Im struggling with an Inflatable Tube design for a rigid hull boat. At the rear the tube must be 550mm diameter. In the front the tube must be 400mm dia. Together with these dimensions, it has an elevation together with a bend. Can someone help me and give some advice, A simple sketch or files as an example will be greatly appreciated.
Kobus Potgieter
Wayne. Yes, but is it smooth all the way ... need to be able to develop the surface at a later stage. Please send me how you did this?
What version of solidworks are you using?
2019 Premier ... have not upgraded as yet.
Can you open the file I attached above?
The loft you have done is great. I can do that aswell. But the tube need almost to have equal distance with taper to the front. What I have seen is that a loft almost make it oblong (change the shape) keep in mind that this tube will be inflated and should be round all the way to the front. That is what I find difficult.
This looks pretty round all the way through the loft.
It does. What If I want to have the first bit (from the thickest end) equal diameter for the first 2m. Thereafter need to gradually taper (which I must be able to control the taper diameter at intervals) to eventually meet the required 400mm diameter in the front.
You can do it with 2 lofts merged together.
But still one cant control the critical part in the bend of the tube. It narrows. Their must be another way which you have more control over the tube that you need to create. Thanks Wayne
Could you make a sweep using one profile with guide curve, trim off to where you want the taper to start, then loft the taper?
Thanks, Kyle
Here's my attempt. I'm not sure I understand the problem statement though.
I'll bring in another heavy hitter if he's available, hey Paul Salvador ya got any time to look at this?
Thanks Matt. Wayne has suggested that option and that is great. I need more control over the shape. Have a look at this sketch attached
I see. I'll use your sketch inside of your part and trace over to create more guide curves.
Hey Wayne and Paul, should this be done with a lofted surface or boundary surface? I'm not a surfacing expert, just know enough to be dangerous on the subject...
Exactly. I the front area, the tube should not follow the 3D curve on the hull. It should almost go away from the hull so that the tube geometry is better.
Hello Kobus,.. so, the material or fabric is segmented.. and you'd need to progressively "segment" the tube patterns and stitch them together?
(btw, where in ZA are you?.... I lived/worked there (Hout Bay/Cape Town) for a year and consulted for a rubber duck company out of Port Elizabeth)
..also for the first loft idea.. and "centerline" or a spine helps but I think Wayne did that already
Hi Paul. That’s for the effort. However I still think that one will not be able to control the shape as one would like. This is just following the hull surface guide. I normally develop my tubes in RHINO at its very easy to control whatever shape and form you like. Making it thinker / thinner at Certain areas. But being rarely new to SW, there must be a method which works well. Typically, your tube will have areas in the tube almost closing in... if you know what I mean. Understanding inflatable boats, you would know that the constant diameter with slight tapering is essential for development and manufacturing.
Hello Kobus,.. yes, Rhino3D would be better, imho.. SolidWorks is ok.. be careful with the tube developments plus use the "Fatten" feature...
or.. use a add-on to help out?
https://www.exactflat.com
https://www.smartunfold.com/smartunfold-for-solidworks-2/
Did a search,.. you're a Pro Boat Designer! Kewl!
I helped support a early AutoCad software add-on for developable mesh surfaces (hulls/fabric),.. fun stuff!
Sorry but I can't open your file. I don't see problem, or not understand you. If you need something similar as bellow, you must first part make as "Swep" "Loft" maybe "Extrude". second as "Loft".
Is this what you want?