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
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Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
Reality is no respecter of good intentions.
RE: Generating a helix around a radius in SW
h
Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
Reality is no respecter of good intentions.
RE: Generating a helix around a radius in SW
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
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
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