Figure 8–17
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8.5 Inheritance Features The inheritance feature enables one-way associativity of the geometry and feature data that is copied from one part (the base model) into another part (the target model) in an assembly. The inheritance feature is similar to a merge in Assembly mode, except that it provides greater control of the geometry in the target model. The left-hand side of Figure 8–18 shows a model from which features are inherited and the model shown on the right-hand side shows the inherited features. The model is defeatured to better represent the area being analyzed for stress.
Area of interest for analysis Figure 8–18 When the geometry is merged in Assembly mode, the model tree of the target part lists a single merge feature for the copied geometry as shown on the left-hand side of Figure 8–19. The copied geometry cannot be modified in the target part. When the geometry is copied using an inheritance feature, the model tree of the target part lists the inheritance features and can be expanded to display the list of copied features, as shown on the righthand side of Figure 8–19.
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Inherited features
Merged feature
Figure 8–19 Changes made to the inherited geometry in the target part do not affect the geometry of the base part. Conversely, changes made to the geometry of the base feature are updated in the inherited geometry of the target model. Inheritance features can only be created in a model that has the same units as the source model.
General Steps
Inheritance features are beneficial in analysis and manufacturing applications. You can control and modify features in the inherited model without affecting the source model, which means you can avoid having to create a family table and saving your model as a new version. For example, an NC model can be created and all of the rounds can be removed in the inherited model. This one-way associativity prevents any changes from being made to the design model. Use the following general steps to create inheritance features: 1.
Create or open an assembly.
2.
Start creation of the inheritance feature.
3.
Define the base model.
4.
Define the optional elements, as necessary.
5.
Complete the feature.
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Step 1: Create or open an assembly Create or open an existing assembly. If you are creating the assembly, you must constrain the components so that they are in the required location to create the inheritance feature.
Step 2: Start creation of the inheritance feature You can also click Insert > Shared Data > Inheritance from Other Model to select a model that is not in the current assembly. This model will be considered an external inheritance feature.
Activate a component in the assembly model tree in which the inheritance feature will be created. Click Insert > Shared Data > Inheritance. The INHERITANCE dialog box appears as shown in Figure 8–20.
Figure 8–20
Step 3: Define the base model You can also select a model that is not in the current assembly as the base model. Remember that this model will be considered an external inheritance feature.
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The base model is the model from which features are copied or inherited. The Base model element is selected by default in the INHERITANCE dialog box. Select the base model from the remaining components in the assembly. Figure 8–21 shows a base model indicating which features will be removed; the remaining features are used as the inheritance geometry.
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Features that will be removed Figure 8–21
Step 4: Define the optional elements, as necessary Double-click on any of the optional elements in the INHERITANCE dialog box to further define the inherited geometry. The INHERITANCE dialog box elements are described in Table 8–2. Table 8–2 Element
Description
Attributes
This element enables you to add or remove geometry from base model.
Figure 8–22
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Element
Description
Var Dims
This element enables you to add a variable dimension value to the inheritance feature. This dimension can then be modified in the target model.
Figure 8–23 Var Feats
This element enables you to select features that can be removed from the target model, regardless of the original status.
Figure 8–24
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Element
Description
Var Params
This element enables you to select and modify parameters values of the inheritance feature.
Figure 8–25 Detail Item
This element enables you to select and modify the geometry tolerances of the inheritance feature.
Figure 8–26 Copy Notes
This element enables you to copy notes that were created in the base model.
Figure 8–27
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Element
Description
Dependency
This element enables you to toggle dependency between Dependent and Independent. Select the Dependent option to maintain a reference to the base model.
Figure 8–28 Externalize
This element enables you to convert the feature to an external inheritance feature. Use the LOCATION menu to define the external placement reference.
Step 5: Complete the feature Once you finish defining the inherited feature, select the button. The inherited geometry appears in the model tree of the base model and can be expanded to display the list of copied features, as shown in Figure 8–29.
Inheritance geometry Figure 8–29
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Exercise 8a Goal
Assembly Merge In this exercise, you will create a weldment part by merging all of the components in an assembly. The resulting part that will represent entire assembly. The merge will be created using the reference option so that changes made to the original assembly are reflected in the merged geometry. The model shown in Figure 8–30 is the final weldment part.
Figure 8–30 After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 Merge geometry Task 1: Create a new design assembly. 1.
Change your working directory to the Compressor directory if it is not already set as the working directory.
2.
Create a new assembly called [temp]. Clear the Use default template option and create an Empty assembly.
Task 2: Assemble the vane assembly as the first component.
1.
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Select the
button to assemble the first component.
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If you did not complete the vane assembly in exercise 4a, open vane_final1.asm.
2.
Select and open the vane.asm. The vane assembly appears as shown in Figure 8–31.
An external inheritance feature is inherited from a component that is not in the current assembly.
Figure 8–31 Task 3: Create a new component within the assembly to represent the weldment part.
The inlbs_part_solid component is a systemdefined template. It can be found in the Template directory of the Pro/ ENGINEER installation. For this exercise it has been provided for you.
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1.
Select the button to create a weldment part. The Component Create dialog box appears.
2.
Enter [VANE_WELDMENT] as the name and select the button. The Create Options dialog box appears.
3.
Accept Copy From Existing and Browse to select inlbs_part_solid.prt.
4.
Select the box.
5.
Constrain the inlbs_part_solid.prt in the assembly’s default location. The assembly and the model tree appears as shown in Figure 8–32.
button to close the Component Create dialog
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Figure 8–32 Task 4: Copy the geometry. 1.
To copy the geometry from the model to the vane_weldment part, click Edit > Component Operations and click Merge in the COMPONENT menu.
2.
Select the VANE_WELDMENT as component to perform the merge operation to. Press the middle mouse button to accept the selection.
3.
To select the reference parts for merge operation, expand the VANE.asm in the model tree and select all of the VANE_PLATE, VANE_BLADE and VANE_STUD parts. Consider using the Search Tool to quickly select all components that name beings with v*. There will be 42 components in all. Press the middle mouse button to accept the selections.
4.
Maintain the default options in the OPTIONS menu and click Done for all the components to create the merged geometry.
5.
Open VANE _WELDMENT part. Review the model geometry. There are 42 merge features in the model tree.
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6.
Save the part. The part and a section of the model tree is shown in Figure 8–33.
Figure 8–33 Task 5: Modify assembly geometry.
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1.
Activate the TEMP assembly window.
2.
Display the Features in the model tree.
3.
Select the
4.
Expand the first VANE_PLATE part in the model tree. Select the protrusion inside of this model and click Edit from the pop-up menu. The protrusion dimensions appear as shown in Figure 8– 34.
button to close the dialog box.
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Diameter Width
Figure 8–34 5.
Change the diameter dimension from [7.00] to [6.00] and the width dimension from [1.25] to [1.75].
6.
Regenerate the assembly. The model appears as shown in Figure 8–35.
Figure 8–35 7.
Activate the VANE_WELDMENT window. Note that the dimensional changes have updated in the weldment part. This was because the merge was completed by Reference. Any changes to the vane assembly will reflect in the weldment part.
8.
Save the assembly and the part model and close the window.
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Exercise 8b Goal
Copy Geometry In this exercise you will open and save a copy of the compressor_case_duct part that was created in a previous exercise. The new part that is created using the Save As command will be assembled to the stator assembly. You will create additional features in this component within the context of the assembly by copying geometry to create the other half of a pad for air_bleed part. The model shown in Figure 8–36 is the final assembly.
The other half of the air_bleed pad was created in the exercise 7b.
Figure 8–36 After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 To copy geometry 9 Trim the copied geometry 9 Create resulting geometry using copied geometry Task 1: Modify the assembly component. 1.
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Change your working directory to the Compressor directory if it is not already set as the working directory.
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If you did not complete exercise 7b, open compressor_ case_duct_final.prt.
2.
Open compressor_case_duct.prt. The part appears as shown in Figure 8–37.
Figure 8–37 3.
Click File > Save a Copy. The Save a Copy dialog box appears.
4.
Enter [COMPRESSOR_CASE_DUCT_1] as the new name.
5.
Select the
6.
Open the compressor_case_duct_1 part. The part appears as shown in Figure 8–38.
button to copy the part.
Figure 8–38 7.
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Select all but the first protrusion in the model and click Delete from the pop-up menu. The part appears as shown in Figure 8– 39.
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Figure 8–39 8.
Save the part.
Task 2: Assemble the component. If you did not complete exercise 7b, open stator_final.asm.
1.
Open stator.asm. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 8– 40.
Figure 8–40
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2.
Assemble compressor_case_duct_1.prt so that is appears as shown in Figure 8–41. compressor_case_duct_1.prt
Figure 8–41 Task 3: Copy geometry. 1.
Select STATOR.ASM in the model tree and click Reference Control from the pop-up menu. The External Reference Control dialog box appears as shown in Figure 8–42. All is the default option in both the Accessible and Shared tabs. This enables you to share and select all references in this assembly.
Figure 8–42
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2.
Select the
button to close the dialog box.
3.
Activate COMPRESSOR_CASE_DUCT_1.PRT.
4.
Click Insert > Shared Data > Copy Geometry. The Copy Geometry dialog box appears as shown in Figure 8–43.
Figure 8–43 5.
Double-click the Surface Refs element.
6.
Select the bottom surface of AIR_BLEED, shown in Figure 8–44, as the surface to copy. Press the middle mouse button to accept the selection.
Select this surface to be copied. Figure 8–44 7.
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Select the
button to complete the copied surface.
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Task 4: Trim the copied geometry. 1. The copied surface is identified as a Copy Geometry feature in the model tree.
Hide the AIR_BLEED component. The model appears as shown in Figure 8–45. Copied Surface
Figure 8–45 To rename a feature you can also select it in the model tree and click Rename from the pop-up menu.
2.
Double-click on the Copy Geometry item in the model tree.
3.
Enter [AIR_BLEED_BOTTOM_SURF] as the new name for the copied surface.
4.
Sketch the datum curve shown in Figure 8–46. Select the flat surface as sketching plane and stator ASM_RIGHT as Right reference plane. The locating dimension from ASM_FRONT should be such that the datum curve extends through the entire surface.
Sketched curve
Figure 8–46
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5.
Select the AIR_BLEED_BOTTOM_SURF and click Edit > Trim to trim the surface to the Datum curve as shown in Figure 8–47. Datum Curve
Keep this side Figure 8–47 Task 5: Create resulting geometry from the copied geometry. 1.
Select the AIR_BLEED_BOTTOM_SURF and click Edit > Thicken. Thicken the surface by [0.125] in direction shown in Figure 8–48.
Figure 8–48 2.
Complete the thicken feature.
3.
Create an extruded protrusion. Select the thickened surface as sketching plane and ASM_RIGHT in the STATOR assembly as the Right reference plane.
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4.
Constrain the section to ADTM1 and ASM_RIGHT datums.
5.
Sketch the section shown in Figure 8–49.
Figure 8–49 6.
Extrude the section to the surface shown in Figure 8–50.
Extrude to this surface
Figure 8–50 7.
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Complete the feature.
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8.
Activate STATOR.ASM and unhide AIR_BLEED. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 8–51.
Figure 8–51 9.
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Save the assembly and erase it from memory.
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Chapter 9 Simplified Representations The Pro/ENGINEER offers tools that make large assemblies more manageable. You can simplify an assembly to ease display resources as well as regeneration times by using a simplified representation. You can also define zones that divide an assembly into geometrical work regions or envelopes to represent complete geometry. Both zones and envelopes are used in conjunction with simplified representations to simply large assemblies.
This chapter introduces:
9Assembly Simplified Representations 9Zones 9Envelopes
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9.1 Simplified Representations Simplified representations (simplified reps) are used to improve retrieval, display, and regeneration times, thereby significantly increasing efficiency while working with assemblies. They are used to control which components (parts or subassemblies) of an assembly are retrieved and how they are displayed. The model shown on the left-hand side of Figure 9–18 is a complete assembly the model of the right is the simplified version. When the assembly simplified rep is retrieved only those components in the rep are retrieved the other components are not brought into session. The top-level assembly has been simplified to remove components
Figure 9–1 You can represent your model either using system-defined simplified representations or using a user-defined simplified representation. These will be discussed further in the next section. Once created you can set the open_simplified_rep_by_default configuration option to determine how the model is retrieved. No is the default option and opens the Master Rep.
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If set to Yes the Open Rep dialog box, as shown in Figure 9–2, appears enabling you to select a representation. User-defined reps are also included in the Open Rep dialog box if they exist in the model.
Figure 9–2 You can also enter the rep name, for retrieval. If the representation does not exist you are prompted to create it.
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9.2 System-Defined Simplified Representations Every assembly has four preset display representations that are automatically created with an assembly. These display representations speed up the retrieval process of large assemblies.
General Steps
Use the following general steps to display a system-defined simplified representation: 1.
Open the View Manager.
2.
Select the simplified representation.
Step 1: Open the View Manager System-defined simplified representations are displayed from the View Manager dialog box. The open the View Manager, select the button on the toolbar or click View > View Manager. The default View Manager dialog box appears as shown in Figure 9–3. Master Rep is the system default for all assemblies.
Figure 9–3
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Step 2: Select the simplified representation Double-click on any of the system-defined representation in the View Manager to enable it.
Master Rep
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The Master Rep is the representation that is used by default if no customized simplified reps are created. It retrieves the full assembly into session, including all components. All simplified reps are based upon the master rep. Any assembly actions or modifications applied to a simplified rep are also applied to the master rep.
Symbolic Rep
The Symbolic Rep displays a component in a symbolic state. The geometry of component is not shown. A symbol represent placement of the component. You can calculate mass properties of the component, using placement symbol. You can also create a user-defined 3D symbol to represent the symbolic member.
Graphics Rep
The Graphics Rep displays assembly geometry as wireframe entities only. No silhouette edges are displayed and the assembly geometry cannot be shaded or referenced for assembly actions. This rep provides a relatively fast method of retrieving and displaying an assembly.
Geometry Rep
The Geometry Rep displays assembly geometry as solids; therefore, it requires more retrieval time than a graphics rep but less than a master rep. The geometry rep’s solid geometry can be shaded, shown as hidden lines, used to calculate mass properties, and referenced for assembly actions. The geometry cannot be modified.
