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Design Table Question

Design Table Question

Design Table Question

(OP)
I'll try to explain my issue, though it is mostly a consequence of trying to retrofit a design table to a pre-existing set of configurations.

I have a single part with several configurations that has 5 dimension parameters that change between each. One of these is a thickness about the midplane. The issue is that the feature creating this thickness is a cut from a plane half the thickness from the midplane on either side (and then mirrored). This means in my design table the parameter is T/2. I could hide this column and create a notes column that is (T/2)*2 but then it cannot be driven from the table and must be changed thru the model only.

Is there a way to set this up how it is currently (or possibly with very small changes) so that I can display this parameter as it is called out in the print? I would try and dimension the cutting plane as a measurement across the midplane, but I am unsure how to do this without creating additional reference geometry that will let me dimension in this manner.

Crude MS Paint Illustration:

RE: Design Table Question

If I could see the model, I may be able to make other suggestions.  Without that, I suggest you put a formula in the cell for T/2 halving the value in your notes column.

SA

RE: Design Table Question

(OP)
I've made a quick representation of the feature I'm talking about:
http://img103.imageshack.us/my.php?image=example4pd.jpg

The dome is just to illustrate that the top and bottom surfaces are not planar with the "top" plane.  The Thickness called out on the print is the distance between the bottom of both cuts, which in this example would be 20. The cutting plane is 10 mm above the top plane which is the dimension availible in the design table.

RE: Design Table Question

How Can I Show An Image In A Post
FAQ559-1100

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-05)

RE: Design Table Question

(OP)
I know how to show an image, but this is a screenshot and I didn't want to insert something that large right into a post. The link works, does it not?

RE: Design Table Question

It works, but the image you posted plays havoc with my screen, I'm sure to others also. Just makes it easier to read the post.
Thanks

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-05)

RE: Design Table Question

BiPolarMoment,

If the plane is an offset distance form the top plane I would put the value of the total thickenes into the design table then in another cell I would control the distance of the planes offset by making that cell = to the thickness cell devided by 2.

I hope you can follow what I'm taling about.

RE: Design Table Question

one possibility...

Change the definition of the planes.  

•Create a sketch that has a centerline that defines your symmetry and lines or points for the plane position.
•In your sketch, use a double-distance dimension to define distance from symmetry line.
•Redefine your planes as parrallel-thru-point or thru sketch line.
•Use sketch dimension in your DT.

RE: Design Table Question

(OP)
I wasn't aware, here is a scaled/cropped image:
http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/6770/example20wi.jpg

TheTick: Yeah, that was my last resort--this wasn't one of my models so I was hoping not to have to modify any of the definitions directly. This is likely what I will end up doing.

rporter: That works but means that I can no longer change the model directly for that dimension, only the table. Half of the appeal of the design table for me is being able to drive the model and table from both directions.

RE: Design Table Question

(OP)
oops

RE: Design Table Question

BiPolarMoment,

You still can change the thickness from the modal the design table will update next time it is opened. At least in 2005 and 2006 versions. Not sure when they made the dt bidirectional.

RE: Design Table Question

I personally would go the route of TheTick or rporter would be 2nd but only if I was only one working on file.  1st way is very clean and easy for subsequent designers to follow.  2nd way fine too and using formulas and Excel magic and playing with hiding columns and all that you can make your "total thickness" be all that is showing and look like it is directly part of the design table even though your part uses T/2.  But when you start editing parameters, watch out and if someone else is working on and doesnt know how you did it and doesnt first unhide everything for safety, my guess would be that it could really cause a lot of mess and confusion (or in the immortal words of Sir Topem Hat ... "confusion and delay" .... sorry Thomas the Tank Engine humor there).

That's just me though, I love all the SW parametrics and Excel marriage, but I have come to realize that the simpler the better, especially those circumstances when you're not only one using the file.

Just my opinions, if I had anything wrong there, please anyone correct me.

Mike

RE: Design Table Question

(OP)
SWISGR8/TheTick: I've come to the same conclusion--now to find out how deep in the tree this feature is.

Thanks for attempting to help me though!

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