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Moving pieces simultaneously along different axes

Question asked by Rafael Sandoval on Mar 14, 2017
Latest reply on Mar 16, 2017 by Vladimir Urazhdin

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Hello everyone, this is my first post in this forum. I have the following inquiry:

I have a 3 part assembly, part A is frozen, part B moves along the rail and part C moves along part B vertically. I'd like to move parts B and C simultaneously, in such a way that as I move part B to the left, part C begins moving up, and vice versa. Is this possible? If so, how? I'm attaching the assembly files so you can see it better.

Here is a better explanation (I hope):

P.S. How can I limit the distance in a path mate?, part C clips at the beginning and end of the path with part B, and I can't find how to avoid that problem.

Vladimir Urazhdin Mar 16, 2017 7:19 PM

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Yes, to update equation and links press CTRL-Q: deep rebuild.

To became familiar with SolidWorks automation play with Equation Manager with very simple assemblies and parts.

You can return back to improve this project later on.

If you have any specific question upload your case (or publish screen shot) and me or somebody else will help you.

Good luck!

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Holder.7z.zip483.0 KB

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14 Replies

Vladimir Urazhdin Mar 14, 2017 8:04 AM
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Set fixed datum planes. Create mates - distances between datum planes and moving parts.
Link distances via equations.
Or, use "skeleton sketch": create a sketch w/3 eq. length lines represented distances from datum planes. Link end points to moving parts.
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- Rafael Sandoval @ Vladimir Urazhdin on Mar 14, 2017 9:17 AM
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  Thanks for your answer Vladimir, it seems to be what I'm looking for.
  How would I do that? I'm kinda new with SolidWorks and haven't learned how to link via equations. Also what is a datum plane? English isn't my first language.
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  - Vladimir Urazhdin @ Rafael Sandoval on Mar 14, 2017 10:13 AM
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    I can make for you a simplified model of 3 parts assembly just to demonstrate a technique. I have SW 2017. What version of SW you have?
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    - Rafael Sandoval @ Vladimir Urazhdin on Mar 14, 2017 10:16 AM
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      I'm using SW 2016. But, will this technique work with a curved path?
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      - Vladimir Urazhdin @ Rafael Sandoval on Mar 14, 2017 10:33 AM
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        Yes, you need to use equation to calculate the curved path instead of linear distance.
        For now take a look at threads:
        Equation driven dimension
        How to use smart dimension values in equations
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      - Vladimir Urazhdin @ Rafael Sandoval on Mar 15, 2017 10:50 AM
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        Rafael, this discussion may be useful to learn technique "equations in assembly":
        Equation from assembly
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        Rafael Sandoval @ Vladimir Urazhdin on Mar 16, 2017 5:56 PM
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        I tried using the equations, and I successfully created a global variable of the distance of part B along the x axis, and another one to represent it in a scale of 1/100, so that the percentage of the path mate is related to the distance of part B. But I can't find a way to insert the global variable there. Also, I noticed that the value of the variable refreshes only when the assembly is rebuilt, does it not update in real time?
        
        Anyway, thanks for all the help you have given me. The dedication of this forum is seriously impressive. I think I'm just gonna skip adding this functionality, because there are many aspects of my project still unfinished.
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        Vladimir Urazhdin @ Rafael Sandoval on Mar 16, 2017 7:19 PM
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        Yes, to update equation and links press CTRL-Q: deep rebuild.
        To became familiar with SolidWorks automation play with Equation Manager with very simple assemblies and parts.
        You can return back to improve this project later on.
        If you have any specific question upload your case (or publish screen shot) and me or somebody else will help you.
        Good luck!
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John Pesaturo Mar 14, 2017 8:19 AM
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Rafael, Depending on what you will be using it for ... I like to use the "Motion Study" tab for animations. I use them on occasion to represent how to assemble some of our more complicated builds in video form. I made up a quick demo for you to see, it's just a standard *.avi file. Hope it helps.
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- Test Motion Study.avi409.5 KB
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- John Pesaturo @ John Pesaturo on Mar 14, 2017 8:30 AM
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  Also, I can't download your file as we have any number of IT restrictions here but I'll help with the "how" portion as much as I can.
  
  You should be able to mate parts "B" and "C" with a slot mate under advanced mates. Set them to "free" and they will slide along the slot to both ends. You will need to make an exploded view within your assembly ... The exploded view will just be used to show the beginning and end points of travel for the parts you want to show moving. Then simply walk through the animation wizard within the Motion Study tab and you should be good.
  
  Initially you will notice they both move as you had them move in your exploded view. You can have them both move simultaneously by aligning both part timing/slider bars (don't know what they're called) to match similar to this.
  Before (Parts move alone) After (Parts move together)
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  - Rafael Sandoval @ John Pesaturo on Mar 14, 2017 9:17 AM
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    I would make a motion study, but I want it to work like that in the assembly with the move component function, as that is how my project will be checked.
    Also, I can't use a slot mate as the slot itself is curved.
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Dan Pihlaja Mar 14, 2017 9:16 AM
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Can you use the Linear Coupler Mate?
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Rob Edwards Mar 14, 2017 2:47 PM
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Hi Rafael
I would consider mating to a sketch that defines the relative positions you want
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- Recording #35.mp4109.9 KB
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Vladimir Urazhdin Mar 14, 2017 3:24 PM
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I just borrowed SW 2016 Student version. Hope you will be able to read files.
Two parts are mated to sketches and able to move along sketches only.
Parameter "distance" is Global Variable. In this case 200 mm.
I linked "distance" to dimensions: distances between origins - assembly and parts.
Now two parts are moving simultaneously along sketches.
Attachments
- Assem.zip247.9 KB
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