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9.3 User-Defined Simplified Representations You can create user-defined simplified representations in an assembly to simplify the display and help ease the regeneration times of working with large assemblies.
General Steps
Use the following general steps to create and display a user-defined simplified representation: 1.
Open the View Manager.
2.
Create a new simplified representation.
3.
Define the representation settings.
4.
Update the simplified representation.
5.
Redefine the simplified representation.
Step 1: Open the View Manager System-defined simplified representations are displayed from the View Manager dialog box. The open the View Manager, select the button on the toolbar or click View > View Manager.
Step 2: Create a new simplified representation To delete a simplified representation, select the button and click Remove or click Remove from the pop-up menu.
Select the button in the Simp Rep section of the View Manager dialog box. Enter a name for the simplified rep, and press the key. The new rep is now active as indicated by the
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Step 3: Define the representation settings
Manual Selection
A component’s representation setting can also be assigned by selecting the component and clicking View > Representation.
To modify the representation settings by manually selecting components, select the button. The View Manager dialog box appears. The default rule when creating a new simplified representation is Master Rep, as shown in Figure 9–4. Select components in the model or model tree and assign representation settings using the pull-down menu options as shown in Figure 9–4.
The status for the master assembly indicates the default rule that is being used. This icon indicates that the default rule is Master Rep.
Select from these options to change the representation settings.
Activate a rep from the selected component
Exclude Geometry Rep
Substitute selected model by family table
Graphics Rep Symbolic Rep
Substitute selected model by interchange
Include subassembly Figure 9–4
The settings and their icons are described in Table 9–1. To display the simp rep settings in the model tree, select the button from the Listings page and click Add Column. 9–8
Table 9–1 Option
Exclude
Button
Description Selected components of the master rep are excluded as members of the simplified rep.
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Option
Button
Description
Master Rep
All components of the assembly master representation are included as members of the simplified rep.
Assembly Only
Selected subassemblies of the assembly master representation are included, but not their components.
Geometry Only
All components of the assembly master representation are displayed as non- modifiable solid models in the simplified rep.
Graphics Only
All components of the assembly master representation are displayed as wireframe models in the simplified rep.
Symbolic only
Displays a component in a symbolic state. The geometry of component is not shown.
User Defined
Substitutes a user-defined simplified rep from the selected components
Select the
button to return to the listing of the simplified
reps. The current representation ( ) is temporarily modified with the new settings and is displayed with a (+) symbol appended to the end of its name. For example, No_Engine (+) indicates that the No_Engine rep was displayed and changes have been made to it.
Definition Rules
A definition rule enables you to assign a rule for defining the representation settings for a simplified rep. A rule consists of an action and a condition. If the condition is met the action (i.e., exclude) is assigned to the component. To define representation settings using a definition rule, select the button and click Redefine. The Edit dialog box appears with the Include, Exclude and Substitute tabs. Select the definition rule dialog box appears. Select the condition.
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button to add a new
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The dialog box appears as shown in Figure 9–5. Define the representation action using the Rep Action pull-down menu.
Figure 9–5 To define the condition for the rule, select the Undefined option in the Condition pull-down menu and click New from the pop-up menu. Enter a name for the condition and press the key. The standard Search Tool dialog box appears as shown in Figure 9–6 to set your conditions. The Attributes tab searches for components by name, type, expression or size attributes. The History tab searches for components by id, number, failed or last features, or all history. The Status tab searches for components by regeneration, layer, display, parent/child, or copied refs status. The Geometry tab searches for components by zone, distance, or exterior components.
Figure 9–6 Select the
button. The model tree updates to exclude the
components that met the condition. Select the 9–10
button to close the
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dialog box. Select the button in the Edit dialog box to return to the listing of the simplified reps.
Step 4: Update the simplified representation Reps created using the definition rule do not require updating. They were updated in the previous step.
To update the changes in the model, select the click Update.
button and
Step 5: Redefine the simplified representation You may need to make changes to the simplified representation once it is created. Use either of the following techniques to redefine the representation settings: •
Select the button and use the same technique that was used to originally set the representation settings.
•
Select the button and click Redefine. The EDIT dialog box appears as shown in Figure 9–7Figure 9–7. This dialog box provides additional options that are not available using the other technique. Resets components to the default display setting.
Shows components in the model tree that have a display setting.
Undoes the last operation.
Redefines definition rules for selecting components.
Enables you to include components within the simplified rep.
Enables you to substitute components within the simplified rep.
Enables you to exclude components within the simplified rep. Figure 9–7 Pro/ENGINEER: Advanced Assembly Design and Management
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9.4 Zones Zones enable you to divide a large assembly into geometrical work regions that can be used to define a condition for rule driven simplified representation. Zones are defined by selecting the area to one side of a datum plane, within a closed surface, or within a specified radius. A component is considered a member of a zone if the component lies entirely within the zone or is intersected by the zone. Any combination of multiple references can be combined to create a zone.
General Steps
Use the following to create a zone for use in defining a condition for rule driven simplified representations: 1.
Start the creation of the zone.
2.
Create a new zone.
3.
Define the zone regions.
4.
Redefine the zone, as necessary.
5.
Use the zone in a simplified rep.
Step 1: Start the creation of the zone Click Tools > Model Sectioning and select the Zone tab in the Model Sectioning dialog box as shown in Figure 9–8.
Figure 9–8
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Step 2: Create a new zone Select the button, enter a name and press . The Zone dialog box appears as shown in Figure 9–9. It enables you to define the zones within the model.
Figure 9–9
Step 3: Define the zone regions Zones can be defined based on planar surfaces, closed surfaces or within a specified distance from an entity. These options are selected from the pull-down list at the bottom of the dialog box. The options are described in Table 9–2.
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Table 9–2 Option
Description
Half-Space
This option enables you to create a zone on one side of a datum plane or planar surface, as shown in Figure 9–10.
Figure 9–10 Inside-Outside
This option enables you to create a zone inside or outside a closed surface quilt as shown in .
Figure 9–11
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Option
Description
Distance From
This option enables you to create a zone consisting of components within a specific area. The area can be specified by selecting a point on the assembly and entering a radial distance as shown in Figure 9–12
Figure 9–12 Select the button to continue to add references to define the zone. You can combine multiple conditions with difference reference types for the zone. references can be made to any level of the current assembly. To remove a zone condition select the the zone has been defined, select the box.
button. Once
button to close the dialog
Step 4: Redefine the zone, as necessary The editing options can also be access by selecting the zone and pressing the right mouse button.
The pull-down menu in the Model Sectioning dialog box can also be used to remove, redefine, copy, rename and insert a description for an existing zone.
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Step 5: Use the zone in a simplified rep Select the
button and select an existing simplified rep or create a
new one in the View Manager dialog box. Select the
button,
click Redefine and select the button at the top of the EDIT dialog box. A zone can be used for a rule in the Geometry tab in the Search Tool dialog box as shown in Figure 9–13.
Figure 9–13 Complete the simplified representation as described in the previous section.
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9.5 Envelopes An envelope is a part that represents the geometry of any number of components in an assembly. It can be used to simplify the model by substituting complex geometry with a simple envelope feature (i.e., extrude revolve). The model shown on the left-hand side of Figure 9–14 shows the Master Rep for an assembly. An envelope was created and substituted to simplify the blades of the fan.
Envelope component substituted for the blade components in the fan. Figure 9–14
General Steps
Use the following to create an envelope and substitute it into a simplified representation: 1.
Start the creation of the envelope.
2.
Create a new envelope.
3.
Select the components to be represented.
4.
Create the envelope model.
5.
Use the envelope in a simplified rep.
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Step 1: Start the creation of the envelope Click Tools > Model Sectioning and select the Envelope tab in the Model Sectioning dialog box as shown in Figure 9–8.
Figure 9–15
Step 2: Create a new envelope Select the button, enter a name and press . The Zone dialog box appears as shown in Figure 9–9. It enables you to define the zones within the model. The Menu Manager menu appears as shown in as shown in Figure 9–16.
Figure 9–16
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Step 3: Select the components to be represented Select the components to include in the envelope. Click Done in the SEL MEMBERS menu. Multiple components can be selected to be represented by the envelope.
Step 4: Create the envelope model To begin the definition of the envelope model you must define the method to create the model. The available options are described in Table 9–3. Table 9–3 Option
Description
Create Envelope Part
This option enables you to create a new envelope part to represent selected components. If this option is selected you have to further define the creation options, as in creating parts in assembly mode (i.e., Copy From Existing, Locate Default Datums, Empty, Create features).
Select Existing Assembly Component
This option enables you to use an existing component in the assembly as the envelope for selected components.
Surface Subset Shrinkwrap
This option enables you to create a surface subset Shrinkwrap as the envelope for selected components.
Faceted Solid Shrinkwrap
This option enables you to create a faceted solid Shrinkwrap as the envelope for selected components.
Once the creation method is defined create the geometry to represent the selected model.
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Step 5: Use the envelope in a simplified rep Select the
button and select an existing simplified rep or create a
new one in the View Manager dialog box. Select the button, click Redefine and select Substitute tab at the top of the EDIT dialog box. A zone can be used for a rule in the Geometry tab in the Search Tool dialog box as shown in Figure 9–13. Select By Envelope and select an envelope from the list, as shown in Figure 9–17.
Figure 9–17 Complete the simplified representation as described in the previous section.
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Exercise 9a Goal
Simplified Reps I In this exercise, you will open a complex assembly that has a number of complicated parts. To simplify the display and reduce the retrieval time you will create a simplified representation that removes components from the rep. The model shown on the left-hand side of Figure 9–18 is the complete assembly the model of the right is the simplified version.
Figure 9–18 After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 Simplify representation of assemblies Task 1: Open the compressor assembly and investigate the assembly. 1.
Change your working directory to the Compressor_Final directory.
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2.
Open compressor.asm. The model appears as shown in Figure 9–19.
Figure 9–19 3.
Click Tools > Model Player and review how the assembly was created. Close the Model Player dialog box.
Task 2: Create a Simplified representation of the assembly. To display items in the model tree, select the button and click Tree Filters in the pop-up menu.
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1.
Display Features in the model tree.
2.
Select the
3.
Select Simplified Reps in the Type pull-down menu. The Model Tree Columns dialog box appears as shown in Figure 9–20.
button and click Tree Columns.
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Figure 9–20 4.
Select Current Rep and select the option to the Displayed column.
button to transfer the
5.
Select the button to close the dialog box. Expand the model tree, it should appear as shown in Figure 9–21.
Figure 9–21
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6.
Select the button on the toolbar or click View > View Manager to open the View Manager dialog box.
7.
Ensure that the Simp Rep tab is selected.
8.
Select the button in the Simp Rep section of the View Manager dialog box. Enter [no_cover_and_blades] as the name for the simplified rep, and press the key. The new rep is now active as indicated by the
9.
symbol.
Select the button to modify the representation settings. The default rule for the top level assembly when creating a new simplified representation is Master Rep.
10. Select the AFT_COVER.PRT and COMPRESSOR_CASE.ASM components in the model tree. 11. Select the button from the top of the View Manager dialog box to exclude the two components from the assembly. The assembly and model tree appear as shown in Figure 9–22.
Figure 9–22 12. Expand ROTOR.ASM and select the SIXTH, FIFTH, FOURTH and SECOND_THIRD_STAGE parts in the model tree. 13. Select the button from View Manager dialog box to exclude the components from the assembly. The assembly and the model tree appear as shown in Figure 9–22.
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Figure 9–23 14. Select Exclude adjacent to SIXTH.PRT in the model tree and click Default in the pull-down menu as shown in Figure 9–24. The part reappears in the display window based on the default display which is set to Master Rep.
Figure 9–24
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The View Manager dialog box appears as shown in Figure 9–25.
Figure 9–25 15. Select the
button to return to the listing of the
simplified reps. The current representation ( ) is temporarily modified with the new settings and is displayed with a (+) symbol appended to the end of its name. 16. To update the changes in the model, select the and click Update. 17. Select the settings.
Display option Icons:
Geometry Rep Graphics Rep Symbolic Rep
Include subassembly but not its components
button
button to modify the representation
18. Select the SECOND_THIRD_STAGE.PRT in the Item section of the View Manager dialog box. 19. Select the
button.
20. Return to the listing of the Simplified Reps and Update the rep. The part appears and the display status of the part in model tree changes to “Master Rep”. The component is not removed from the simplified rep as it was when you returned the item to the Default display using the model tree. 21. Double-click on the Master Rep option to return all the components to the display. 22. Save the assembly and erase it from memory.
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23. Open the assembly and note the time it takes to open the entire assembly. Erase it from memory. 24. Click File > Open, select compressor.asm and select the button. Select NO_COVER_AND_BLADES from the OPEN REP dialog box. Notice the reduction in retrieval time now that the excluded components no longer are brought into session with the simplified rep of the assembly. As an alternative to creating a simplified rep to remove components from the display, you can also create a temporary simplified rep that does not get saved with the model. To set a temporary rep, select the components and click View > Representation and select a display option, as shown in Figure 9–26.
Figure 9–26 Once a temporary Simplified Representation is created it can be saved for future use by creating a new rep in the View Manager dialog box.
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Exercise 9b Goal
Simplified Reps II In this exercise, you will open the compressor assembly and a zone. You will use the zone in a user-defined simplified representation to simplify the model. You will also create an envelope to represent the rotor assembly and use it to create a second user-defined simplified representation of the compressor by substituting the envelope for the assembly components. The final model appears as shown in Figure 9–27.
Figure 9–27 After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 To create zones 9 To create user-defined simplified representation 9 To create envelopes Task 1: Open the Master Rep of the compressor assembly.
1.
Select the
button on the toolbar to open the View Manager.
2.
Double-click on Master Rep in the View Manager dialog box. The components that were not already in session from the last exercise are now retrieved in order to display the Master Rep.
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The model appears as shown in Figure 9–28.
Figure 9–28 3.
Close the View Manger dialog box.
4.
Display Features in the model tree.
Task 2: Create a zone. 1.
Click Tools > Model Sectioning. Ensure that the Zone tab is selected. The Model Sectioning dialog box appears as shown in Figure 9–29.
Figure 9–29 2.
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Select the button and enter [ZONE_1] as the name of the zone and press the key. The Zone_1 dialog box appears as shown in Figure 9–30
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Figure 9–30 3.
