Pattern on Irregular Shape

Hi, I am attempting to pattern a feature around an irregular shape, this only for a graphical representation, so it does not have to be accurate. I am having to model a cable tie(customer requirement). I am trying to model the small dimples that work as catches along the length of the tie. I have modeled one and then assumed that there would be a pattern function to follow a profile. But my profile is more like an elipse so rectangular/circuilar pattern will not work. Can anyone offer some advice?? I hope the explination makes sense!!!

Read this http://home.pct.edu/~jmather/AU2007/MA105-1L%20Mather.pdf and if you still can't figure it out zip and attach what you have so far.

Inventor Rectangular Pattern tool is a misnomer - it should have been called Curve Driven Pattern where often the curves happen to be straight lines (rectangular).

what is the model being used for? it would probably be more beneficial for you to apply a material to give the illusion of the catches. I dont know that there is a way to do what you are asking how you are asking but there are things that can be done. In a 3d sketch you can project onto surface so you could draw(in a 2d sketch) your cut out and do a rectangular array, then start a 3d sketch and project that onto your surface. There are a few options like wrap around surface which you would probably have to use. If you think these will work ill try to demonstrate it for you.

If you could show an example of this it would be good!! I'm using Inventor 2008 Pro, Not sure if that is relivant!!

Did you go through the link JD posted? specifically starting at page 17 in reference to your question

Hi, I have had look and that has sorted the problem, Thanks for all the help!!

Hi,

First of all I would like to apologize by using this thread as I think this thread fits to my problem which I face.

My name is Hiandy from Indonesia. I am new member on this forum and not quite familiar the use of this forum. I use Autodesk Inventor 2011 and I learn it by myself and I am on the very beginner level.

I want to make holes (for bolt connections) along the shape created by sweep feature (the file on attachment). I have already tried several ways to do it but always failed. One of ways is to create a hole first then applying rectangular pattern using sweep line as the path. This way did not work.

I would really appreciate if any of you could help me find/share the easiest way to do it.

Look forward to hearing any good news from you.

Thank you.

Regards,

hiandy

RECTANGULAR SHAPE WITH SWEEP FEATURE.ipt

Because you didn't include a hole and a pattern in your attached file - it is not possible to determine your design intent.

Because you didn't include a hole and a pattern in your attached file - it is not possible to determine your design intent.

Hi Mr. Mather,

Thank you very much for your time and attention to my problem.

First, because I am still on very beginner level and am autodidact of learning Inventor, would you please comprehend my limited ability in understanding all instructions on the Inventor.

Second, to your request I have already included a hole on the part. But I do not specifically understand against what you meant with "didn't include a pattern". The final result (the pattern of holes) which I expect is exactly shown by your drawing. How did you do it? Did you do it by single operation ("Rectangular Pattern")? Knowing my condition stated above, I would really appreciate if you could show/explain me how to do it step by step or you could send the .ipt file of that part.

Third, it came to my notice that it is only 1 hole on radius area. What should I do if I want to have several holes on that area?

Look forward to having your reply.

Thank you

Regards,

hiandy

RECTANGULAR SHAPE WITH SWEEP FEATURE.ipt

 

Hi Mr. Mather,

 

Thank you very much for your time and attention to my problem.

 

First, because I am still on very beginner level and am autodidact of learning Inventor, would you please comprehend my limited ability in understanding all instructions on the Inventor.

 

Second, to your request I have already included a hole on the part. But I do not specifically understand against what you meant with "didn't include a pattern". The final result (the pattern of holes) which I expect is exactly shown by your drawing. How did you do it? Did you do it by single operation ("Rectangular Pattern")? Knowing my condition stated above, I would really appreciate if you could show/explain me how to do it step by step or you could send the .ipt file of that part.

 

Third, it came to my notice that it is only 1 hole on radius area. What should I do if I want to have several holes on that area?

 

Look forward to having your reply.

 

Thank you

 

 

Regards,

hiandy

Mr. Mather,

Now, I understand to your request.

Please see the drawing on attachment and please let me know:

-did I do "rectangular pattern" correctly?

-why do the holes on the radius area do not go through the thickness of plate.

Let me have your advices.

Thank you.

Regards,

hiandy

RECTANGULAR SHAPE WITH SWEEP FEATURE.ipt

But I do not specifically understand against what you meant with "didn't include a pattern".

Because there was no hole and no pattern - I don't know what size, where to start and how many holes you want (it wouldn't matter if the pattern was wrong - at least then I would be able to tell you exactly what you were doing wrong).

Third, it came to my notice that it is only 1 hole on radius area.

You didn't include all information - so how was I supposed to know how many holes you wanted?

Because there was no hole and no pattern - I don't know what size, where to start and how many holes you want (it wouldn't matter if the pattern was wrong - at least then I would be able to tell you exactly what you were doing wrong).

 

 

 

You didn't include all information - so how was I supposed to know how many holes you wanted?

Dear Mr. Mather,

Thank you very much for your reply and I am so sorry for incomplete information.

On attachment you could find the drawing of the part (including holes and rectangular pattern). The name of product is fabric expansion joint.

Here are some questions:

-please let me know what is wrong with the making of that part?

-take a close look on the radius area, why do those holes not in full circle?

-for holes, the number of holes and spacing could be various. They depend on the size of flange/plate. So, for example, let us take the number of holes are 50 pcs with spacing 50 mm.

Hope the above covers all information you need. If not, please let me know.

Now, what I want is step-by-step instructions in Inventor to make holes along the length of flange/plate. The number of holes, spacing between holes, the length of flange/plate could be various.

Look forward to having your reply and advice.

Thank you.

Regards,

hiandy

OUTER CHUTE EXERCISE rev1.ipt