Non equidistant pattern in pro/e 2

[Akke]

I need to generate a patter of non equidistant features in pro/e. The distance between each feature is function of a variable that increments with constant values. For example, imagine that the distance between each feature is defined by following equation.

d1 = x * tan(x/H)

where H is constant and x = {1, 2, 3,...,50}

In my case I need to generate a rectangular patern of 50 x 50. It is posible to generate such a pattern? Thanks

 

[grimmy65]

The most likely way to accomplish this would be to use a table pattern. You can search for more information about this in the ProE help menu, but you basically drive the dimensions of a pattern using values in a table.

 

[Akke]

Thank you grimmy,
It is a good suggestion but I happen to have way too many features in the pattern and the table have no equation capability. I did the calculations in excel ant tried to copy and paste them and it didn't work. In all case thank you and I'll let you know if I can figure this out.

 

[robertib]

Here is how to do it.

1. Create a pattern with an offset of 2mm in each direction and 50 components in each direction.

2. Edit definition of the pattern, and select the dimensions link in the dashboard.

3. highlight the first dimension and click the check box 'Define increment by relation'.

4. Click the Edit button.

In the relation editor, create the relation

MEMB_I = IDX1 * (tan(IDX1/H)

repeat for the second direction but use the lower relation for the second.

MEMB_I = IDX2 * (tan(IDX2/H)

This should give you the result you want.

For more information, search the help files for 'pattern relation'

 

[grimmy65]

Akke, you are correct in that it is not easy to work with the archaic Pro/Table tool. For the large number of pattern identities that you have, it would be fairly tedious to manually type in the data. Thank you for your courteous response.

First, let me say that using a relation in a pattern, such as robertib has described, does work. I tend to shy away from using them as much as I can because they are difficult to decipher if you are not the creator. Sometimes its hard even if you did create it. This is why I suggested the table because they are very easy to go back and edit.

That said, there is a way to write your own pro/table in excel. I worked with a fellow eng-tip author this morning to figure this out.

1. On the table pattern toolbar select Tables.
2. Highlight the active table, right click and select Write. This will write the selected table to your workspace folder on your C drive.
3. Rename the table file and remove the “.1” from the end (Ex. table1.ptb.1 to newtable.ptb)
4. Open this file with notepad or comparable program.
5. Copy the data from your excel file(no headings) to the table file and save.
6. In ProE, right click in the table tab, same location as before, and select Read.
7. Choose newtable.ptb and set active.

I know it seems pretty intense, but a little work now will pay off if someone needs to edit later. Feel free to do what you like, I just wanted to get this information out there in case anyone needed to work with Pro/Table. Maybe they fix this WF4 or 5.

grimmy

 

[Akke]

Thank you for your suggestions. I was able to make my part following your advice.