Select the
button to add a reference for the zone.
4.
Select ASM_FRONT as the reference.
5.
Select the button to change the direction of the reference as shown in Figure 9–31.
Figure 9–31 6.
Complete the operation. The Model Sectioning dialog box appears.
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7.
Select the button and click Add Column. The model tree appears as shown in Figure 9–32 indicating the components that are in the zone.
Figure 9–32 8.
Close the Model Sectioning dialog box.
Task 3: Create a user-defined simplified rep using the newly created zone.
1.
Select the dialog box.
button on the toolbar to open the View Manager
2.
Ensure that the Simp Rep tab is selected.
3.
Select the button in the Simp Rep section of the View Manager dialog box. Enter [ROTOR_ZONE_REP] as the name for the simplified rep, and press the key. The new rep is now active as indicated by the
4.
symbol.
Select the button and click Redefine. This is an alternate technique to create the simplified rep. Unlike using the button it enables you to select components using the By Rule options.
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5.
Select the button in the Edit dialog box. The ROTOR_ZONE_REP dialog box appears
6.
Select the button to add a new condition. The dialog box appears as shown in Figure 9–33.
Figure 9–33 7.
Select the Undefined option in the Condition pull-down menu and click New from the pop-up menu.
8.
Enter [cond_zone] as the condition name and press the key. The Search Tool dialog box appears.
9.
Select the Geometry tab. The Search Tool dialog box appears.
10. Select Outside the zone in the Comparison pull-down menu.
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11. Accept the remaining defaults in the dialog box. The Search Tool dialog box appears as shown in Figure 9–34.
Figure 9–34 12. Select the button in the Search Tool dialog box to perform the search. All items that meet the criteria are highlighted in the model tree. 13. Select the button in the ROTOR_ZONE_REP dialog box. The model tree updates to exclude the components that met the zone criteria. 14. Select the
button in the ROTOR_ZONE_REP dialog box.
15. Select the button in the Edit dialog box. The View Manager dialog box appears. 16. Select the button and click Add Column. The ROTOR_ZONE_REP column appears in your model tree and the model appears as shown in Figure 9–35.
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Figure 9–35 17. Select the
button and click Copy.
18. Enter [rotor] as the name for the copied simplified rep and press the key. 19. The Copy Options dialog box appears describing that the current rep contains Definition Rules that may cause instability if it is used in a drawing. Maintain the default option to copy a "Snapshot" of the current rep and select the
button.
20. Select the button and click Add Column. Notice that the same components are excluded as in the Rotor_Zone_Rep however they are not excluded based on the Definition rule. 21. Double-click on the Rotor simplified rep to activate it. 22. Select the
button in the View Manager dialog box.
23. Exclude the diffuser, diffuser_cover and aft_cover components.
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24. Scroll through the item list to the rotor components and select them as shown in Figure 9–36.
Figure 9–36 25. Select the button to return the status of these components to Master Rep. The model appear as shown in Figure 9–37.
Figure 9–37 26. Close the View Manager dialog box. 27. To remove the extra columns from the model tree, select the button and click Tree Columns in the pop-up menu. Select the three displayed columns and move them to the Not Displayed column. Task 4: Create an envelope to represent the rotor. 1.
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Click Tools > Model Sectioning. The Model Sectioning dialog box appears.
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2.
Select the Envelope tab.
3.
Select the button and enter [ROTOR_ENVELOPE] as the name of the envelope and press the key. The MOD ENVELOPE menu appears.
4.
Select rotor.asm in the model tree and click Done in the SEL MEMBER menu to select the components to include in the envelope. The Envelope Method dialog box appears as shown in Figure 9–38.
Figure 9–38 5.
Enter [ROTOR_ENVEL] as the name of the envelope and select the
6.
button.
Select the Create features option in the Creation Options dialog box and select the
Note the ROTOR_ENVEL part is active in the display window.
button.
7.
Select the button to create a revolve feature to represent the rotor assembly.
8.
Create a solid revolved section using datum plane ASM_RIGHT as sketching plane and ASM_TOP datum as the Top reference plane.
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9.
Sketch the section shown in Figure 9–39. Include a center line on ASM_TOP.
Figure 9–39 10. Revolve the feature 360° about the centerline. 11. Click Define > Done to create the envelope. 12. Close the Model Sectioning dialog box Task 5: Create a user-defined simplified Rep.
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1.
Select the dialog box.
button on the toolbar to open the View Manager
2.
Ensure that the Rotor simplified rep is active.
3.
Select the button and enter [ROTOR_ENVEL_REP] in the Names window and press the key to set it as current. It copies the Rotor rep.
4.
Select the button and select the diffuser, diffuser_cover and aft_cover components in the items list.
5.
Select the Figure 9–40.
button. The model appear as shown in
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Figure 9–40
.
6.
Select the
button to return to list of simplified reps.
7.
Select the
8.
Select the Substitute tab in the Edit dialog box.
9.
Select the By Envelope option in the Method section of the dialog box.
button and click Redefine.
10. Select the ROTOR_ENVELOPE in the Select Envelope(s) section of the dialog box.
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11. Select the Figure 9–41.
button. The model appears as shown in
Figure 9–41 12. Close the View Manager dialog box. 13. Save the assembly and erase it from memory.
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Chapter 10 Interchange Assemblies Interchange is a sub-type of a Pro/ENGINEER assembly. This option enables you to create a set of interchangeable components. These components can be easily substituted for one another in an assembly. Interchange assemblies can consist of functionally similar components or components that can be substituted to simplify an existing model.
This chapter introduces:
9Functional Components 9Simplify Components
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10.1Functional Component An interchange assembly can consist of functional components. Functional components are components (parts or assemblies) that are functionally similar to other components in an assembly and that can be used interchangeably. By creating an interchange assembly you can replace components in another assembly reducing the requirement to have to create multiple assemblies. It also eliminates the need to deal with references when replacing the components because reference tags are established to make replacement quick and easy.
General Steps
Use the following general steps to create a functional interchange assembly to replace components in an assembly: 1.
Start the creation of the interchange assembly.
2.
Assemble the components.
3.
Specify reference tags.
4.
Complete the interchange assembly.
5.
Replace components with functional interchange components.
Step 1: Start creation of the interchange assembly An interchange assembly is a sub-type of an assembly. To create an interchange assembly, select the button, select Assembly as the Type and Interchange as the Sub-type. To complete the creation, enter a name for the interchange assembly and select the button.
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Step 2: Assemble the components The Component option enables you to add, delete, suppress, resume, and redefine a part or assembly in an interchange assembly.
To assembly the first component in a functional interchange assembly, click Component > Add, and select and open the component that will be replaced. The component is automatically placed in the assembly. To assemble any additional components, click Add from the COMPONENT menu. The Add Interchange Comp dialog box appears as shown in Figure 10–1.
Figure 10–1 This dialog box enables you to define the method of creation and the type of interchange component. Functional components can only be assembled. To assemble the component, select the button. All additional components in the functional interchange assembly can be packaged. To package components, select the button in the Component Placement dialog box without defining any constraints. Click Done/Return in the COMPONENT menu.
Step 3: Specify reference tags Once all functional components have been added to the assembly, you must specify reference tags. The assignment of reference tags enables automatic placement when components are replaced with other members of the interchange assembly. To specify references, click Reference Tag in the ASSEMBLY menu. The Reference Tags dialog box appears as shown in Figure 10–2.
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Figure 10–2 The options in the Reference Tags dialog box are described in Table 10–1. Table 10–1 Section/Button
Description
Tags
This section lists the Tag Name and the Ref Type for each tag assigned to the interchange assembly. This button assigns tags to the interchange assembly. This button removes tags from the interchange assembly. This button assigns tags to the interchange assembly based on the constraints used to assemble the component in a selected assembly. This button creates a new tag in the interchange assembly.
Assignments
This section displays each component name in the interchange assembly with information on whether all tags have been assigned for each component or not. This button removes entities assigned to a tag.
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Auto Tagging
Auto tagging enables you to easily identify which references need to be assigned based on the constraints in a selected assembly. To autotag, select the button and select the functional interchange component that will be replaced. Select the component in the model or in the model tree. To assign the tags, select the assembly containing the selected component. Pro/ENGINEER reads the placement information for the component, returning the reference information in the Auto Tag Creation dialog box, as shown in Figure 10–3.
Figure 10–3 To complete the Reference tags dialog box you must enter names for the automatic Tags and select the button. Once in the Reference Tags dialog box you can select the references in the other component in the interchange assembly. The references that are selected will be used to replace components, ensure that the required references are selected.
Manual Tag Creation
10–6
To manually create tags from the Reference Tags dialog box, enter a tag name and select the button. For example, Align_Axis can be entered as the name for the aligning axis and Mate_Surface can be entered for mating surfaces, as shown in .
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Figure 10–4 To define the reference assignments at the bottom of the Reference Tags dialog box select the Tag Name and for each component in the assignment section, select the appropriate reference in the model. All references are assigned if "Y" is listed in the All Tags column for all components in each tag, as shown in Figure 10–5.
Figure 10–5 Select the
button to close the Reference Tags dialog box.
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Step 4: Complete the interchange assembly Once the reference tags have been defined, save the interchange assembly and close the window.
Step 5: Replace components with functional interchange components Once you have created an interchange assembly you can replace members of the assembly with other functional components in the interchange assembly. To replace components, select the component within the assembly and click Replace from the pop-up menu. The Replace Comp dialog box appears as shown in Figure 10–6.
Figure 10–6 Select Interchange in the Replace By section and select the button. The Family Tree dialog box appears, similar to that shown in Figure 10–6.
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Figure 10–7 All interchange assemblies associated with the components appear in the Family Tree list. Expand the assemblies and necessary and select the component to be substituted. Select the the placement.
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button to complete
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10.2Simplify Components A simplify component is a component (part or assembly) that is created to show different information or that is used to simplify the detail shown in a part or assembly.
General Steps
Use the following general steps to create an interchange assembly that substitutes components with simplified components: 1.
Start the creation of the interchange assembly.
2.
Assemble a functional component.
3.
Assembly or create the first component.
4.
Complete the first association.
5.
Add functional components, as necessary.
6.
Add simplify components, as necessary.
7.
Complete the interchange assembly.
8.
Substitute for the simplified component.
Step 1: Start the creation of the interchange assembly An interchange assembly is a sub-type of an assembly. To create an interchange assembly, select the button, select Assembly and Interchange as the Sub-type. To complete the creation, enter a name for the interchange assembly and select the
button.
Step 2: Assemble a functional component The Component option enables you to add, delete, suppress, resume, and redefine a part or assembly in an interchange assembly. 10–10
To assemble the first component in a simplify interchange assembly, click Component > Add and select the component that will be replaced. The component is automatically placed in the assembly and is consider a functional component. Figure 10–8 shows the first functional component and the model tree.
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Figure 10–8
Step 3: Assemble or create the first component To assemble the first simplified component, click Add. The Add Interchange Comp dialog box appears as shown in Figure 10–1.
Figure 10–9 You can define the method of creation and the type of interchange component. You can either Assemble or Create a simplified model.
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Assemble
To assemble a component, select it from the Open dialog box and use the Component Placement dialog box to constrain the component to the functional component, as shown in Figure 10–10.
simplified component
constrain simplified component relative to the functional component Figure 10–10 The assembly constraints and references that are used are important. The simplified component will be substituted based on the simplified component’s location relative to the functional component. To complete the component placement, select the
Create
button.
To create a simplified component, select the Create option and use the standard Component Create and Creation Options dialog boxes to define the part. The new part appears in the model tree and you are prompted to constrain it relative to the functional component. If the new component was created using the Empty option you are not prompted to constrain it.
Step 4: Complete the first association By default the first simplified component is automatically associated with the first functional component, as shown in Figure 10–11. Select the
10–12
button to close the dialog box.
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The button enables you to return to the Component Placement dialog box to redefine the placement constraints.
Figure 10–11 The Mass Properties tab in the Simplify Component dialog box enables you to define how the mass properties should be handled once a component is substituted with a simplified one. The options are shown in Figure 10–12. By default the mass properties is based on the original model if it is session; otherwise it is based on the functional component.
Figure 10–12
Step 5: Add functional components, as necessary To assemble additional functional components click Component > Add and select Functional Component in the Add Interchange Comp dialog box. Package the component by selecting the button in the Component Placement dialog box.
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Figure 10–13 shows a second functional component assembled in the interchange assembly.
Figure 10–13
Step 6: Add simplified components, as necessary To assemble additional simplified components, click Component > Add and select Simplify Component in the Add Interchange Comp dialog box. As with assembling the first simplify component you can either select an existing component or create a new one. To place the simplify component use the Component placement dialog box to constrain it relative to a functional component. In addition you must select a functional component to associate it with. If only one functional component exists in the interchange assembly it is selected by default, otherwise you must manually select the functional component. If the Simplify Component dialog box appears empty as in Figure 10–14 it indicates that there are multiple functional components and you must select one.
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Figure 10–14 A single simplify component can be associated with multiple functional components. To assign it, select the simplify component in the model tree and click Edit Definition from the pull-down menu. Select the button in the Simplify Component and select the additional functional component. The simplify component is automatically copied and you are prompted to assign the constraints. Figure 10–15 shows an example of a simplified component associated with multiple functional components. SIMPLIFY_FINGERS_ CLOSED.PRT is used to simplify two functional components
Functional components Figure 10–15
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Step 7: Complete the interchange assembly To complete the interchange assembly close all dialog boxes, save the assembly and close the window.
Step 8: Substitute for the simplified component Select the
button and select an existing simplified rep or create a
new one in the View Manager dialog box. Select the button, click Redefine and select the Substitute tab at the top of the EDIT dialog box. Select By Model and select the component to be substituted (i.e., the functional component from the interchange assembly). Select Interchange and browse and select the simplified component. Complete the simplified representation as described in the previous section. Figure 10–16 shows an assembly where a subassembly was substituted for a simplified component.
The SIMPLIFY_FINGERS_CLOSED part was substituted for the GRIPPER_FINGERS assembly the two functional components
Figure 10–16
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10.3 Case Studies Example 1 illustrates the practical advantage of using functional components in assemblies. Examples 2 and 3 illustrate the practical advantage of using simplify components.
