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Help with springs in MDX

Help with springs in MDX

Help with springs in MDX

(OP)
Hi

I need help with a mechanism.

I have a latch, pivoting in a sheet-metal plate.  A light extension spring holds the latch in an open position – let’s call this the return spring.

To close the latch I’m using a cam, the hinge also being in the same sheet-metal plate.

To hold the latch very accurately and firmly in its closed position, the cam doesn’t push against the latch directly, but onto a roller located on the end of a pre-loaded spring. The cam contacts the roller for a low-friction interface.  The pre-loaded spring is far, far stronger than the return spring.

With standard MDX, I can simulate the mechanism to a degree, but the action of the springs isn’t replicated exactly.

Does anybody know of a way to get the actions of the springs more life-like?

In my Pro/E assembly, the design is modelled in the closed position.  I open the mechanism by running a servo on the axis of the cam (or dragging the cam of course).  I want the strong spring to push the cam and latch apart, before the cam pulls the latch around via the roller.

I guess the effect of the return spring is very insignificant compared to the pre-loaded spring?

Although there is a spring option under the right-hand mouse button if you highlight a joint-axis, can this work inside MDX, or is this something that only works in MDO?

Thanks in advance

Dave

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