Multiple instances of Flexible Sub-Assy in different configs of parent 1

[GunT]

I am using SW'05 SP 5.0. The following is the excerpt from SW help files about flexible sub-assembly:

"Please note the following regarding flexible sub-assemblies:

Instances. You can insert more than one instance of the sub-assembly in the same configuration of the parent assembly. You can make some instances rigid and others flexible, and the different instances can have different positions of the sub-assembly components."

My question is regarding more than one instance of the flexible sub-assembly in different configurations of the parent assembly? My co-worker is trying to do something similar and SW is giving a bunch of errors. I am of the opinion that it can't be done (atleast not in SW'05). Can anyone clarify it and if possible give some reasoning behind it?

Thanx in advance...

Regards,

 

[dezignstuff]

It used to be that SW required each instance of a flex sub to have a different configuration, and all instances had to be set to flexible. This changed in either 05 or 06, can't remember which.

I would check to make sure that in each top level config, the sub is set to flexible, or all of the instances of the same sub are set to flex. I'm not sure if that setting is configurable. You don't have to use configs for the sub.

If you are using an early SP of 05, I would update to the latest.

 

[GunT]

Thanx for the reply Matt. I am not using configurations for my sub-assembly.I will describe the problem in detail.Its somewhat long and I apolgize for that.

I have a parent assembly (PA1)at a particular configuration called Config1. I am have a specific sub-assembly (SA1) which is flexible in Config1 of PA1. I have added the mates and it resolves properly.

I have two specific mates. Angle1 and Angle2 to drive my flexible sub-assembly. If I suppress Angle1 and resolve Angle2 then there are no errors. Ctrl+Q. Still no problem. Now I suppress Angle2 and resolve Angle1.It resolves properly. Still no problem. ( All this in Config1 only)

Now I create a new top level configuration called Config2 in my parent assy. All the mates and suppression states of different components are propagated to the new configuration i.e. Congfig2. I make sure Sub-Assembly1 is solved as flexible in both configurations.

Now I suppress Angle1 and resolve Angle2 in Config1 and
resolve Angle1 and suppress Angle2 in Config2.

And all hell breaks loose. All mates turns red. I think the problem lies with the order in which mates are solved and flexble assemblies resolved when you change configurations. But I am not sure.

I again apoligize for such a long post. But I appreciate any insight into this problem.

Thank you and have a wonderful day.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

You do not need flexible assys for what you are doing.

You should create "Angle1" and "Angle2" configs at the sub-assy level. Then simply call up which sub-assy config you need in whichever Top Level assy.

Also you do not need to have separate angle mates to suppress & unsupress. One angle mate can be set for different configs.


Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091

 

[GunT]

CBL

I know the method you are talking about. Personally I like it too. Here this guy is trying to drive a flex sub-assy through two different configurations.

Forget about the mating scheme I talked about. Here is the situation:

There is a parent-assembly in which there is a flexible sub-assembly. All the mates are solved properly. The assembly works well. As soon as I add another configuration at the parent-level the model shows errors. If I toggle back to the original configuration, there are no errors. I fail to understand.

PS: In this case most of the mates in the parent assembly are added when the sub-aseembly is flexible.

Thank you so much.

 

[meintsi]

When have up to 10 flexible sub-assemblies of the pistons in all of our pump and motor models. (with multiple configurations)

Once the are set, they do behave as expected.

Also, the order at which you mate the sub-assemby to the main assembly (and the type of mate) can have an effect similar to what you are describing.

Remember...
[navy]"If you don't use your head,[/navy]
[navy]your going to have to use your feet."[/navy]

 

[GunT]

Hello meintsi,

Thanks for the feedback. Is there a proper procedure that needs to be followed while setting up such configurations?

If there is one can you please share it with me.

Thank you

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

A flexible sub-assy is ONLY needed if you want to dynamically slide or rotate a part within that sub-assy. It is NOT needed to call up static configs in the top level assy. Using it uneccesarily is bound to cause problems.

Flexible Sub-Assemblies
You can make sub-assemblies flexible. This allows movement of the individual components of a sub-assembly within the parent assembly.

An example of the benefit of this function is when you want to move the components of a piston sub-assembly in a motor assembly. You can move the individual components of the piston while still grouping the components as a sub-assembly.

Please note the following regarding flexible sub-assemblies:

Mates. The mates in a flexible sub-assembly are solved simultaneously with the mates of the parent assembly. Therefore, moving or rotating a sub-assembly component does not violate the mates in the sub-assembly or its parent. A component moves only within its degrees of freedom according to its mates.

Instances. You can insert more than one instance of the sub-assembly in the same configuration of the parent assembly. You can make some instances rigid and others flexible, and the different instances can have different positions of the sub-assembly components.

Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091

 

[GunT]

Hello,

Just recreated some mates and solved it. Thanks for all the help.

Regards