Example 1
Consider the parts shown in Figure 10–17 and Figure 10–18. These parts are nozzles that can be assembled to the hose attachment of a vacuum cleaner. The two nozzles are functionally similar and therefore an interchange assembly can be created. The reference tags that allow these two components to be automatically constrained in an assembly are Axis and Mate and their references are shown. Mate ref = hidden surface Axis ref = A_1
Figure 10–17 Mate ref = hidden surface Axis ref = A_1
Figure 10–18
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In the assembly shown in Figure 10–19, the straight nozzle was assembled to attachment.prt. In , the straight nozzle was replaced by the curved nozzle using the replace options. attachment.prt
nozzle1.prt
Figure 10–19 attachment.prt
nozzle2.prt
Figure 10–20
Example 2
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Consider the component shown in Figure 10–21. The simplified component in Figure 10–22 can be added to the interchange assembly so it can be used to simplify the part. In doing this, a downstream assembly can substitute the simpler part for the more detailed part using simplified representation functionality to help reduce regeneration and display times.
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Multiple parts or assemblies can be assembled into a simplify interchange assembly.
Figure 10–21
Figure 10–22
Example 2
Assemblies often have space requirements for their components. Using concept parts you can define the size for each of the assembly’s components without designing the specifics. According to the required size, the component can be designed within the specifications. Consider the assembly shown in Figure 10–23. The rotor component in this assembly was designed to fit within an enclosure.
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The original assembly was assembled, as shown in Figure 10–24; rotor_concept_part defined the size.
Rotor
Figure 10–23
Rotor_concept_part
Figure 10–24 Once all of the concept parts are assembled into the assembly you can get a better appreciation of the design requirements. In the example shown above, the rotor component was built to fit inside the rotor_concept_part component. Concept components can be replaced in the assembly using a simplify component in an interchange assembly or by manually replacing the components.
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Exercise 10a Functional Interchange Assemblies I Goal
In this exercise, you will open the robot_arm assembly and create an interchange assembly of the functional components of the assembly. You will also replace the functionally similar component in the robot_arm assembly. The model shown in Figure 10–25 is the assembly with the replaced functionally similar bracket.\ grip_mounting_bracket.prt Interchange assembly is created for this component.
The interchange assembly contains the two bracket components that can be replaced interchangeable.
Figure 10–25 After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 Create interchange assemblies for parts 9 Create reference tags 9 Replace a part using interchange assemblies Pro/ENGINEER: Advanced Assembly Design and Management
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Task 1: Open the assembly called robot_arm.asm. 1.
Set the current working directory to the robot directory.
2.
Open robot_arm.asm.
Task 2: Investigate how the mounting bracket was assembled. 1.
Select GRIP_MOUNTING_BRACKET.PRT and click Edit Definition from the pop-up menu. The Component Placement dialog box appears showing the constraints used to assemble it.
2.
Select the Align constraint. The two aligning axes (A_1 of the grip_housing and A_1 of the grip_mounting_bracket) highlight in the main window as shown in Figure 10–26.
3.
Select the Mate constraint. The two mating surfaces highlight in the main window as shown in Figure 10–26.
Mate: surface (grip_mounting_bracket) surface (grip_collar)
Align: A_1 (grip_mounting_bracket) A_1 (grip_housing)
Figure 10–26 4.
Select the button to close the Component Placement dialog box once.
Task 3: Open an alternate mounting bracket.prt. 1.
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Open part grip_mounting_bracket2.prt. This component is functionally equivalent to the mounting bracket that is currently
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assembled in the robot_arm assembly. The part appears as shown in Figure 10–27.
Figure 10–27 Task 4: Create an interchange group.
1.
Select the
button. The New dialog box appears.
2.
Select Assembly as the Type and Interchange in the Sub-type.
3.
Enter [brackets] as the name of the assembly and select the button. The intent of the assembly is to be able to replace the two brackets with each other depending on the design requirement.
4.
Click Component > Add. Select grip_mounting_bracket.prt. The component is packaged into the interchange assembly.
5.
Click Add in the COMPONENT menu. The Add Interchange Comp dialog box appears as shown in Figure 10–28.
Figure 10–28
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6.
Ensure that Functional Component is selected and select the button.
7.
Select grip_mounting_bracket2. The Component Placement dialog box appears.
8.
Select the button in the Component Placement dialog box to package the component. The grip_mounting_bracket2 component should now be packaged in the assembly as shown in Figure 10–29.
Figure 10–29 9.
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Click Done/Return in the COMPONENT menu.
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Task 5: Assign tags for automatic assembly. 1.
Click Reference Tag in the ASSEMBLY menu. The Reference Tags dialog box appears as shown in Figure 10–30.
Figure 10–30 2.
Display the axes if they are not already displayed.
3.
Enter the reference tag name [axis] in the Name section and select the button. This is done to describe the component placement constraint for the alignment of the two axes.
4.
You must now assign the references in the models that are required to align the components in the assembly. Select the AXIS tag name in the Tags section.
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5.
Select the axis A_1 of the grip_mounting_bracket component shown in Figure 10–31. Select the axis A_1 of the grip_mounting_bracket2 component shown in Figure 10–31. Select axis A_1 in the grip_mounting_bracket2.
Select axis A_1 in the grip_mounting_bracket.
Figure 10–31 6.
Add a new reference tag called [mate] to the Tags section of the Reference Tags dialog box. This tag describes the references used to mate the mounting bracket to the grip_collar.
7.
Assign the references required to mate the components in the assembly. Select the references as shown in Figure 10–32. Select the back hidden surface in the grip_mounting_bracket2.
Select the back hidden surface in the grip_mounting_bracket.
Figure 10–32
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8.
Select the reference tags.
button to complete the assignment of
9.
Save the interchange assembly and close the window.
Task 6: Replace brackets in the assembly. 1.
Activate the robot_arm assembly window.
2.
Select GRIP_MOUNTING_BRACKET.PRT in the model tree and click Replace from the pop-up menu. The Replace Component dialog box appears as shown in Figure 10–33.
Figure 10–33 3.
Select the button. The Family Tree dialog box appears as shown in Figure 10–34.
Figure 10–34
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4.
Expand the BRACKETS.ASM interchange assembly and select GRIP_MOUNTING_BRACKET2 from the list and select the button.
5.
Select the button. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 10–35.
Figure 10–35
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6.
Replace grip_mounting_bracket2 with grip_mounting_bracket.
7.
Save the assembly. This assembly will be used in the next exercise.
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Exercise 10b Functional Interchange Assemblies II Goal
In this exercise, you will create an interchange assembly of functionally equivalent components that will be used to replace the GRIPPER_FINGERS assembly. The interchange assembly will consist of both models and assemblies, both of which will be placed into the assembly using the replace functionality. The models shown in Figure 10–36 represent the original assembly and one with a replaced functionally similar component.
Interchange assembly is created for gripper_fingers.asm this component.
The interchange assembly contains three components that can be replaced interchangeable. Figure 10–36 After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 Create interchange assemblies using auto tags 9 Create reference tags, using Auto Tag option 9 Replace a subassembly using interchange assemblies Pro/ENGINEER: Advanced Assembly Design and Management
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Task 1: Open the assembly called robot_arm.asm. 1.
Open robot_arm.asm. The gripper_fingers subassembly, shown in Figure 10–37, is one of three subassemblies that can be used at the end of the robot arm. The suction_cup and the mount_plate (shown in Figure 10–38) are the other two components that can be used.
gripper_fingers.asm
Figure 10–37
Figure 10–38
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Task 2: Investigate the assembly constraints. 1.
Select GRIPER_FINGER.ASM and click Edit Definition from the pop-up menu. The Component Placement dialog box appears showing the constraints used to assemble it. Note the references that were selected in the gripper_finger assembly.
2.
Select the button to close the Component Placement dialog box once you have reviewed the assembly constraints.
Task 3: Create the interchange group.
1.
Select the
button. The New dialog box appears.
2.
Select Assembly as the Type and Interchange in the Sub-type.
3.
Enter [attachments] as the name of the assembly and select the button. The intent of the assembly is to be able to replace the gripper_fingers assembly with functionally similar components depending on the design requirement.
4.
Click Component > Add and select mount_plate.prt. The component is packaged as the first component in the assembly.
5.
Click Add in the COMPONENT menu.
6.
Ensure Functional Component is selected and select the button.
7.
Select suction_cup.asm. The Component Placement dialog box appears.
8.
Select the assembly.
9.
Add gripper_fingers.asm to the interchange assembly as a functionally equivalent packaged component.
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button to package the component in the
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10. The model tree appears as shown in Figure 10–39 and the main window appears as shown in Figure 10–40.
Figure 10–39
Figure 10–40 11. Click Done/Return in the COMPONENT menu. Task 4: Create Tags for the references using the Auto Tag option. 1.
Click Reference Tag in the ASSEMBLY menu. The Reference Tags dialog box appears as shown in Figure 10–41.
Figure 10–41 10–32
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2.
Select the
button.
3.
Select the gripper_fingers component in the main window or using the model tree. (Do not select the gripper_fingers in the Reference Tags dialog box.)
4.
The File Open dialog box appears for you to select the assembly where the gripper_fingers component has its references to be automatically tagged. Select and open robot_arm.asm. The Auto Tag Creation dialog box appears as shown in Figure 10–42.
Figure 10–42 The top of the Auto Tag Creation dialog box displays the defining tags for GRIPPER_FINGERS.ASM; you must assign names for the specified tags. 5.
The Axis line under the Ref Type column is already highlighted. Enter [align_axis] as the Tag Name section of the dialog box and press the key. The dialog box updates displaying the tag name.
6.
Enter [mate_surface] as the Tag Name for the Surface Ref Type and press the key. The dialog box updates displaying the tag name.
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7.
Select the button. The Reference Tags dialog box updates as shown in Figure 10–43.
Figure 10–43 8.
Select the ALIGN_AXIS Tag in the Tags section of the dialog box.
9.
Display the axes if they are not displayed.
10. Select axis A_1 on the suction_cup assembly. 11. Select axis A_1 on the mount_plate part. 12. Select the MATE_SURFACE tag. 13. Select the surfaces shown in Figure 10–44 as the reference surfaces for each of the assemblies.
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Select this surface as the reference for the mount_plate part.
Select this surface as the reference for the suction_cup assembly.
Figure 10–44 14. The dialog box updates as shown in Figure 10–45. The column All Tags, in the Assignments section, shows all tags are defined.
Figure 10–45 15. Select the
button to close the Reference Tags dialog box.
16. Save the assembly and close the window. Task 5: Replace components in the assembly with members of an interchange assembly. 1.
Activate the robot_arm assembly window.
2.
Select GRIPPER_FINGERS.ASM and click Replace from the pop-up menu. The Replace Comp dialog box appears.
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3.
Select the button. The Family Tree dialog box appears as shown in Figure 10–46.
Figure 10–46 4.
Expand the ATTACHMENTS.ASM interchange assembly and select SUCTION_CUP.ASM from the list. Select the button.
5.
Select the button. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 10–47.
Figure 10–47
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6.
Replace the suction_cup assembly with the mount_plate component.
7.
Replace gripper_assembly back into the assembly.
8.
Save the assembly and erase it from memory.
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Exercise 10c Optional - Flexible Component Goal
In this exercise you will assemble flexible variations of a spring as shown in Figure 10–48.
Figure 10–48 After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 Create a flexible component directly in Assembly mode 9 Pre-define a component as flexible Task 1: Open the assembly called flexible_components.asm 1.
Change your working directory up one level to the training files directory.
2.
Open flexible_components.asm. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 10–49. The first spring (non-flexible) has been assembled for you.
Figure 10–49
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Task 2: Assemble spring.prt and define it as a flexible component during the assembly process. 1.
Click Insert > Component > Flexible and select spring.prt. The Varied Items dialog box appears.
2.
Select the spring that has just been added to the model. Select the Profile option and click Done.
3.
Press and hold the key and select the 30.00 and the PITCH5.00 dimensions. Select the button. The dimensions appear in the Varied Items dialog box as shown in Figure 10–50.
Figure 10–50
Selecting the button packages the component in the assembly.
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4.
Select the d2 cell in the New Value column and enter [4] as the varied pitch value.
5.
Select the d0 cell in the New Value column and enter [25] as the varied length value.
6.
Select the button to access the Component Placement dialog box to parametrically place the component. Assign constraints such that the spring appears similar to that shown in Figure 10–51. The icon that appears in the model tree indicates that the spring is a flexible component.
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The button is available at the bottom of the Component Placement dialog box to redefine the parameters used to vary the component.
Figure 10–51 Task 3: Define flexibility in the spring component prior to assembling it. 1.
Open spring.prt.
2.
Click Edit > Setup > Flexibility. The Flexibility: Prepare Varied Items dialog box appears. This is similar to the Varied Items dialog box that is used in Assembly mode.
3.
Select the model.
4.
Select the Profile option and click Done.
5.
Press and hold the key and select the 30.00 and the PITCH5.00 dimensions. Select the button. The dimensions appear in the dialog box as shown in Figure 10–52.
Figure 10–52 6.
Selecting the
7.
Save the model and close the window.
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8.
Activate the assembly.
9.
Select the button to assembly a component and select spring.prt. The Confirm dialog box appears indicating that the model has pre-defined flexibility, select the to confirm that you would like to use it for component definition.
Figure 10–53 10. Select the d2 cell in the New Value column and enter [3] as the varied pitch value. 11. Select the d0 cell in the New Value column and enter [20] as the varied length value. Selecting the button packages the component in the assembly.
12. Select the button to access the Component Placement dialog box to parametrically place the component. Assign constraints such that the spring appears similar to that shown in Figure 10–54. The icon that appears in the model tree indicates that the spring is a flexible component.
Figure 10–54 13. Save the model and erase it from memory. In addition to these two techniques for adding a flexible component to an assembly you can also redefine an existing component as flexible as long as the model has pre-defined flexibility defined.
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Exercise 10d Simplify components Goal
In this exercise, you will open the compressor assembly and substitute the rotor assembly with a simplified part model that was created for you. Substituting using a simplified part provides an additional alternative to substituting an envelope. The model shown in Figure 10–55 is the compressor assembly with the simplified part.
Figure 10–55 After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 Create an interchange group 9 Create user-defined simplified representation 9 Substitute a simplified part. Task 1: Open the assembly called compressor.asm.
