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Variable Spring

Variable Spring

Variable Spring

(OP)
Hi,

I'm perhaps looking for a better method of modeling this spring.

As you can see, the 'spring' model is configured also, but has a single surface that is swept.

With the variable spring, the swept surface is breaking into separate surfaces for each sketch segment. Is there something that I can do to prevent this when describing the sketch or the sweep path? Would a spline path correct this, though I don't want to go that path if possible. see link below

maverick-solutions.com/files/VariableSpring.zip

Thanks,

Mark

RE: Variable Spring

M1Mason,

SolidWorks 2006 has added the ability to create
variable pitch helix's.

Jeff

RE: Variable Spring

(OP)
actually, the pitch in the helix is constant in the part.

RE: Variable Spring

m1mason,

The best way I have found around this is to use a "Curve through XYZ points"

I have previously done this for a mulitple diameter, multiple pitch helix, as I couldn't get smooth transitions anywhere.  It was mostly for graphical use, so had to look good.

What I did was:

Create a spreadsheet to calculate curve points (XYZ) at at least 8 points radially (keeps shape round).  This can be done with a bit of basic trig, and is well suited to doing in a spreadsheet.  A bit of thought can make the spreadsheet reusable for different shapes.

Hint: Create a straight section on the ends of the curve, tangent to where you want the curve to end.  This only needs to be small, but keeps the curve round at that point

Save the exported points to a CSV file, then use them to create the curve in SW.

The curve is not parametric, nor is linked to the file, but at least it looks good.

Craig


RE: Variable Spring

Mark, was that helpful, or did it not accomplish what you wanted?

By the way, we're not to post email addresses (apparently not even veiled ones) in this forum.  So this sort of thing needs to be done off the forum.  My email address is posted on the contact page of my web site in the signature below.


Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
Reality is no respecter of good intentions.

RE: Variable Spring

I used Geometryworks add on for complex springs. It is very powerful and cost less than $1000 if I remember correctly. If you can't get SW alone to easily do what you want you should try the trial version of it

RE: Variable Spring

(OP)
Jeff,

sorry for not replying back. The forum was acting up in not showing all the posts.

Yes, your suggestion worked great. You really know your stuff. I hope it works when I send it to FEA. becuase they wanted it to be one piece. Thanks again.

about the email thing. I will try to remember that next time. this might explain why I couldn't see all the posts that were there before.

Mark

RE: Variable Spring

Mark,

Yeah, I received a notice from Eng-Tips to that effect.  So the posts with the email addresses were already removed.

Thanks for the reply.  I hope it does the trick you need.  By the way, double-check all the geometry to make sure it's truly accomplishing what you need and that I didn't hose something (had to rebuild the swept profile sketch myself).  My main point with the file was to see if the idea would work.  your main point is to get what you need for FEA--so be careful.


Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
Reality is no respecter of good intentions.

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