creating loft like a snail

[toycept]

I'm trying to create a snail shape with a smaller ellipse on the inside of tapered helix and lofting to a larger ellipse on the outside of the helix. Thought I'd try to loft the two ellipses using the tapered helix as a guide.... it's not working. Wondering if anyone has any suggestions. I've attached the part file which I'm working with. Thanks much for any suggestions.

 

[dgowans]

Your profiles are too big as compared to the path. I reduced the size of each ellipse and was able to generate a centerline loft (different than using the helix as a guide curve). The centerline loft (I assumed that's what you meant because the helix intersected the center of each ellipse) fails with the profiles you posted because it would produce self-intersecting geometry.

Not knowing what your end goal is, that's about all I can offer.

 

[Theophilus]

Check out the method used in this part:

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com/internet/SpiralSpiralSpiral.SLDPRT

It's not the same as what you're doing, but some of the techniques can be used.

What I noticed in your file is that the pierce relationship in your large ellipse isn't really connecting to your helical curve. Consider selecting your curve, converting it to a composite curve, hiding the helix, and then creating your sketch planes and ellipses. Also, the loft will intersect itself (I think)--which could be a problem. Try creating it as a surface (which still may be a problem).



Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

What did you dream? It's all right--we told you what to dream.
--Pink Floyd, Welcome to the Machine

 

[toycept]

Thanks both for the replies. I can see the configuration is intersecting itself :-(
thus causing issues.

thanks for posting that part Jeff... interesting little piece.

I'll keep pluggin away at it......

John

 

[Theophilus]

You might get this to work--loft smaller cross sections so they don't intersect, and then offset that surface to the size you really want. I'm not sure if it will offset with interference like that, but it may--then trim the stuff you don't need, cap the ends and Knit to form a Solid.



Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

What did you dream? It's all right--we told you what to dream.
--Pink Floyd, Welcome to the Machine

 

[CADGemini]

Toycept,

You may get a better idea of how to model this from Mike J. Wilsons site and his one surface wonders. I think the way he did the rose or cool whip could apply to the snail idea.

You can pick up the part files here:

http://www.mikejwilson.com/solidworks/files/one_surface_wonders.zip

Best Regards,
Jon Knabenschuh

Gemini CAD Solutions

http://www.geminicadworks.com

Challenges are what makes life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.

Solidworks 2007