If you did not complete exercise 9b, open compressor_final1.asm.
1.
Change your working directory to the Compressor_Final directory.
2.
Open compressor.asm.
Task 2: Create the interchange group.
1.
Select the
button. The New dialog box appears.
2.
Select Assembly as the Type and Interchange in the Sub-type.
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3.
Enter [rotor_interchange] as the name of the assembly and select the button. The intent of the assembly is to be able to simplify the rotor assembly with a simple part.
4.
Click Component > Add and select rotor.asm. The component is packaged as the first component in the assembly.
5.
Click Add in the COMPONENT menu.
6.
Ensure Simplify Component is selected and select the button.
7.
Select simplified_rotor_assem.prt. The Component Placement dialog box appears and the component appears as shown in Figure 10–56. simplified_rotor_assem.prt
Figure 10–56
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8.
Select Coord Sys in the Type pull-down menu in the Component Placement dialog box.
9.
Select the CS0 coordinate system in the simplified_rotor_assem component and the ASM_DEF_CSYS coordinate system in the rotor.asm. The rotor_interchange.asm appears as shown in Figure 10–57.
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Figure 10–57 10. Select the dialog box.
button to close the Component Placement
11. Select the dialog box.
button to close the Simplified Component
12. Click Done/Return in the COMPONENT menu. 13. Save the model and close the window. 14. Activate the compressor.asm. Task 3: Create a user-defined simplified Rep.
1.
Select the dialog box.
button on the toolbar to open the View Manager
2.
Select the button and enter [simplify_rotor] as the name and press the key to set it as current.
3.
Select the menu.
4.
Select the Substitute tab in the Edit dialog box.
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button and click Redefine from the pop-up
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5.
Select By Model as the Method and select ROTOR.ASM. The Edit dialog box appears as shown in Figure 10–58.
Figure 10–58
Select the button in the View manager dialog box and click Add Column in the pop-up menu.
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6.
Select the button, expand ROTOR_INTERCHANGE and select SIMPLIFIED_ROTOR_ASSEM.PRT in the Family Table dialog box.
7.
Select the
8.
Select the
9.
Exclude the COMPRESSOR_CASE assembly. The model tree and compressor appear as shown in Figure 10–59.
button to accept the selection. button.
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Figure 10–59 10. Close the View Manager dialog box. 11. Save the assembly and erase it from memory.
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Pro/ENGINEER: Advanced Assembly Design and Management
Chapter 11 Automation Capturing design intent is an important part of modeling in Pro/ENGINEER. Using relations at the assembly level can be a valuable design tool when capturing intent between components. Pro/PROGRAM can also be a very valuable tool for a designer wishing to automate various configurations of similar assembly designs.
This chapter introduces:
9Assembly Relations 9Assembly Pro/PROGRAM
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11.1Assembly Relations Creating assembly relations enables a user to capture design intent.
Relations are user-defined mathematical equations which can be used to control geometry as well as relationships between models in assembly. All dimensions in a Pro/ENGINEER model contain a symbolic dimension. An example of a symbolic dimension in a part is d6. If this part is used in an assembly, the same dimension is displayed as d6:#, where # is a session number for the component within the assembly. The session number allows the system to differentiate between similar symbolic dimensions in each assembly component. The symbolic dimension is used within relations to reference part and or assembly dimensions. Relations can be equality or conditional statements, as follows: •
Equality statements equate one side of the equation to the other. d36 = 2.75 + d20 * (1 - d42)
•
Conditional statements use If / Else / Endif statements to equate a value based on a specified condition. If (d12 + d16) Relations from the pull-down menu to access the Relation dialog box, as shown in Figure 11–1.
Figure 11–2
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Step 2: Specify the geometry to be referenced To select the type of geometry referenced by the relation, select the pull-down menu in the Look In section, as shown in Figure 11–3. The option will also determine where the relation is written. For example, if Feature is specified as the Look In option, select a feature in a part and enter the relation. The relation is created in the part file and will not reference any assembly level geometry or dimensions. Figure 11–3
Step 3: Enter a comment statement Relations should be preceeded with a comment line. Using comment lines provides information on the relation and can help organize them. Relation comments are also valuable for downstream users of the model who do not know the original design intent of the model. Comment lines must be predeeded with the /* syntax, as shown in Figure 11–4.
Figure 11–4
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Step 4: Determine dimension symbols, as necessary To obtain the required dimension symbol for the relation, select the button and select the part and feature for which you want to view the dimensions. All dimensions associated with that part and feature are displayed in their symbolic form. You can toggle between the dimensional and symbolic display, select button. Figure 11–5 shows the dimension symbols associated with two components in the assembly. The Session Id can be obtained by selecting Show > Session ID from the pull-down menu followed by selecting the model.
Figure 11–5
Step 5: Enter the relation Equations can be entered manually or can be inserted directly from the model. To manually enter the relation, enter the operators, symbolic dimensions and numerical values using the keyboard keys. To directly insert the dimension symbols, display the dimension using the button and select it on the model. The selected symbolic dimension is displayed in the Relations section of the Relation dialog box. The following can be included when entering a relation: • • •
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Symbols Operators Functions
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Symbols
The symbols described in Table 11–1 can be used in writing a relation, where # is the dimension symbol number that is applied to the dimension (e.g., d3, #=3). If a negative value is a possibility, the dimension symbol must be preceded by a dollar sign, e.g., $d#. Table 11–1
Operators
Symbol
Description
d#
Part dimensions
d#.#
Dimension in assemblies, the second # is the session id.
sd#
Sketcher dimensions (used only in Feature Relations)
kd#
Known dimensions in Sketcher (Used only in Feat Rel)
p#
Number of instances in a pattern
tp#
Positive tolerance values in a plus-minus format
tm#
Negative tolerance values in a plus-minus format
tpm#
Tolerance values in plus-minus symmetrical format
rd#
Reference dimensions
The operators described in Table 11–2 can be used in relations. Table 11–2 Operator
Description
Operator
Description
+
addition
<
less than
-
subtraction
geater than
!
not
>=
geater than or equal
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Functions
The functions described in Table 11–3 can be used in relations. Table 11–3 Mathematical Function
Parameters
Sin ()
tanh ()
cos ( )
sqrt ( )
tan ( )
log ( )
asin ( )
ln ( )
acos ( )
exp ( )
atan ( )
abs ( )
sinh ( )
ceil ( ) Smallest integer not less then the real value
cosh ( )
floor ( ) largest integer not greater then the real value
The parameters described in Table 11–4 and Table 11–5can be used in relations. User-defined parameters can also be used (e.g., ANGLE, DIST). Table 11–4 Predefined Parameters PI (=3.1415...) - mathematical constant, G (= 9.8 m/sec2) - Gravity constant C1,C2,C3,C4 (= 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0) - Common parameters for all models in current session can be modified by relations
Table 11–5
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Mass Property
Description
mp_mass
mass
mp_density
density
mp_volume
volume
mp_surf_area
surface area
mp_cp_x
x of center of gravity
mp_cg_y
y of center of gravity
mp_cg_z
z of center or gravity
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Figure 11–6 shows the relation with a comment line and an equality statement equation.
Figure 11–6
Step 6: Complete the relation When all comments and relation statements have been entered, select the the relation.
button from the Relation dialog box to complete
Step 7: Regenerate the model Select the regenerate button to regenerate the model and update the geometry driven by the relation.
Step 8: Flex the model Flex the model by making dimensional modifications to determine if the relation is correct and captures the desired design intent.
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11.2Assembly Pro/PROGRAM Pro/PROGRAM is a module of Pro/ENGINEER used to automate the design and redesign process of similar models. It enables you to quickly and easily output parametric parts, assemblies and drawings. This section focuses on the basics of Pro/PROGRAM in Assembly mode. Any assembly created in Pro/ENGINEER automatically generates a program. This default program is a list of steps on how the assembly was created. It consists of components, features, elements, dimension values and references all arranged in the order in which the model features were created. The program includes subsections where user-defined specifics can be added. A Pro/ENGINEER assembly program consists of the following sections: The sections of the assembly program a similar to a program of a part model with the exception that a components section has been added. Also, the features section refers to assembly level features.
• • • • • •
Version, revnum, model name Input variables Relations Features Components Mass properties
These sections are manipulated to automate the design of the model. The generic model must contain all of the features and components needed to create the required design variations. An example of a default assembly program is shown in Figure 11–7. Notice all the sub-sections.
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Input Relations
INPUT END INPUT RELATIONS END RELATIONS ADD FEATURE (initial number 1) INTERNAL FEATURE ID
1
TYPE = DATUM PLANE NAME = ADTM1 END ADD
Features
ADD FEATURE (initial number 2) INTERNAL FEATURE ID
3
TYPE = DATUM PLANE NAME = ADTM2 END ADD ADD FEATURE (initial number 3) INTERNAL FEATURE ID
5
TYPE = DATUM PLANE NAME = ADTM3 END ADD ADD PART BATTERY-CASE INTERNAL COMPONENT ID 7 END ADD
Components ADD PART BATTERY-CAP INTERNAL COMPONENT ID 8 PARENTS = 7(#4) END ADD ADD SUBASSEMBLY BATTERY-CONTACT INTERNAL COMPONENT ID 11 PARENTS = 7(#4) END ADD
Mass Properties
MASSPROP END MASSPROP
Figure 11–7
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General Steps
Use the following steps as a general guideline to create an assembly program: 1.
Access the design program.
2.
Add input statements.
3.
Add relations.
4.
Edit the body of the program, as necessary.
5.
Fix errors, if necessary.
6.
Incorporate the design.
7.
Run the program.
Step 1: Access the design program To start the creation of a program, click Tools > Program in the menu bar to open the PROGRAM menu, as shown in Figure 11–8.
Figure 11–8 Click Edit Design in the PROGRAM menu to start editing the program. A system editor opens displaying the default program. When editing the design for the first time, the program design is accessed within the model. This is because no edited program file exists. Relations that have been added to the model are also displayed in the program.
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Step 2: Add input statements Once the system editor opens, you can add input statements to the program to prompt the user for information. The Input section at the beginning of the program is denoted by the lines INPUT / END INPUT. This section contains input variables that are used to apply parameters in the program. These parameters can be used to drive the assembly. The input variables that are added must be included within the INPUT / END INPUT lines and must contain the proper syntax. Input statements can contain the following: • • •
Parameter name Parameter type Prompt
Input variables must always begin with a parameter name or dimension symbol and can be any one of the three input types described in Table 11–6. Table 11–6 Input Type
Description
Number
Input contains a numeric value.
String
Input contains a string of alphanumeric characters for parameters and model names (not user attributes).
Yes_No
Input contains a [Yes] or [No] value.
Descriptive prompts can be designed for user inputs. When adding prompts to the program, always do the following two things: The current value is always displayed when you are prompted for the new value.
• •
Enclose the prompt in quotes Add the prompt immediately after the input variable
Examples of input statements are shown in Figure 11–8.
• • • •
. Parameter . INPUT WASHER YES_NO “DO YOU WANT TO ADD THE WASHER?” LENGTH NUMBER “WHAT IS THE LENGTH OF THE BOLT?”
Descriptive prompt
END INPUT . .
Figure 11–9 Pro/ENGINEER: Advanced Assembly Design and Management
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Step 3: Add relations Once you finish adding input statements to the program, you must add relations to relate parameters, dimensions, and components. The Relation section is found below the Input section of the program, and is denoted by the lines RELATIONS / END RELATIONS. This section enables you to create assembly relations. It contains relations created using the options in the Relation dialog box as well as those relations entered when editing the program. Consider Session Id numbers when writing relations. Relations in Pro/PROGRAM can be commented in the same way part and feature relations are commented. Use the /* syntax before the comment.
For example tot_length = length:1 + length:2 In this situation, the value for tot_value is the sum of the length values in parts 1 and 2, where :1 and :2 are the session ids of the parts.
Step 4: Edit the body of the program, as necessary You can use the program once input statements and relations have been added; however, you may want to edit the body of the program to further build intelligence into the model. You can capture the logic for the necessary design variations using the following statements:
Conditional Statements
A conditional statement can be included in the input, relation or main body of the program. Pro/PROGRAM allows for IF-ENDIF and IF-ELSE-ENDIF conditional statements. Any component or assembly feature controlled with a program must be added to the assembly before editing. Conditional statements are then used to control whether the component or feature is displayed or suppressed.
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Execute Statements
An execute statement is an assembly program command that passes input parameter values to components and their respective programs. This is advantageous in large assembly situations where the repetitive entry of input data at various levels is undesirable. Execute statements can be added anywhere after END RELATIONS and before MASS PROPERTIES, except within a feature. The syntax for an execute statement is as follows:
When running an assembly program, each part can be executed only once (i.e., receive parameter values).
• • •
END RELATIONS . . . EXECUTE PART SHAFT_SIZE =DIAMETER . . END EXECUTE . . . MASSPROP END MASSPROP
Specify the name of the part to be executed. ( No brackets are required.)
Add any parameters that will be passed to the part between EXECUTE and END EXECUTE
The syntax for executing a part has been limited to entering PART after the EXECUTE statement. Programs can also be created so that user input governs which part should be executed. Consider the following example:
• • • • • •
. INPUT WASHER YES_NO “DO YOU WANT TO ADD THE WASHER?” LENGTH NUMBER “WHAT IS THE LENGTH OF THE BOLT?” BOLT_NAME STRING “WHICH BOLT SHOULD BE EXECUTED?” END INPUT
• • •
RELATIONS END RELATIONS . . . EXECUTE PART (BOLT_NAME) d10 = LENGTH END EXECUTE .
As an extension to this, IF - ENDIF statements can be used to set conditions on which parts are executed and are added to the assembly.
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Interchanging Components
Programs can be designed to replace assembly components with interchangeable components. If a specified member is not interchangeable, then the program aborts and remains at its previous value. An interchangeable component can be any one of the following: • • •
member of a family table member of an interchange group layout declaration
A program can interchange components using INPUT or RELATION statements. The INPUT statements can be used to interchange components using the following two steps: 1.
Add a string variable in the INPUT statement
2.
Place the string variable in parenthesis at the point where the component is added to the assembly (i.e., Flat and Lock are the two choices for components in the following example).
