Dimension driven assembly

[Mostlyskint]

Hi All

I have an assembly which is basically two side plates with rollers in between. I want to vary the width of the side plates and have the rollers stretch to suit. I would like the dimension that varies the width to be obvious so that other users can find it.

What the best way. Im Using IV2011

Thanks MS

[Mostlyskint]

So far Im trying to drive the roller width and width between the side plates by a linked Excel sheet.

The roller ipt updates ok.

The two side plates have a distance mate in the assembly and Im driving the offset from the spreadsheet. I cant seem to get the assembly to update to the new width when I save the excel fileand hit update.

Am I heading down the right road?

Thanks MS

[JD Mather]

You could simply create the rollers in the context of the assembly as Adaptive.

No Excel spreadsheet needed.

[BIGAL]

Check out "Constraints" Inventor was the first product to use the command. rad=1/2 plate size bring in excel in is only complicating an extra step.

[JD Mather]

Check out "Constraints" Inventor was the first product to use the command.

 

Inventor was first product to use what command?

Constraints?

Ever heard of SolidWorks (2 years older than Inventor)?

Mechanical Desktop (Autodesk product that preceded Inventor)?

Pro/E?

[BIGAL]

Jd you must be as old as me.

[Mostlyskint]

Thanks for the replies fellas I will try the adaptive idea in the morning. I figured it shouldnt be this complicated.

[JD Mather]

If you can't get it figured out - attach what you have attempted.