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Generating a helix around a radius in SW

Generating a helix around a radius in SW

Generating a helix around a radius in SW

(OP)
Does anyone know how to properly model a compression spring that is placed in a cavity that bends the spring to the cavity shape?  I cannot get the sweep with twist to work properly or the flex or deform functions.  Has anyone ran into this problem?  

RE: Generating a helix around a radius in SW

You can model a bent spring.  It will take some extra steps to model it compared to straight springs.

If you really want to do it, you can create a straight spring with triangle or diamond shape wires.  Then apply "FLEX" feature to bend the spring.  Create a compound curve using one of edges.  Create your new spring using this compound curve as path together with a sketch of a small circle (wire cross section).

Alex

RE: Generating a helix around a radius in SW

(OP)
I was hoping to get a x,y,z curve based off of some mathematical equation and do a sweep of those points.

Rgrayclamps,

Are you saying that if you start with triangle or diamond shapes when you hit the flex feature, the shapes will distort and become round?  I am confused.

RE: Generating a helix around a radius in SW

Hi, McDesign25:

No, "FLEX" feature will not distort a triangle or diamond shape into round.

If you create a spring with triangle or diamond wire (make sure one of corners coincides with your helix), it will create an edge equivalent to your helix.  So, when you apply a "FLEX" feature, it will bent this edge (a helix)into a new edge that you can use as a sweep path to create your new bent spring.  Of course, you need to create a new sketch with a small circle (your round wire) to do your sweep.  The trick here is that "FLEX" can not bent a helix curve, but it can bent edges/bodies.

So, you will get two bent spring bodies.  The first body is a bent spring with a triangle or diamond shape wire.  The second is the bent spring you want.  You just need to suppress the first one.

Good Luck!

Alex

RE: Generating a helix around a radius in SW

Another option is to deform the spring.

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