Consider the example shown in Figure 11–10
• •
INPUT WASHER_TYPE STRING "ENTER THE WASHER TYPE: FLAT OR LOCK"
•
END INPUT . . . ADD PART (WASHER_TYPE) INTERNAL COMPONENT ID 8 PARENTS = 7(#4) END ADD
Remove the original part name and replace with the parameter name in brackets.
Figure 11–10
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The RELATION statement in the program can also be used to interchange components using the following three steps: 1.
Add a YES_NO variable in the INPUT statement.
2.
Add an IF-ELSE-ENDIF statement in the RELATION statement.
3.
Place the variable in parenthesis at the point where the component is added to the assembly, as shown in Figure 11–11
• •
. . . INPUT LOCK_WASHER YES_NO "SHOULD THE LOCK WASHER BE ASSEMBLED?"
• • • • •
END INPUT RELATIONS IF (LOCK_WASHER == YES) WASHER_TYPE = "LOCK" ELSE WASHER_TYPE = "FLAT" ENDIF
•
END RELATIONS . . . ADD PART (WASHER_TYPE) INTERNAL COMPONENT ID 8 PARENTS = 7(#4) END ADD .
Figure 11–11 If a parameter’s associated feature belongs to an assembly or another component, the ADD COMPONENT statement or relation must include the component id.
Step 5: Fix errors, if necessary Program files are temporary files saved with the syntax .pls or .als.
When changes are made to the program and those changes are saved, a program file is generated that contains the latest design specifications. If the program finds an error, you must fix the error before continuing.
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Step 6: Incorporate the design Once any errors are corrected, two designs exist. One from design and one from file. You must decide whether to incorporate the new changes (from file) into the model (from design). The scenarios are described in Table 11–7. Table 11–7 Option
Description
Incorporate Changes
If changes are incorporated into the design from file into the model, the file is deleted and only the design program exists.
Do Not Incorporate Changes
If changes are not incorporated into the design, two options become available in the WHICH DESIGN menu the next time the design is edited:
From Model
This option retrieves the program design that was last incorporated into the model.
From File
This option retrieves the program design from file.
Step 7: Regenerate the model Once a program is added to a model, you can run it by regenerating the model or editing the program and incorporating the changes. While the program is running, values can be entered using any one of the following: • • •
Creating Instances
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Entering new values at the message window prompt Maintaining the current values Reading values from a text file
The Instantiate option in the PROGRAM menu enables you to quickly create family table instances of the model. This option is available after executing a program design by regenerating the model or editing the program. Once you enter a name for each instance, the family table is automatically created and consists of all the input parameters. Each instance is added by giving the value for their respective parameter.
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Process Flowchart
The flow chart shown in Figure 11–12 outlines the logical program sequence that can be encountered in an assembly program.
Figure 11–12
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Exercise 11a Relations I Goal
In this exercise you will create assembly relations that drive the diameter of the piston hole and the piston_pin according to the dimension value of the connecting_rod. By setting up this relation you will be able to ensure that if a change is made to the driving dimension in the connecting_rod the piston hole and piston_pin diameters also update. After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 Create relations to drive dimensions in other parts of an assembly Task 1: Open the assembly called crank_piston.asm. If you did not complete exercise 2a, open crank_piston_final.asm.
1.
Change your working directory to the Piston directory. Open crank_piston.asm. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 11–13.
Figure 11–13 2.
Display features in the model tree.
3.
Expand the connecting_rod part in the model tree.
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4.
Select Protrusion id 105 in the model tree and click Edit in the pop-up menu. The dimensions for the protrusion are displayed.
5.
Click Info > Switch Dimensions. The dimension symbols for the protrusion appears as shown in Figure 11–14. Find the symbol associated with connecting rod hole.
A dimension symbol consists of two numbers: the dimension (e.g., d13) and the session id (e.g., 4) that identifies the component in the assembly.
Hole dimension symbol
Figure 11–14 6.
Find the dimension symbol and session id for the piston_pin (shown in Figure 11–15) and the piston (shown in Figure 11–16).
Figure 11–15
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Figure 11–16 Task 2: Create a relation. 1.
Click Tools > Relations. The Relations dialog box appears as shown in Figure 11–17.
Figure 11–17
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2.
The driving dimension is the hole diameter on the connecting_rod (e.g., d13:4). Enter the following relations in the Relations dialog box window. The session id might vary for your assembly. d14:6 = d13:4 d37:8 = d13:4
3.
Select the button to close the Relations dialog box and add the relations to the assembly.
Task 3: Test the relation. 1.
Expand the connecting_rod part in the model tree.
2.
Select Protrusion id 105 in the model tree and click Edit in the pop-up menu. The dimensions for the protrusion are displayed.
3.
Click Info > Switch Dimensions.
4.
Select the d13:4 dimension that associated with connecting rod hole. Enter [12] and new diameter and press the key.
5.
Regenerate the assembly. Verify that the hole that connects the piston and the piston_pin to the connecting_rod have updated.
6.
Save the assembly. This assembly is used in the next exercise.
The assembly relation drives the diameter of the piston hole and the piston_pin according to the dimension value of the connecting_rod. This relation only drives these dimensions while the assembly is in session. If the components are all opened in Part mode and the assembly is not in session, all of the part dimensions act independently from each other until the assembly is opened.
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Exercise 11b Relations ll Goal
The crank_piston assembly that you created in an earlier lab was created using a skeleton model to simulate motion. In order to change the position of the piston heads, the angle of rotation must be updated. This lab incorporates relations into the assembly to make the modification of the angle update with each regeneration that is performed on the assembly. After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 Create a relation to simulate motion Task 1: Open the assembly called crank_piston.asm. 1.
Open the crank_piston.asm assembly that you used in the previous exercise, if it is not already open. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 11–18.
Figure 11–18
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Task 2: Investigate the skeleton model’s session id. 1.
Click Tools > Relations. The Relations dialog box appears as shown in Figure 11–19.
Figure 11–19
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2.
Click Show > Session ID in the Relations dialog box.
3.
Click Skeleton in the MODEL INFO menu. Select the skeleton model in the model tree. The message window shows that the model crank_piston_skel has a Session id of #. The remaining portion of this exercise assumes that the session id is 0. You have to substitute your value if it differs from this.
4.
Click Done/Return to close the MODEL INFO menu.
5.
Select the
button to close the Relations dialog box.
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Task 3: Create an assembly relation that makes the crank shaft rotate. The maximum value for an angular dimension is 360°. The dimension increment that is used is 30°. 1.
Activate and expand the skeleton model in the model tree.
2.
Select Curve id 14 in the model tree and click Edit from the pop-up menu.
3.
Click Info > Switch Dimensions. The model appears as shown in Figure 11–20.
Session ID
Figure 11–20 Note the dimension symbol that represents the angular position of the piston is crank_angle. This should have been changed in an earlier exercise. If not, change it now. Notice that the session id is also visible. 4.
Click Tools > Relations. The Relations dialog box appears.
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5.
The comment lines are added at the beginning of each set of relations to help identify its purpose.
Enter the following relations in the relation dialog box. These relations (parameters) are limiting the range of motion that is possible for the crank_angle dimension. /*Limits of motion. LOWER = 0 UPPER = 330 INCREMENTS = 12
6.
Enter the following relations underneath the previous relation statements. These relations calculate the step increment value (value) as 30° and sets the crank_angle dimension equal to the initial value plus the increment. The crank_angle dimension must be identified using the session id so that the assembly knows which component in the assembly the crank_angle dimension belongs to. The value for the crank_angle increases each time the model is regenerated. /*Calculate Angle VALUE = 360 / INCREMENTS CRANK_ANGLE:0 = CRANK_ANGLE:0 + VALUE
7.
Enter the following relations underneath the previous relation statements. These relations are required to reset the crank_angle dimension once it gets to a value greater than or equal to 330. This is done because the value for an angular dimension must be between 0 and 360. /*Reset IF CRANK_ANGLE:0 => UPPER CRANK_ANGLE:0 = LOWER ENDIF
8.
Select the
button to close the Relations dialog box.
9.
Regenerate the model. The dimension value for the crank_angle increases by 30°.
10. Continue to regenerate the model to simulate the motion.
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Task 4: Create a mapkey to automate the selection of regenerate. 1.
Click Tools > Mapkeys. The Mapkeys dialog box appears.
2.
Select the
3.
Enter [$F1] in the Key Sequence section of the Mapkeys dialog box.
4.
Enter [Regenerate] in the Name section of the Mapkeys dialog box. Entering a description is optional.
5.
Make sure the Record keyboard input is selected in the Record Mapkeys dialog box.
6.
Select the
7.
Regenerate the model.
8.
Select the
9.
Select the button. The message window prompts that the mapkey F1 has been successfully recorded in memory. Select the
button.
button.
button.
button to save the mapkey to the config.pro.
10. Press when prompted to enter the configuration file name. This saves the mapkey to the config.pro in the current working directory. 11. Select the
button to close the Mapkeys dialog box.
12. Test the mapkey by pressing the key to regenerate the assembly. 13. Save the assembly and erase it from memory.
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Exercise 11c Program l Goal
Using interchange assembly attachments, as in exercise 10b, you were able to replace the attachment on the robot arm assembly with other models (subassemblies and parts). Pro/PROGRAM can be used to automate this procedure. In this exercise you will create a program that prompts for the attachment that should be replaced in the assembly. After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 Create a program to replace components Task 1: Open the assembly called robot_arm.asm. If you did not complete exercise 10b, open robot_arm_final.asm
1.
Change your working directory to the Robot sub-directory and open robot_arm.asm. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 11–21.
Figure 11–21 Task 2: Add input statement to the assembly. The intent of the program is to prompt the user for which attachment should be added to the end of the robot_arm assembly. 1.
Click Tools > Program.
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2.
Click Edit Design in the PROGRAM menu. The default program appears in the system editor. Explore the default program in the editor. You will notice there is an input, relation, and an add feature section for you to add user-defined entities to this program. A small section of the default program is shown in Figure 11–22.
Figure 11–22 3. The bullets indicate user entry.
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Enter the following in the Input section: •ATTACHMENT NUMBER •"ATTACHMENT (1=GRIPPER_FINGERS, 2=SUCTION_CUP, 3=MOUNT_PLATE)"
4.
Click File > Exit and save the changes to the program.
5.
When prompted “Do you want to incorporate your changes into the model?”, press the key to accept the default value of "yes".
6.
The GET INPUT menu appears to run the program. Click Enter. The only input variable that you have added is attachment. Select this variable and click Done Sel.
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7.
The message window now displays the input statement prompt. Enter [2] to add the suction_cup assembly. Nothing happens to the assembly shown in Figure 11–23 because we have not told the system what to do with the input.
Figure 11–23 Task 3: Add relation statements to the assembly. The program does not know which components are to be added to the assembly. You must set up relations that equate the input values to a specific assembly or part component. 1.
Click Edit Design.
2.
Enter the following in the Relation section.
The bullets indicate user entry.
Relations •IF (ATTACHMENT == 1) •COMP= "GRIPPER_FINGERS.ASM" •ENDIF •IF (ATTACHMENT == 2) •COMP = "SUCTION_CUP.ASM" •ENDIF •IF (ATTACHMENT == 3) •COMP = "MOUNT_PLATE.PRT" •ENDIF End Relations
3.
Click File > Exit and save the changes to the program.
4.
Incorporate the changes into the model.
5.
Click Enter from the GET INPUT menu, select the attachment input variable and click Done Sel. Enter [3] at the prompt. Again,
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nothing happens to the assembly (Figure 11–24) because we have not told the system what to do with the input or the relations. The input and the relation section as is cannot drive the replacement of the components.
Figure 11–24 Task 4: Edit the program to replace the components. 1.
The bullets indicate user entry.
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Click Edit Design. Scroll to the bottom of the program. The last subassembly that is included is the subassembly for the gripper_fingers. Edit the first line in this section (as shown below) to enable the user input to dictate which subassembly is used in the top-level assembly. The (comp) syntax tells the program that the value for comp is what is added to the assembly. •ADD SUBASSEMBLY (COMP) INTERNAL COMPONENT ID 27 PARENTS = 26(#15) END ADD
2.
Exit and save the changes to the program.
3.
Incorporate the changes into the model.
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4.
Click Enter, select the attachment input variable, and enter [2]. This time the assembly updates as shown in Figure 11–25 with the suction_cup assembly replacing the gripper_fingers assembly. This was possible because of the interchange assembly that you had previously created.
The replacement of components using Pro/PROGRAM can be accomplished using interchange groups or families of components (i.e., family tables).
Figure 11–25 5.
Select the button to regenerate the model and run the program again. This time enter the third option, the mount_plate (3). The mount_plate.prt cannot be assembled. This is because the program is looking for the subassembly mount_plate and mount_plate is not a subassembly it is a part file. To deal with this Pro/ENGINEER enables you to use the variable COMPONENT in place of the reference for SUBASSEMBLY.
6.
Edit the program and modify the reference to the subassembly to that shown below.
The bullets indicate user entry.
•ADD COMPONENT (COMP) INTERNAL COMPONENT ID 27 PARENTS = 26(#15) END ADD
7.
Exit and save the changes to the program.
8.
Incorporate the changes into the model.
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9.
Click Enter, select the attachment input variable, and enter [3]. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 11–26.
Figure 11–26 10. Save the assembly. This assembly is used in the next exercise.
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Exercise 11d Program ll Goal
After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 Create a program to drive subassembly relations by a top-level program Task 1: Create a program in the subassembly gripper_fingers.asm. 1.
Open gripper_fingers.asm, which was used in the assembly in the previous exercise. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 11–27.
Figure 11–27 2.
Click Tools > Relations. The Relations dialog box appears. Assembly level relations were set up for you to control the position of the fingers in the assembly. The position is all based on the value of the ANGLE parameter.
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3.
Open the Local Parameters section. The section appears as shown in Figure 11–28.
Figure 11–28 4.
Select the [92.0000] in the Value column and enter [45].
5.
Select the
6.
Select the button to regenerate the model; it should update as shown in Figure 11–29.
button to close the Relations dialog box.
Figure 11–29
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To modify the position of the fingers in the subassembly, you have to modify the angle parameter. The intention is to control the position of the fingers from the top level robot_arm assembly. 7.
Click Tools > Program > Edit Design. Notice that the relations are already present in the assembly. This is always the case with relations that have already been entered in the assembly.
