I am trying to create a curved cable with loops that needs to be configured to have a variable diameter as well as a varying number of loops.
I have created the the initial loop using a series of sweeps and have then tried to pattern the features which results in nothing being displayed (can you pattern a sweep feature on its own?).
I have also tried deselecting the "merge result" box on my sweeps so that I could pattern them as bodies, which works to an extent (so long as they are perfectly aligned).
However, I cannot figure out if there is a way to merge the circular patterned bodies to the first instance. Aligning them perfectly is difficult because the sweeps twist.
Below is a piture of the cable I am trying to model.
I appreciate any help you can offer,

Thanks,
Thomas