14 Replies Latest reply on Mar 16, 2017 7:19 PM by Vladimir Urazhdin

Moving pieces simultaneously along different axes

Rafael Sandoval Mar 14, 2017 6:00 AM

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.

Holder.7z.zip 483.0 KB

Re: Moving pieces simultaneously along different axes

Vladimir Urazhdin Mar 14, 2017 8:04 AM (in response to Rafael Sandoval)

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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- Re: Moving pieces simultaneously along different axes
  
  Rafael Sandoval Mar 14, 2017 9:17 AM (in response to Vladimir Urazhdin)
  
  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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  - Re: Moving pieces simultaneously along different axes
    
    Vladimir Urazhdin Mar 14, 2017 10:13 AM (in response to Rafael Sandoval)
    
    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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    - Re: Moving pieces simultaneously along different axes
      
      Rafael Sandoval Mar 14, 2017 10:16 AM (in response to Vladimir Urazhdin)
      
      I'm using SW 2016. But, will this technique work with a curved path?
      
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      - Re: Moving pieces simultaneously along different axes
        
        Vladimir Urazhdin Mar 14, 2017 10:33 AM (in response to Rafael Sandoval)
        
        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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      - Re: Moving pieces simultaneously along different axes
        
        Vladimir Urazhdin Mar 15, 2017 10:50 AM (in response to Rafael Sandoval)
        
        Rafael, this discussion may be useful to learn technique "equations in assembly":
        Equation from assembly
        
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        Re: Moving pieces simultaneously along different axes
        
        Rafael Sandoval Mar 16, 2017 5:56 PM (in response to Vladimir Urazhdin)
        
        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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        Re: Moving pieces simultaneously along different axes
        
        Vladimir Urazhdin Mar 16, 2017 7:19 PM (in response to Rafael Sandoval)
        
        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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Re: Moving pieces simultaneously along different axes

John Pesaturo Mar 14, 2017 8:19 AM (in response to Rafael Sandoval)
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.

Test Motion Study.avi 409.5 KB
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- Re: Moving pieces simultaneously along different axes
  
  John Pesaturo Mar 14, 2017 8:30 AM (in response to John Pesaturo)
  
  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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  - Re: Moving pieces simultaneously along different axes
    
    Rafael Sandoval Mar 14, 2017 9:17 AM (in response to John Pesaturo)
    
    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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Re: Moving pieces simultaneously along different axes

Dan Pihlaja Mar 14, 2017 9:16 AM (in response to Rafael Sandoval)

Can you use the Linear Coupler Mate?
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Re: Moving pieces simultaneously along different axes

Rob Edwards Mar 14, 2017 2:47 PM (in response to Rafael Sandoval)
Hi Rafael
I would consider mating to a sketch that defines the relative positions you want

Recording #35.mp4 109.9 KB
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Re: Moving pieces simultaneously along different axes

Vladimir Urazhdin Mar 14, 2017 3:24 PM (in response to Rafael Sandoval)
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.

Assem.zip 247.9 KB
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