8.
Enter the following in the Input statement of the program. You do not have to enter an input statement here because you are going to control the prompt for the angular value in the robot_arm assembly.
The bullets indicate user entry.
INPUT •ANGLE NUMBER END INPUT
9.
Exit the program and save all changes.
10. Incorporate the changes to the model. 11. Click Enter, select the Angle variable, and enter [60]. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 11–30. Notice the prompt that you are given. This is the default prompt that Pro/ENGINEER uses if no prompt is entered for the input variable.
Figure 11–30 12. Save the assembly and close the window.
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Task 2: Edit the assembly program to prompt for the angle of the fingers. 1.
Open robot_arm.asm if it is not already open. Run the program and replace the mount_plate with the gripper_fingers assembly. When prompted "Choose the source of values for the Pro/PROGRAM inputs for model GRIPPER_FINGERS", click Current Vals to use the existing values for the angle of the Gripper_fingers.The assembly appears as shown in Figure 11–31.
Figure 11–31 2.
The bullets indicate user entry.
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Edit the program (as shown below) to prompt the user for a value for the angle of the gripper fingers only if the gripper_fingers assembly is in the assembly (i.e., if 1 is entered for the attachment variable). INPUT ATTACHMENT NUMBER "ATTACHMENT (1=GRIPPER_FINGERS, 2=SUCTION_CUP, 3=MOUNT_PLATE)" •IF ATTACHMENT == 1 •ANGLE NUMBER •"ENTER THE ANGULAR POSITION OF THE FINGERS." •END IF END INPUT
3.
Exit the program and save all changes.
4.
Incorporate the changes to the model.
5.
Click Enter and select both the ATTACHMENT and ANGLE parameter. Enter [1] as the value for the attachment and [30] for the angle variable. Pro/ENGINEER: Advanced Assembly Design and Management
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6.
The position of the fingers did not change (as shown in Figure 11–32) because the gripper_fingers subassembly does not know that you just entered a value for the angle.
Figure 11–32 Task 3: Add an execute statement to the program. In situations where entry at the top level of an assembly is required to drive a subassembly, an execute statement is required. The execute statement passes the information to the subassembly and runs the lower level component’s program. 1.
The bullets indicate user entry.
Edit the program and add the following execute statement. Place the execute statement above the entry that places the attachment in the assembly. •IF ATTACHMENT ==1 •EXECUTE ASSEMBLY GRIPPER_FINGERS •ANGLE = ANGLE •END EXECUTE •END IF
Add component (comp) internal component id 27 parents = 26(#15) End Add
2.
Exit the program and save all changes.
3.
Incorporate the changes to the model.
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4.
Click Enter and select both the ATTACHMENT and ANGLE parameter. Enter [1] as the value for the attachment and [30] for the angle variable. The assembly should update as shown in Figure 11–33.
Figure 11–33 5.
Rerun the program testing the situations shown in Table 11–8. Table 11–8
6.
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Situation
Attachment
Angle
1
mount_plate
no prompt
2
suction_cups
no prompt
3
gripper_fingers
90
4
gripper_fingers
30
Save the assembly and erase it from memory.
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Chapter 12 Shrinkwrap Features A shrinkwrap feature is a lightweight representation of model that is used to share data between design groups. It can be used to improve the performance for large assembly designs by replacing complex models with the simplified surface data.
This chapter introduces:
9 Shrinkwrap Features 9 External Shrinkwrap Features
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12.1Shrinkwrap Features Shrinkwrapping is an advanced surface copying technique that copies all of the external surfaces on a part or assembly. The result is a surface quilt that has the shape of the source model and that automatically updates if changes are made. A shrinkwrap feature only includes the external surfaces; surfaces from interior components are eliminated in a shrinkwrap feature. Shrinkwrap features can assist with the following design issues:
Large Assembly Management When working with large data sets, you can increase performance by removing unnecessary detail from the display. You can create a shrinkwrap feature to act as a placeholder for an entire subassembly or multi-feature model. To accomplish this, you can use simplified representations and interchange assemblies to substitute the shrinkwrap feature for the detailed component, as shown in Figure 12–1.
Shrinkwrap parts
Figure 12–1
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Incoming vendor models Portions of your design may be modeled by a third party, which you are not required to see. In these cases, all you need for your design is an accurate placeholder for the models. The vendor can provide a shrinkwrap model for you.
Outgoing models On the other hand, you may need to send 3D models to another company. You may not want to send the native Pro/ENGINEER file if it contains proprietary design information or an export file (i.e., IGES) that does not update to reflect changes. Using a shrinkwrap model instead provides the supplier or vendor with an associative Pro/ENGINEER model, as shown in Figure 12–2. A shrinkwrap model can be customized to remove individual features or components.
Figure 12–2
Swept volume analysis In some cases, subassemblies are required to move within your design. As discussed earlier, a skeleton can be created to accommodate this type of movement by making dimensional changes to increment the assembly through the range of motion. Using the Mechanism module, you can perform interference checks. For example, you can define the joints at the time of assembly and perform a Dynamic interference check. Shrinkwrap models provide an alternative to swept volume analysis. After creating the shrinkwrap model, you transform and pattern the surfaces to represent the range of motion. This part can be brought into the assembly and the interference analysis performed. You can develop this model early in the design knowing that it automatically updates to reflect any changes. An example of a Swept Volume analysis is shown in .
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Figure 12–3
General Steps
Use the following general steps to create a create a shrinkwrap feature: 1.
Create or open an assembly.
2.
Start the creation of the shrinkwrap feature.
3.
Define the Shrinkwrap attributes.
4.
Define additional elements, as necessary.
5.
Complete the shrinkwrap feature.
Step 1: Start or open an assembly Create or open an existing assembly. If you are creating the assembly, you must constrain the components so that they are in the required location to create the shrinkwrap feature.
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Step 2: Start the creation of the shrinkwrap To create a shrinkwrap feature, click Insert > Shared Data > Shrinkwrap. The SHRINKWRAP dialog box appears as shown in Figure 12–4.
Figure 12–4
Step 3: Define the shrinkwrap attributes As soon as click Shrinkwrap, the Shrinkwrap Attributes dialog box appears as shown in Figure 12–5. This dialog box enables you to define the quality and attributes for the shrinkwrap. By default, all of the elements except Attributes are automatically defined.
Figure 12–5
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Quality Level The Quality Level enables you to specify the amount of detail shown in the resulting shrinkwrap feature. The value ranges between 1 to 10, where 10 is the highest level. At lower settings, small surfaces are ignored. At higher settings, the time and processing resources are higher to generate the feature. Since the quality value can be changed at any time, it is recommended that you begin at a low setting and increase to suit each model. The model shown in Figure 12–6 is created using a quality level of 1, which leaves gaps in the surface. To create a better model, the quality should be increased.
Quality=1 (small surface not collected; a gap exists)
Figure 12–6
Attributes Holes can appear as voids in a shrinkwrap surface. This is because the cylindrical walls may not be included with lower quality settings. Consider the use of the Auto Hole Filling option to remove these voids before the shrinkwrap is created. The shrinkwrap feature shown in Figure 12–7 is created by automatically filling the holes.
The holes are removed in the shrinkwrap feature Figure 12–7
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The Include Quilts option enables you to include external quilts in the shrinkwrap feature if the Quality and Ignore Small Surfaces settings permit it. By enabling the Ignore Small Surfaces option and entering a value, you can exclude surfaces that make up less than X% of the overall volume of the assembly. Select the
button to complete defining the attributes.
Step 4: Define additional elements, as necessary The remaining elements in the SHRINKWRAP dialog box are defined by default or are optional. Optional elements are not required in order to successfully complete the feature. These elements are described in Table 12–1. Table 12–1
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Element
Description
Comp Subset
Specifies which components in the assembly to consider (include) or Ignore (exclude) from the shrinkwrap. By default, all components are considered for the shrinkwrap.
Subset Handling
Specifies the method in which the system calculates the surfaces to be shrinkwrapped. The default, Shrinkwrap and Select, first calculates the surfaces in all the models in the assembly based on the criteria defined in the Shrinkwrap Attributes dialog box and then includes the components that are considered in the Comp Subset element. The option Select and Shrinkwrap calculates the surfaces to be shrinkwrapped in the reverse order.
Additional Srfs
Selects additional surfaces, that may not have been automatically selected, to be included in the shrinkwrap.
Include Datums
Specifies datum features (planes, points, axis, and coordinate systems) to be included in the shrinkwrap.
Geom Dependency
Controls the dependency of the shrinkwrap. By default, the shrinkwrap is dependent on the reference geometry
Externalize
Converts the feature to an external shrinkwrap feature.
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Step 5: Complete the shrinkwrap feature Select the the shrinkwrap.
button in the SHRINKWRAP dialog box to create
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12.2External Shrinkwrap Feature The External Shrinkwrap feature has the same options and behaves in the same manner as a regular shrinkwrap feature, except that is created independent of the assembly. This feature enables you to create a shrinkwrap feature without having to create a separate assembly to contain the source model(s) and the shrinkwrap part. Note that you must select an assembly model from which to copy geometry; you cannot select a part outside the context of an assembly.
To create an External Shrinkwrap feature, click Insert > Shared Data > Shrinkwrap from Other Model. With this feature, you can locate the copied geometry outside of an assembly. The copied geometry is placed using external references. Figure 12–8 shows a model tree with an external shrinkwrap feature.
Figure 12–8
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12.3Simplifying using Shrinkwrap Features Replacing a complex model with a shrinkwrap feature enables you to work more efficiently with complex assemblies. Shrinkwrap features can be used to simplify a complex model using either of the following techniques: Shrinkwrap features and interchange assemblies must already exist for these operations.
Replace
• •
Replace Simplified Representation Substitution
To replace a component using a shrinkwrap feature, select the component in the model tree and click Replace from the pop-up menu. The Replace Component dialog box appears as shown in Figure 12–9.
Figure 12–9 You can replace using either the Interchange or Reference Model options.
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Simplified Representation Substitution
When an interchange assembly exists with a component and its shrinkwrap, the shrinkwrap can be substituted into a an assembly using standard simplified representation substitution options in the Edit dialog box as shown in Figure 12–10.
Figure 12–10
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Exercise 12a Creating a Shrinkwrap Feature Goal
In this exercise you will create two external shrinkwrap features to represent the two assemblies shown in Figure 12–11. When each of these are created you will manipulate the shrinkwrap feature to exclude specific components when the shrinkwrap is created. This enables you to create a simpler representation of the model that can be used for downstream use.
Figure 12–11 After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 Create shrinkwrap features of assemblies 9 Select components to be considered or ignored in the shrinkwrap feature Task 1: Open compressor.asm and investigate the assembly.
If you did not complete exercise 10d, open compressor_final2.asm.
1.
Change your working directory to the Compressor_Final directory.
2.
Open compressor.asm.
3.
Select the three subassemblies vane.asm, rotor.asm, and compressor_case.asm. The models highlight on the screen to indicate their location.
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4.
Open VANE.ASM. The model appears as shown in Figure 12–12.
Figure 12–12 5.
Review the components in the model tree and highlight them on the screen. Zoom in on the assembly to show the small components (vane_plates and studs) that exist in the assembly.
6.
Close vane.asm and activate the compressor assembly.
7.
Open rotor.asm.
8.
Zoom in on the assembly and review the components. The exploded model is shown in Figure 12–13.
Figure 12–13 9. 12–14
Close rotor.asm and activate the compressor assembly. Pro/ENGINEER: Advanced Assembly Design and Management
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Task 2: Create a shrinkwrap part for the vane assembly. 1.
Create a new part called [vane_shrink] using the default template.
2.
Click Insert > Shared Data > Shrinkwrap from Other Model.
3.
Click Open in the LOCATE MDL menu and select vane.asm as the base model. The vane assembly appears in a separate window.
4.
Click Default in the LOCATION menu to use the default coordinate system to place the shrinkwrap feature in the new model. The Shrinkwrap Attributes dialog box appears as shown in Figure 12–14.
Figure 12–14 By enabling the Ignore Small Surfaces option and entering a value you can exclude surfaces that make up less than X% of the overall volume of the assembly.
5.
Select the Ignore Small Surfaces option and enter [10] as the smaller than percentage value.
6.
Select the box.
button to close the Shrinkwrap Attributes dialog
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7.
Maintain the default for the remaining elements in the External Shrinkwrap and select the button to create the shrinkwrap feature, as shown in Figure 12–15. All small stud components have been excluded because they make up less than 10% of the overall volume of the assembly.
Figure 12–15 8.
Expand the external shrinkwrap feature in the model tree. An External Ref Copy Geom feature was created for each assembly component that was included in the shrinkwrap feature.
9.
Save the model and erase it from memory.
Task 3: Create a shrinkwrap part for the driver assembly.
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1.
Create a new part called [rotor_shrink] using the default template.
2.
Create an external shrinkwrap feature using the rotor.asm model as the geometry from which the shrinkwrap feature will be created. Use the Default coordinate system.
3.
Enter a quality of [3] and select the Auto Hole Filling option to fill holes when the shrinkwrap is created.
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4.
Select the box.
button to close the Shrinkwrap Attributes dialog
5.
Double-click the Comp Subset element in the EXTERNAL SHRINKWRAP dialog box. This enables you to include or exclude components in the rotor assembly from the shrinkwrap. An additional model tree appears listing all of the rotor assembly components.
6.
Click Ignore and select the bolt_tie and the coupling_adaptor component in the model tree, as shown in Figure 12–16.
Figure 12–16 7.
Click Done to remove the components from consideration.
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8.
Select the button to create the shrinkwrap feature. Not only were the bolt_tie and the coupling_adaptor parts removed, but the holes into which they were assembled have been filled, as shown in Figure 12–17.
Figure 12–17 9.
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Save the model and erase it from memory.
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Exercise 12b Substituting a Shrinkwrap Goal
In this exercise you will create two interchange assemblies, one for the vane assembly and one for the rotor assembly. The interchange assembly contains the respective shrinkwrap features created in the previous exercise. The interchange assemblies will then be used in a simplified representation to substitute the rotor and vane assemblies with their respective shrinkwrap features. The visual display of the compressor assembly will not change with this substitution. You will, however, test and discover that this substitution significantly reduces the retrieval time for the compressor assembly. After you complete this exercise, you will be able to:
9 Substitute components in an assembly with shrinkwrap features Task 1: Create an interchange assembly for the vane assembly.
