How can I make a sketch in a zig-zag patter

[trussman]

I am having problems creating a zig-zag pattern to use as the cross braces of a truss? any suggestions?

I know I can do it by drawing a line from side to side till I get to the end but I am looking for a way to simplify it with equal lengths and where they all fit correctly

[JD Mather]

Depends on what you know.

If you know distance between connection points you could create a pattern of points to connect.

If you know lengths of braces you could pattern that.

 

But I'm assuming you don't know either but want to divide up an overall distance with a certain number of braces and that geometrically will solve the first two unkowns.

In that case I go back and forth with the zig-zags size and location doesn't matter, select all and hit = on the keyboard. Just be sure to turn off Perpendicular and Parallel constraint Options so that you don't accidently auto-apply these constraints.

[trussman]

Thanks to turn them off I go to tools> Application Option>Sketch and switch it to horizontal and vert ?

[JD Mather]

No, no, no.

While in sketch mode simply Right Mouse button and select Constraint Options.

 

As you get into Inventor you will learn to Right Mouse button everything.

All kinds of hidden stuff there.

[trussman]

sweet thank you alot for that