The first component is automatically assembled into the assembly.
1.
Create a new interchange assembly called [vane_interchange].
2.
Click Component > Add and add vane.asm as the first functional component in the interchange assembly.
3.
Click Add and select Simplify Component as the next type of component to assemble into the interchange assembly.
4.
Select vane_shrink.prt and assemble the component using the default ( ) option. Select the component placement.
button to complete the
5.
The vane_shrink is automatically set to the vane.asm because vane.asm is the only functional component in the interchange assembly. Select the Mass Properties tab and ensure that the Properties of original model if it is in session option is selected.
6.
Select the box.
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button to close the Simplify Component dialog
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7.
Click Done/Return in the COMPONENT menu. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 12–18.
Figure 12–18 8.
Save the interchange assembly and close the window.
Task 2: Create an interchange assembly for the rotor assembly. 1.
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If you completed exercise 10d and created an interchange assembly called rotor_interchange, open it and add rotor_shrink.prt as an additional simplified component. If you did not complete this exercise, create a new interchange assembly called [rotor_interchange] and use the steps in Task 1 to create it. The assembly appears as shown in Figure 12–19.
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Figure 12–19 Task 3: Create a simplified representation for compressor.asm. 1.
Activate compressor.asm.
2.
Create a user-defined simplified representation called [compressor_shrink].
3.
Select the click Redefine.
4.
Select the Substitute tab and select the By Model option.
5.
Select the VANE.ASM in the model tree.
6.
Browse and select the vane_shrink.prt in the Family Tree dialog box.
7.
Select the ROTOR.ASM in the model tree.
8.
Browse and select the rotor_shrink.prt in the Family Tree dialog box.
9.
Select the
button in the View Manager dialog box and
button to return to View Manager dialog box.
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10. Display the simplified rep information in the model tree as shown Figure 12–20.
Figure 12–20 11. Complete the simplified rep. 12. Save the assembly and erase it from memory. 13. Open the compressor_shrink simplified representation. Notice the reduction is regeneration time.
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Chapter 13 Assembly Model Performance Throughout this training course you have learned techniques that can be used within Pro/ENGINEER to increase model performance. This last chapter discusses some additional hardware and software configurations that can also affect your model performance.
This chapter introduces:
9 Factors Affecting Model Performance
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13.1Factors Affecting Model Performance When a Pro/ENGINEER part or assembly is retrieved into session, the system must complete the following: • •
Retrieve all of the associated files into memory Draw the image of the model on the screen
For example, when a drawing is retrieved, the geometry is calculated for the views on all sheets before displaying the current sheet. The amount of time required opening and displaying an object increases as the complexity of the object increases. In other words, assemblies with thousands of components take longer to open than assemblies with hundreds of components and drawings with 20 sheets take longer to open than a single sheet drawing. Hardware and software configuration, in addition to model complexity can also impact Pro/ENGINEER performance.
CPU Speed
The speed at which files are loaded into memory or an object is regenerated in Pro/ENGINEER is governed by the speed of the Central Processing Unit (CPU). In general, computers with higher CPU speeds can perform more computations per second, resulting in better model performance.
RAM
The computer’s Random Access Memory (RAM) determines how much information can be held for quick access by the CPU. The more RAM your computer has, the better the performance.
Swap Space
Once the amount of information in memory exceeds your computer’s RAM capacity, your system begins to store information in your computers swap space. Swap space emulates RAM by allocating a portion of your computer’s hard disk space as overflow. Accessing data in swap space is slower than accessing information in RAM.
Network Traffic
Just as RAM is faster than swap space, accessing data from your hard drive is faster than accessing data across a network. In many companies, your home directory is not actually located on the computer on your desk. It is located on a server. This enables you to access data in your home directory from any computer on the network. This may affect performance times.
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Dual Processors
Trail Files
Search Paths
Levels of Detail
Due to the feature-based nature of Pro/ENGINEER, the system processors cannot take advantage of multi-processor computers for regeneration. This is because, features are dependant on one another and therefore cannot be tasked out of this sequence. If you are running Pro/ENGINEER and Pro/MECHANICA, you can use separate processors. Pro/ENGINEER can also use dual processors for shading and previewing models in the open Dialog box. By default, trail files are stored to the Pro/ENGINEER startup directory. When the startup directory is located on a server the trail file continues to save data over the network as you are working in Pro/ENGINEER. Consider storing trail files to your local system by setting the trail_dir configuration file to a local directory path. Search paths that are set in a configuration or search path file can significantly affect model retrieval times. This is because the system searches through all directories (local and network) to find the required files. Consider eliminating search paths that are no longer required or setup and use search path files that are project specific. Levels of Detail (LODS) are set to improve the performance of Pro/ENGINEER when dynamically moving (spin, pan, or zoom) a large model. LODS simplify the display of the model during dynamic motion. Models become temporarily faceted and simplified while in motion and return to their original appearance once the mouse button is released. Figure 13–1 shows a model during dynamic motion with and without LODS enabled.
LODS disabled
LODS enabled
Figure 13–1 Level of Detail can be set using any of the following techniques: • •
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Configuration options Environment & View Performance dialog box
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Configuration options Level of Detail can be enabled and the value specified using config options. These settings are applied to all models in the current session. To enable LODS, set the LODS_ENABLED configuration option to "yes". The default option is "no". The LODS_VALUE configuration option determines the amount of detail that is shown. Setting the value to [0] displays a simplified model while a value of [100] displays the model as if LODS were disabled.
Environment & View Performance dialog box You can also enable the Level of Detail within the Pro/ENGINEER session by clicking Tools > Environment and enabling Levels of Detail in the Environment dialog box. This allows you to enable the option without setting the config.pro option or to override the configuration option. To set the value for the level of display within the current session, click View > Display Settings > Performance and enter a value in the Show Detail% section, as shown in Figure 13–2.
Figure 13–2
Software change configuration
A configuration file enables you to tailor the Pro/ENGINEER working session. You can change many of these settings to optimize your system for working with large amounts of data. In some cases, changing a setting to improve performance has a negative impact on file size or forces you to work with a display setting that you are not comfortable with, such as Wireframe display. You may have to weigh the pros and cons when setting these options. Commonly used configuration files options that affect performance are described in Table 13–1.
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Table 13–1 Option
Value
Description
auto_regen_views
yes/no
Determines if the system will automatically redraw all open windows when changing from one window to another.
blank_layer
0
Determines which layers are blanked by default. The value is the layer ID.
clock
yes/no
Determines if the Pro/ENGINEER clock is displayed when the system is working.
compress_output_files
yes/no
Determines if model files are compressed when the object is saved. Compressed files are slower to read, but smaller in size and faster to move over networks.
depthcue_always
yes/no
Determines if depthcue is enabled. Depthcue draws wireframe edges darker as they extend into the screen and lighter as they extend toward you. This aids visualization of wireframe models.
display
wireframe/hiddenvis/ hiddeninvis/shade
Determines the default model display.
display_layer
0
Determines which layers are displayed by default. The value is the layer ID.
display_silhouette_edges
yes/no
Determines the display of silhouette lines for wireframe display only.
edge_display_quality
normal/high/very_high/low
Determines edge display quality for wireframe and hidden line removal.
fasthlr
yes/no
Determines if the Environment setting, Fast HLR, is enabled by default. It uses the graphics accelerator card for hidden line removal tasks.
graphics
NT: opengl/win32_gdi UNIX: x_windows/starbase/ xgl
Sets the default graphics environment for running Pro/ENGINEER. Opengl and xgl offer a higher level of graphics performance when dealing with shaded objects. The default setting is hardware dependent. The value of the graphics setting can be checked by clicking Help > Customer Services Info and scrolling to the Machine Information section.
lods_enabled
yes/no
Determines if the system will use Levels of Detail to simplify model geometry during dynamic orientation (i.e., panning, spinning, and zooming).
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Option
Value
Description
lods_value
0-100
Specifies the default value used to display LODs. The value is a percentage of the edge size vs. total size of the model.
multiple_skeletons_ allowed
yes/no
Determines if assemblies are allowed to have more than one skeleton model.
open_simplified_rep_by_ default
yes/no/"rep name"
Determines if the Open Rep dialog box is automatically invoked upon retrieval.
nt_cache_dirs
yes/no
Addresses performance issues that occur when Pro/ENGINEER is used with NTFS-mounted file systems. Can significantly improve performance when accessing large files over a network.
regen_backup_using_ disk
yes/no
Determines if the current model is backed up to disk before regeneration.
regen_int_mdls_on_retr
yes/no
Determines if models intersected by assembly features are regenerated upon retrieval.
regen_layout_w_assem
yes/no
Determines if a layout will be automatically regenerated upon assembly regeneration.
retain_display_memory
yes/no
Determines if the object one the screen is kept in memory when you close the window.
save_display
yes/no
Determines if view geometry is saved into the object file.
save_objects
changed_and_specified/all/ changed/changed and updated
Determines when an object and its dependant objects are stored.
texture
yes/no
Determines if textures will be displayed when the model is shaded.
trail_dir
path to directory
Specifies a directory, other than the statup directory, for which to store the trail file.
use_temp_dir_for_inst
yes/no
Explicitly makes Pro/ENGINEER use the Temp directory for regenerating instances of models instead of possibly over the network.
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Appendix A Model Tree Usage
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A.1Search Tool Even using the model tree, it can be difficult to locate components and features in a large assembly. The Search Utility can be used to find and select items in the assembly based on user-defined criteria. Consider using the Search Tool to locate references for component placement or selecting components for layers, simplified reps, etc.
General Steps
Use the following steps to perform a search: 1.
Activate the Search Tool.
2.
Define the type of item and model.
3.
Define the rule.
4.
Search the model.
5.
Save the search results to a layer, if necessary.
6.
Complete the search.
Step 1: Activate the Search Tool To access the Search Tool, click Edit > Find or select the button on the toolbar. The Search Tool appears as shown in Figure A–1. The Search Tool can be used in replace of the Sel By Menu option that has been removed in Wildfire.
Figure A–1 Pro/ENGINEER: Advanced Assembly Design and Management
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Step 2: Define the type of item and model To filter the type of items that are searched, select an option from the Look for drop-down menu, as shown in Figure A–2. In addition you can also select the component that you wish to search. By filtering it enables you to search only the items and required components, reducing the results that are provided once the search is complete.
Figure A–2
Step 3: Define the rule Select the type of rule from the Attributes, History, or Status tabs. The type of rule is select the Comparison type from the pull-down menu (e.g., is equal to, is not equal to, etc.) and enter a value to describe the rule. Wildcards are permitted. For example, D*, selects all applicable items in the model with a name that begins with D The rule options for each tab are shown in Figure A–3. The Geometry tab is only available in Assembly mode when the Look for section is set to Component.
Figure A–3
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To begin a new search, select the button.
To combine multiple rules, select the button and click Build Query. The Search Tool dialog box expands to include the section shown in Figure A–4. Rules can be added, removed, or updated as necessary. To complete the query, select the "and/or" operator for each query.
Figure A–4
Step 4: Search the model Select the button to search. All items that fit the criteria are listed at the bottom of the dialog box, as shown in Figure A–5. Select the button and enable the Filter Tree option to set the Model Tree to only show the selected items.
Figure A–5 By default, the resulting items are highlighted in both the Model Tree and model. Select the button and clear the Highlight Items option to customize the search so the results are not selected.
Step 5: Save the search results to a layer, if necessary To save the search results in a new layer, select the button and click Save Query. Enter the name of the layer in the Save Rules dialog box.
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Step 6: Complete the search Select the button to apply the rules and close the dialog box. The items that meet the criteria are selected in the model tree.
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A.2Model Tree Customization You can customize the model tree to make it a more useful tool by controlling what items and columns are displayed. For example, model parameters can be displayed in the model tree for easy access. Once displayed, the parameter values can be modified by selecting them in the model tree and entering a new value.
General Steps
Use the following general steps to customize the model tree: 1.
Activate model tree settings.
2.
Make the desired changes.
3.
Save the settings.
Step 1: Activate model tree settings To customize the model tree, open the from the model tree as shown in Figure A–6.
pull-down menu
Figure A–6
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Step 2: Make the desired changes You can use the following two options to control model tree settings: • •
Tree Filters
Tree Filters Tree Columns
The model tree can be customized to filter (show or remove) specific information.To filter items, click Tree Filters from the pull-down menu. The Model Tree Items dialog box appears as shown in Figure A–7. Clear or select items in the dialog box to customize what is to be shown in the model tree. Displayed items are shown with the symbol adjacent to them. For example, you can customize the model tree to display all suppressed features by selecting the Suppressed Objects option.
Figure A–7
Tree Columns
A–8
The model tree can also be customized to include additional columns of information. To manipulate columns in the model tree, click Tree Columns from the pull-down menu. The Model Tree Columns dialog box appears as shown in Figure A–8. There are two sections of this dialog box: Not Displayed and Displayed. The Not Displayed section lists the type and name of specific information that can be added to the tree. For example, Feat Name can be added to the tree to display the names of each of the features.
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Figure A–8 To display additional columns you must move it to the Displayed section using the following steps: 1.
Select the column name from the Not Displayed section. Additional types of items are listed in the Type pull-down menu (i.e. Model Params, Simplified Reps, etc.)
2.
Select the
3.
Set the value for the width of the column.
4.
Select the
5.
Select the columns.
button to move it to the Displayed section.
and
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buttons to reorder the columns.
button to complete reordering the model tree
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Figure A–9 shows a model tree that is configured to display the feature number and feature ID columns.
Figure A–9
Step 3: Save the settings The settings are applied to the current session by selecting the or buttons. The button activates the changes while leaving the dialog box open for further manipulation. Use the following steps to save the model tree settings and set the config.pro to use them for all Pro/ENGINEER sessions:
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1.
Select the
button and click Save File Settings.
2.
Enter a name and location for the tree.cfg file. The model tree filter and column settings are stored in the tree.cfg file.
3.
Select Tools > Options to access the config.pro file.
4.
Set the config.pro option mdl_tree_cfg_file to point to the tree.cfg file.
5.
Select the
button.
Pro/ENGINEER: Advanced Assembly Design and Management
